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FAQs Embroidery

Learn about Gelato's embroidery options, including digitization, stitch types, file specs, and fees

Updated over 4 months ago

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Gelato's embroidery services, addressing frequently asked questions about file preparation, digitization, stitch types, order management, and personalization.


Embroidery at Gelato

Gelato's embroidery service brings your designs to life with high-quality stitching. Here's what you need to know:

Embroidery Options

  • Gelato currently offers Flat embroidery.

  • Combined embroidery and DTG (direct-to-garment) printing or embroidered images are not available at this time.

Available Products

Embroidery is available on various products, including:

  • T-shirts

  • Hoodies

  • Sweatshirts

  • Hats

More products will be added soon!


Understanding Digitization

What is Digitization?

Digitization is the essential process of converting your artwork into a language that embroidery machines understand. This involves translating your design into a digital embroidery file, which guides the embroidery machine's needle to create your design on the fabric.

Why is Digitization Manual?

Digitization is a detail-oriented process that requires a creative touch. It's not as simple as directly translating an image; it involves strategic decisions about stitch types, directions, density, and colors to ensure a professional and high-quality embroidery output. This is why we collaborate with skilled digitizing partners to bring your designs to life accurately and beautifully.


File Preparation & Stitch Counts

File Specifications

For optimal embroidery results, we recommend using vector graphics files in these formats:

  • AI

  • EPS

  • SVG

  • PDF

If you're using raster graphics, ensure a minimum resolution of 300 DPI for clear and detailed embroidery.

Previewing Your Design

When you upload your design, our "preview mode" provides a realistic representation of the final embroidered product. Our print partners also conduct a thorough review before production to guarantee top-notch quality.

Maximum Stitch Counts

To ensure high-quality embroidery, different product categories have specific stitch count limitations:

  • Apparel and Bags:

    • Sleeves, Left Chest, Center Chest: Maximum 15,000 stitches

    • Large Chest: Maximum 20,000 stitches

  • Hats: Maximum 10,000 stitches

Color Palette

You can choose up to 6 thread colors for your embroidery from a curated palette of 15 predefined colors. This selection ensures vibrant and consistent color reproduction in your embroidered designs.

Stitch Types

Two primary stitch types are used in embroidery:

  • Satin Stitch: Creates a smooth, solid fill with a satin-like finish, ideal for lettering, borders, and fine details.

  • Tatami Stitch: Used for larger filled areas, providing a durable and textured background for lettering or design elements.


Digitization Fees and Orders

Digitization Time

Digitization typically takes up to 24 hours. Rest assured, this time is factored into Gelato's delivery estimates, so you'll receive your order within the quoted timeframe.

Digitization Fees

A flat fee is applied for each embroidered region on your product. This fee covers the intricate digitization process and is charged only once on your initial order. Reorders of the same product and design won't incur additional digitization fees, saving you money on future purchases.

Order Cancellation

You can cancel your embroidered product order for a full refund while the order status is "Digitizing." Once the order progresses beyond this stage, the digitization fee will be applied.

Reusing Digitized Files

Digitized files are product-specific due to the unique embroidery requirements of different items. This means:

  • Files created for apparel or bags can only be used on those specific product types.

  • Files created for hats are exclusively for hats.

Thread Color Changes

If you want to use the same design but with different thread colors, you'll only be charged the digitization fee once for the initial design. Subsequent orders with color variations won't incur additional digitization costs.


Personalization

Create unique embroidered products using our Personalization Studio. Add custom text, names, or designs to make your embroidered items truly one-of-a-kind.


Embroidery Backing

You might notice a backing material on the underside of your embroidery. This backing is a stabilizer used during the embroidery process to ensure the stitches are neat and secure. It's not meant to be permanent and may come off after washing or gentle tearing. Rest assured that the backing coming off won't affect the quality or durability of your embroidery.

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