Custom Embroidery Info.
General Information
We know custom orders come with a lot of questions, and we want to make the process as simple as possible. This page explains all available options, outlines what we can and cannot do, and answers the most frequently asked questions about custom embroidery. If you are interested in placing a custom order and have a design in mind, we encourage you to read through this page before reaching out. After reviewing this information, if you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us.
Any custom piece made by us may be reused for future orders or predesigned products unless the customer owns the rights to the artwork used. A custom order does not grant exclusive use of a design unless it is original artwork that the customer has personally created or commissioned with artist approval. If a customer does not own the artwork on their custom piece, we may use it again.
Custom order pricing covers the mockup, materials, and time spent creating the product itself. The time spent communicating to finalize a design, however, is not included. This process can take hours, days, or even weeks depending on the complexity of the request, and we are not compensated for that time. Each custom request requires careful review, design adjustments, and detailed communication, which takes time away from existing orders and projects. To ensure we can dedicate our time to creating high-quality custom pieces, we ask that all design details be finalized before reaching out.
For those who like our style and want a general theme without the need for extensive back-and-forth discussions, we encourage placing a mystery order. This allows us creative freedom while ensuring the process is smooth and efficient.
Custom Order Process
We do create custom orders, but all details, including the design, must be finalized before an order is placed. We require customers to have everything planned out before reaching out so we can efficiently process requests and avoid delays.
All design images and/or links to pre-digitized files must be provided before we can confirm whether a design can be used, determine pricing, or approve the order.
We do not design completely custom products from scratch. If you are looking for a general theme and like our style of work, we encourage you to place a mystery order instead.
Pricing cannot be provided without a finalized design. The cost of custom embroidery depends on factors such as design complexity, size, and stitch density. Without a final design, we cannot determine pricing.
Copyright, Trademark, & Image Permissions
We follow strict guidelines when it comes to copyrighted and trademarked materials. We do not work with copyrighted or trademarked designs. This includes logos, brand names, TV and movie characters, sports teams, popular quotes or slogans, and any artwork that belongs to someone else.
We cannot use images taken from the internet unless they are specifically labeled as royalty-free or public domain. Using unlicensed artwork, even if it is publicly accessible, is not allowed.
The following types of designs can be used for custom embroidery:
- Royalty-free images
- Original artwork created by the customer or commissioned from an artist with written permission
- Pre-digitized embroidery files from approved sources
- Simple or basic images that can be proven to be available for public use
All designs must be submitted for review before an order can be placed.
Custom Embroidery Design Options
Original Artwork (Custom Digitized Design)
We can create custom embroidery from original artwork that has either been personally drawn by the customer or commissioned from an artist.
If artwork has been commissioned, the artist’s contact information must be provided, and they must give written consent for their work to be digitized and used on a custom product.
Original artwork will not be replicated for future orders, but we cannot control what the artist does with their work or if others steal the design from photos or other sources.
An advanced digitizing fee applies based on the complexity of the design. Most advanced digitizing fees start at $65 and go up.
Pre-Digitized Embroidery Files
If a pre-digitized embroidery file is being used, we must purchase the file ourselves and cover the cost.
Customers must provide a link to the file so we can confirm that:
- The design size is compatible with the embroidery area.
- Proper permissions are in place.
- Pre-digitized files cannot be resized and are only available in the sizes offered by the seller.
- Embroidery files must be formatted for machine embroidery, not hand embroidery, as the two are entirely different.
Royalty-Free Images & Basic Public Use Designs
We also offer custom embroidery using royalty-free images, basic images such as an anatomical heart or a dog’s paw print, or designs that can be proven to be available for public use.
Customers must provide a link or source confirming that the design is not protected by copyright.
Some images may require advanced digitizing, which applies when a design must be manually traced and formatted for embroidery. However, simple images such as a basic paw print would not have an advanced digitizing fee.
If we plan to use a design again for future orders or predesigned products, we will not charge an advanced digitizing fee.
What is Digitizing?
Digitizing is the process of converting an image into a stitch file that an embroidery machine can read.
This is not an automatic process. Every design must be manually traced using specialized software, with each stitch type, density, and order carefully programmed to ensure a high-quality result.
Digitizing can take several hours, with the average design taking 3–4 hours to complete.
The time and effort required to digitize a design do not change based on the product. It takes the same amount of time and effort to digitize a custom patch design as it does to digitize a custom panel design.
The digitizing fee does not change depending on what the design will be used for.
The design is digitized exactly as it appears, with no changes or alterations made. If a design has rough lines, uneven details, or distortions, the embroidery will reflect those imperfections. If adjustments are necessary, we will discuss possible solutions before proceeding.
Placing a Custom Order
If you are ready to place a custom order, you must:
- Send us all design images and/or links to any imagery you want on the product.
- Send us the product type and size, along with all customization details.
Once we have received this information, we will review everything and reach out if we have any questions. After we have confirmed and clarified all details, we will provide you with the necessary information to place your order.