Prepare Embroidery Artwork for a Custom Cap
The decoration choice affects how your logo reads on a curved cap panel. This guide helps you choose between flat embroidery, 3D puff and a patch, send the details a maker needs, and review the sample before approving bulk production.
Choose the decoration for the artwork
| Option | A practical fit | Check before sampling |
|---|---|---|
| Flat embroidery | Wordmarks, outlines and logos that need a flatter finish. | Look at small letters and narrow gaps at the final size; share the intended width and height. |
| 3D puff embroidery | Bold, simple shapes or lettering that should stand above the cap panel. | The thinnest part should be at least 2 mm, except pointed stroke endings. Very fine text may need to be enlarged, simplified or kept flat. |
| Patch | Artwork that benefits from a defined edge, material texture or small details that are hard to show as stitches. | Choose the patch type and its edge, then confirm the patch size and position on the cap. |
There is no one best method for every logo. If you are unsure, send the original artwork and ask us to compare a suitable flat, raised or patch treatment in the quote or sample plan.
What to send with your artwork
- The clearest source file you have: a vector file is useful; if you only have an image, send the largest clean version and tell us whether the design can be simplified.
- Finished decoration size: give the intended width and height in millimetres, rather than only saying “small” or “large.”
- Placement: mark front, side or back, and say whether the logo should be centred on a panel or positioned relative to a seam.
- Colour and finish notes: identify thread or patch colours, which parts should be raised, and any elements that must stay flat.
- The cap reference: include the style or product link, fabric and colour if known. A curved or seamed panel can change how the artwork sits.
Review the physical sample
Check the dimensions and position
Compare the logo width, height and distance from seams with the approved artwork or marked-up reference.
Check the details at wearing distance
Look for open gaps, legible small lettering, clean edges and the intended raised or flat areas. For a patch, check its outline and how it sits on the panel.
Check colour and overall balance
Review the thread or patch beside the cap fabric in normal light. Digital previews are a guide; approve the physical sample for the actual combination.
Send one clear revision list
Mark each requested change on a photo or drawing, with measurements where possible. State which points are required before approval.
Keep the approved artwork and sample together as the reference for bulk. For technique examples, see our embroidered cap and patch hat pages.
Compare embroidery treatments for custom caps →See patch materials and cap styles →Review sample fees, minimums and lead times →Embroidery artwork questions
What is the minimum line width for 3D puff embroidery?+
The thinnest part should be at least 2 mm, except for pointed stroke endings. If artwork is finer, we can discuss enlarging it, simplifying it or using flat embroidery for that detail.
What artwork file should I send?+
Send the clearest source file available, plus the final decoration size, placement and colour notes. If you only have an image, send a clean high-resolution version.
Can a patch show details better than embroidery?+
It depends on the logo and patch type. A woven patch can suit fine lines or small text, while other patch materials give a different surface and edge. Share the artwork so the option can be confirmed.
How do I approve the logo sample?+
Check size, placement, lettering, edges and colour on the physical cap. Send any corrections in one marked-up list, then confirm approval before bulk production.
Have artwork ready?
Send the cap style, logo file, finished size, placement and preferred treatment. We can confirm the sample plan and quote.
Ask about your artwork