QR code embroidery generator

Put a scannable QR code on a shirt, apron, bag or patch. Enter your link, see how big the code has to be once stitched, and open it in the digitizer to make a file for your machine.

Too small to scan reliably

Type a link to see the code.

Error correction

Thread color

Set the width to 60 mm in the digitizer, then download PES, DST or JEF.

Why size matters

Getting a stitched QR code to scan

  • Square size

    Keep each module at least about 2 mm; the tool warns you below that.

  • Short links

    Fewer characters mean fewer squares, so the code can be smaller.

  • Contrast

    Dark thread on light fabric, or a stitched light panel on dark fabric.

  • Quiet zone

    A blank margin of two squares around the code is built in.

  • Flat backing

    Cut-away or a firm tear-away keeps the grid square while it sews.

  • Test first

    Scan the first stitched code with two different phones before a full run.

Ideas

Where embroidered QR codes work

  • Aprons and staff shirts that link to a menu, booking page or reviews.
  • Patches and bag tags that link to a shop, portfolio or social profile.
  • Event and team shirts that link to a schedule or sign-up form.
  • Tote bags and merch for markets and craft fairs.

Free account

Start digitizing in under a minute

Create a free account to digitize any image, try every setting and watch it sew. Choose a plan only when you want to download files.

  • Digitize and preview any image
  • Realistic stitch preview and sew-out
  • Download free ready-made designs
  • No credit card needed
FAQ

Questions

The quickest way to see what it does with your artwork is to try it. With a free account, digitizing and previewing cost nothing and take about a minute.

Can you embroider a QR code that scans?

Yes, if it's big enough. Thread softens the edges of each square, so keep every square (module) at least about 2 mm wide, use a short link, high contrast (dark thread on light fabric) and a flat, stable backing. Always test-scan the first stitched one.

What size should an embroidered QR code be?

For a short link, about 60–75 mm (2.5–3 in) square is a safe start. Longer links make more squares, so the code has to be bigger to keep each square 2 mm or larger. The generator shows the minimum for your link.

Which error correction level should I use?

Medium is a good balance. Higher levels survive more damage but add squares, which makes the code bigger for the same square size.

Can I put a QR code on a dark shirt?

Yes: tick the white background square so the code is stitched dark-on-light inside a light panel. QR codes need contrast to scan.

Does the QR code expire?

No. It's a plain QR code that points straight at your link; nothing is tracked or redirected through us.

More tools

Keep going

Stitch it for real

The digitizer turns the code's squares into clean fill stitches at the size you set.