Having your logo embroidered on professional garments is one of the most effective ways to strengthen a company's visual identity. Polo shirts, caps, aprons, work coats - machine embroidery gives each textile a raised, elegant and durable finish that neither printing nor heat transfer can match. Understanding how the process works is key to achieving the best result.
Step 1: preparing your logo for embroidery
Before any embroidery can begin, your logo must be converted into an embroidery file - this is what is known as digitisation. This step involves translating your artwork into machine instructions: stitch type, sewing direction, colour sequence, number of passes.
What file format should I provide?
Ideally a vector file: AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, SVG or vector PDF. These formats allow the logo to be enlarged or reduced without loss of quality, which facilitates precise digitisation. A PNG at 300 dpi minimum is also workable. Avoid screenshots or compressed JPEGs - the quality of the embroidery depends directly on the file quality.
- Ideal format: AI, EPS, SVG, vector PDF
- Acceptable format: PNG 300 dpi minimum
- Avoid: compressed JPEG, screenshot, GIF
- If you do not have the source file, our workshop can recreate the artwork
Digitisation: converting the logo into an embroiderable design
Digitisation is carried out by our workshop once only, after which the file is stored for all your future orders. This work represents a one-off cost of approximately £18 to £35 depending on the complexity of the design - it is not recharged for reorders. Very simple logos (monograms, pictograms) can be digitised in under an hour. Complex logos (many details, thin text) require more refinement work.
Machine embroidery techniques
Professional machine embroidery uses several stitch types depending on the areas of the design. Understanding these techniques helps anticipate the final result and guide design choices.
| Stitch type | Use | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Fill stitch (satin) | Wide, uniform coloured areas | Smooth, shiny, dense surface |
| Fill stitch (tatami) | Large surfaces and backgrounds | Crosshatch texture, more matte |
| Outline stitch (running stitch) | Outlines, text, fine details | Clean, precise lines |
| Chain stitch | Decorative effects, structured caps | Pronounced relief, vintage look |
Compatible supports for embroidery
Machine embroidery is compatible with the vast majority of textiles. Some very thin or very stretchy materials require special care, but nothing that cannot be managed with the right stabilisation technique.
The most common supports
- Piqué cotton or polyester polo shirts - the preferred support for uniforms
- Fleece jackets and sweatshirts - raised finish enhanced by the thickness of the fabric
- Structured caps - front or side embroidery, with iron-on backing
- Cotton or canvas aprons - ideal for catering and hospitality
- Towels and terry cloth - embroidery on chest area or border
- Work coats and jackets - collar, left chest, sleeves
Supports requiring care
- Very thin fabrics (silk, chiffon) - require specific backing
- Very stretchy materials (jersey, lycra) - reinforced stabilisation required
- Leather and faux leather - embroiderable, but with adapted fixing technique
Advice on thread colours
Machine embroidery threads are available in hundreds of standardised shades, principally from the Madeira and Isacord ranges. Faithfully reproducing the colours of your brand guidelines is possible in the vast majority of cases.
When placing your order, ideally provide Pantone (PMS) codes for your logo. Our workshop then selects the closest matching threads. A slight shade difference between screen and actual thread is possible - this is why we always produce an approved prototype before any production run.
- Provide your Pantone PMS codes for precise colour matching
- Metallic threads (gold, silver) are available - slightly reduced durability
- Gradients are not achievable in standard machine embroidery
- Up to 15 colours per design, ideally 6 maximum for legibility
Lead times and ordering process
Here is how a logo embroidery order works at marq Studio, from sending the file to delivery:
Send your logo and requirements (support, quantity, placement). Receive a detailed quote within 24 working hours.
Our workshop digitises your logo and produces a prototype on the chosen support. You approve before any production begins.
Production within 5-7 working days after approval. Delivery to the UK or collection in Paris by appointment.
How much does logo embroidery cost?
The price of logo embroidery depends on several parameters: the size of the design (stitch count), the number of colours, the support and the quantity ordered. The cost structure is straightforward: a one-off digitisation fee (£18-35, non-recurring) then a per-piece rate with volume discounts.
- One-off digitisation: £18-35 depending on complexity (once only)
- Small logo (3,000-6,000 stitches) on polo shirt: from £3.50-5.50 per piece
- Medium logo (6,000-12,000 stitches): from £5.50-9 per piece
- Volume discounts from 10 pieces, then 25, 50 and 100
- No minimum order - from 1 piece accepted