# Embroidery Design Guidelines Source: https://blog.senprints.com/docs/embroidery-design-guidelines Updated: 2026-10-20 ## 1. Design file - Only PNG files are accepted. Embroidery (stitch) files such as DST or EMB are not accepted. - Keep the background transparent. Any stray pixels outside the main design may be stitched onto the product. - Design templates for each product: [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LhludLxZKXMxx2DhaF5eoZ-YFU475Olg](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LhludLxZKXMxx2DhaF5eoZ-YFU475Olg) ## 2. Embroidery areas **Hats: embroidery area by product (W x H)** Front is centered on the front panel. Side is centered on the side panel. Back sits above the back opening. Your design file must match the template size of each embroidery area so it is stitched in the right position. ## 3. Thread colors - Up to **15 thread colors** per embroidery position. - The thread chart is for reference only. The factory matches each color in your design to the closest available thread. - Thread color chart: [https://sen.lc/embroidered.colorchart](https://sen.lc/embroidered.colorchart) - Finished colors match the original design at about **85–90%**. Results vary with fabric, lighting, screen settings and the level of detail in the design. - Gradients and blended colors cannot be reproduced. Use solid, flat colors. ## 4. Design rules **Works well:** simple bold text, flat shapes, monoline designs with few details. **Tips:** leave extra space between letters and shapes so they do not run together. For detailed logos, use a simplified version. **Cannot be embroidered:** - Photos or photo-like images - Gradients or color transitions - Lines or details thinner than 2 mm - Highly detailed or complex designs, including detailed monoline art - 3D or depth effects - Low-resolution files (under 150 DPI) ## 5. Stitch count and surcharges ## 6. Embroidery positions and pricing - Base price includes **one embroidery position** (front or left/right chest). - Each additional position is charged as listed on the product page. - When you create a fulfillment order, upload a mockup for each embroidery position so the design is stitched exactly where you want it. ## 7. Shipping If you need to ship embroidered products to a region not listed above, please contact Seller Support. ## 8. Color accuracy and reprints Because embroidery is partly handmade and thread colors are matched by hand, small color differences from the design file are normal. Color differences within the range above meet manufacturer standards and are not covered for reprint or refund (see Return & Reprint Policy, section 4.2). ## 9. Digitization After your order is placed, we convert your PNG design into an embroidery file that the machine can read. This step is called digitization. - Digitization is included in the base price of each embroidery position. There is no extra fee. - A new design usually takes 24–48 hours to digitize. This time is already included in the order processing time. Later orders that use the same design skip this step and go straight to production. - The stitch count (section 5) is measured from the digitized file. ## 10. Sample orders We recommend ordering a sample before you sell a new embroidered design. A sample shows how the design looks once stitched, and it avoids the 1–2 extra working days your customers would wait for digitization. To order a sample, please contact Seller Support.