THE AMEVA EMBROIDERY JOURNAL

What Is Embroidery Digitising? A Guide for Logo Customers

By Ameva Thread Co. · Published 21 October 2026

Embroidery digitising turns artwork into instructions for stitching. A logo image describes what you want to see; an embroidery design describes how stitches will form it on fabric. If you are ordering company clothing or a personalised item, you do not need to learn the software. You do need to understand what is being prepared, what you are approving and which details can change the quote.

A logo image and an embroidery file do different jobs

Your original logo is the reference for shapes, lettering and colours. Digitising prepares an embroidery design using decisions about stitch types, direction and how the design is built. Machine files, such as DST, serve a different purpose from a PNG or JPG image. Renaming an image file does not convert it into embroidery.

Wilcom’s explanation of auto-digitising distinguishes artwork, an embroidery design, a simulated preview and a machine file. It also explains that automated conversion can need production adjustments. This is background on the process; it does not mean Ameva uses a particular software package or that customers must purchase one.

Why the same logo can need different preparation

Send the intended width, height, item and position together. A small chest logo, a larger back design and a logo on a towel are different briefs. Do not assume that a file prepared for one size or material can be reused unchanged for another.

A useful approval question is: “At this size, which details will stay clear and which need changing?” A tagline, narrow gap or fine outline can require review when the design is reduced. If the logo has several elements, tell the designer which are essential to its identity and ask to see any proposed simplification before agreeing.

What to send if you have an image, PDF or old stitch file

Start with the clearest original logo you have. If a designer supplied a vector or PDF version, include it; if you only have a PNG or JPG, send the best available copy. Ask Ameva to confirm what it can use. A screenshot from a website may be enough for an initial discussion but can leave detail unclear.

If you already have an embroidery file, explain where it came from, which size and fabric it was made for, and what rights you have to use it. Include a photo of previous work if available, clearly identified as a reference. The team still needs to assess whether the file suits the current job. For the full submission checklist, see preparing embroidery artwork.

Know which kind of preview you are approving

Ask whether the image you receive is a placement mock-up, an embroidery simulation or a photograph of a physical stitch-out. Each answers a different question. A mock-up can help show position and proportions; a physical sample shows a stitched result on the material used for that sample. Do not treat an illustration as evidence that your item has already been embroidered.

Review the exact wording, design size, position and thread colour choices. Keep your approval attached to one final version. If a physical sample matters to your decision, discuss its availability, cost and timing before placing the order rather than assuming one is included.

Clarify setup costs and repeat orders

Ask the team what artwork preparation is included in the quote and whether any separately priced work applies. There is no universal digitising price in this guide: your design and job need review. Also confirm what happens if you change the artwork, enlarge it or use a different item later.

Keep the order reference, approved artwork, dimensions and colour choices. For a repeat order, send those details and identify anything that has changed. Do not assume the quote includes a downloadable design file, unlimited revisions or permanent free changes; clarify any file supply or reuse arrangement with the team.

The approval checklist for your logo

Ameva has no minimum order. Full payment is required before production, which takes 3–4 business days after payment, items and artwork approval have all been received. Artwork discussion and transport need their own time in your plan.