Frequently Asked Questions

What are the setup fees for?

Your logo artwork will need to be setup into a file which the embroidery machine can read. Once this file is loaded into our embroidery machines it can then tell the machine where to sew, number of stitches to lay down, type of stitch to use, when to cut the thread, when to change to another thread colour and so much more!

Once these files are created they are kept for you to use on any future orders.

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​Once your logo is setup into an embroidery file we will then do test sew outs and make sure we achieve the best embroidery result possible for your logo. We will then email you a photo of your embroidered logo for your approval or we would also be more than happy to post you a sample of your embroidered logo on a piece of material free of charge.

​No setup fee is charged for using text only in standard fonts..

Why do I have to pay a setup fee? Is it not an easy process to setup an embroidery file …. One click on the computer and its all done?

Unfortunately no, embroidery files are very different to ordinary media print files, here’s why:

Our expert digitisers will make any changes that are needed to your artwork in the graphics program, the file is then opened in an embroidery program where it is used as a template for creating a stitch file

First, the digitiser must decide how the "pathing" in the logo will run. The pathing is the sequence of stitches in a design from start to finish. Pathing can affect how an embroidered design will "lie" when it is finished. If a design isn't embroidered in the correct sequence, you may have unwanted gaps of fabric or uneven text. The pathing will also affect how long the design will run on the machine during the embroidery process. Although you may not care what the running time is, a shorter, smoother design will cost you less.

Next, the digitiser assigns stitch types to each section of the design based on what stitches will best represent the artwork. The digitizer starts by adding the underlay stitches. Although you can't see underlay stitches in a finished logo, having the correct underlay stitches is essential to creating a great looking logo. Underlay helps stabilize the fabric to the backing (another essential element in embroidery), lay down the nap of the fabric so that the remaining stitches have a smooth surface to embroider on and add density to the design. Not using the correct underlay can cause the stitches to sink into the fabric or allow the shirt fabric to show through the design.

Although there are only three basic stitch types: run, satin and fill stitches, there are variations of these stitch types. For example, fill stitches are used to cover large areas; but, the digitiser must decide what type of fill stitch to use, the direction the fill must sew in and where the fill should start and stop in the design. When deciding all these factors the digitiser must consider what type of fabric the logo will be embroidered on and make adjustments accordingly. Stitches will sink into fabrics such as polar fleece and lay on the surface of denser fabrics such as nylon.

Another important aspect of embroidery is the "push and pull". A design may move while being embroidered. This will cause some stitches to shrift. A digitiser must account for the possible effects of push and pull on a design and make adjustments to compensate.

Digitising is a careful process that requires time and experience and is vital in achieving a quality embroidery result.