Custom Embroidery for Sportswear and Team Apparel

How does custom embroidery work?

1. Digitizing: your logo is converted into a stitch file that tells the machine the stitch type, direction and order.
2. Hooping and backing: the garment is held taut with a stabiliser behind it so the fabric does not pucker.
3. Stitching: the machine sews each thread colour in turn.
4. Finishing: loose threads and excess backing are trimmed and the logo is checked.

When should you choose embroidery?

• Left-chest logos and crests on hoodies, sweatshirts, polos and jackets.
• Varsity and letterman jackets, often combined with chenille patches.
• Coach and staff apparel where a premium look matters.
• Small logos on sleeves and collars.

For full jersey designs, numbers on lightweight mesh or photographic artwork, choose sublimation or screen printing instead.

Direct embroidery or embroidered patches?

What logo size and detail work best?

Embroidery reproduces solid shapes and bold text best. Very small lettering and thin lines can lose clarity, so keep text large enough to stay legible in thread. Common placements are the left chest, centre chest, sleeve and back yoke. Gradients and photographic images do not translate well; simplify them to solid colours or use a patch.

Which fabrics are best for embroidery?

Heavier, stable fabrics such as fleece, French terry, twill, pique and jacket shells hold embroidery well. Lightweight mesh and stretchy performance fabrics can pucker under dense stitching; for these we recommend a lighter design, a patch or a printed method. See our fabric guide.

How should you send artwork?

• A vector file (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) or a clear high-resolution image.
• Thread colours, ideally with Pantone references.
• Position and approximate width of the logo on each garment.

We prepare a free mockup within 24 hours. See our artwork guidelines.

Care for embroidered garments

Wash inside out on a gentle cycle in cold or warm water, avoid bleach, and dry on low heat or hang dry. Do not iron directly on the embroidery; iron from the reverse side with a cloth if needed.

Products we embroider

Hoodies · Sweatshirts · Mock neck sweatshirts · Letterman varsity jackets · Tracksuits · Joggers

Frequently asked questions

What is custom embroidery?

A decoration method where a logo is stitched into fabric with thread by an embroidery machine, using a digitized stitch file.

Is embroidery better than printing?

Embroidery is more durable and looks more premium for logos on heavier garments. Printing is better for large designs, many colours and lightweight jerseys.

Can you embroider on polyester sportswear?

Yes, on stable polyester fabrics. Very light mesh or stretchy fabrics may pucker, so a lighter design or a patch is often better.

What is embroidery digitizing?

Converting a logo into a stitch file that controls stitch type, direction and colour order for the embroidery machine.

Can embroidered patches be sewn onto jackets and hoodies?

Yes. Patches are made separately and can be sewn or heat-applied to jackets, hoodies and uniforms.

What is the minimum order for embroidered apparel at Rockhint?

20 pieces per order, with sizes mixed freely.