Text to embroidery file
Type a name, monogram or short phrase, choose a font, size and thread color, and download a ready-to-sew lettering file for your machine.
Which font to choose
Block
Heavy, even strokes that stay readable small. The safe choice for names on shirts, bags and caps.
Varsity
A heavy slab for team names and numbers, sports wear and bold statements.
Tall
Condensed capitals that fit long names in a narrow space, like sleeves and collars.
Slab
A classic serif for monograms and a traditional look. Best from about 8 mm letter height.
Script
A rounded, connected script for gifts, baby items and towels. Use it larger, around 20 mm and up.
Retro
A bold script with a vintage feel for logos and shop names. Keep it large so the joins stay clean.
Lettering that sews well
- Keep capital letters at least 5 mm tall. The tool shows the approximate letter height as you resize.
- Pick a bolder font for small sizes; thin serifs and hairlines disappear in thread.
- Choose your fabric type: knits and fleece get heavier underlay and more pull compensation.
- Contrast matters more than color: dark thread on light fabric, or white and gold on dark garments.
- Test-stitch on scrap fabric with the same stabilizer before sewing the final piece.
Questions
The quickest way to see what it does with your artwork is to try it. It's free and takes about a minute.
How small can embroidered text be?
Capital letters about 5 mm (0.2 in) tall are a practical minimum for most fonts. Bold, simple fonts can go a little smaller; scripts with thin strokes need more height.
Which font is best for embroidery?
Bold fonts with even stroke widths sew best: Block and Varsity for names on shirts and caps, Tall for compact lettering, and Script or Retro for monograms and gifts at larger sizes.
What file formats can I download?
PES, DST, JEF, EXP, VP3, XXX, PEC, U01 and TBF, plus a PNG preview and a color sheet. Pick your format below the preview.
Is the lettering stitched in satin?
Yes. Letter strokes up to 6.5 mm wide are satin stitched with underlay; very large, wide strokes switch to fill so they lie flat.
Can I add text to my logo?
This tool makes lettering on its own. To embroider a logo with text, upload the whole logo to the digitizer, which handles lettering and artwork together.
More free tools
Keep going
- GuideMinimum text size for embroideryHow small embroidered text can go, and how to make small lettering readable.Read the guide
- GuideSatin stitch vs fill stitch: when to use eachHow satin, tatami fill and running stitches differ, the widths each one suits, and how to choose.Read the guide
- Free toolEmbroidery file converterConvert PES, DST, JEF, EXP, VP3 and XXX files to any other machine format.Open
- Free toolEmbroidery file viewerOpen DST, PES, JEF and more in your browser: stitch preview, colors, size and stitch count.Open
- Free toolStitch count & price calculatorEstimate stitches, sew time and price for any design size and coverage.Open
- Free toolThread color chart & matcherBrother and Janome thread charts with codes, plus a color matcher between brands.Open
Embroidering a full logo?
Upload the artwork to the digitizer: lettering and graphics are digitized together.