Hello again, embroidery enthusiasts!
If you're here, you're probably on the hunt for beautiful embroidery designs for you to sew on your home embroidery machine. The number of designs available on platforms such as Etsy or SWAK can be overwhelming. So, I'm here to guide you through the process of snagging the best quality designs and getting your best possible outcome. Let's take a look at how to find great quality embroidery designs online and what you need to look for.
First things first, let's talk about where to look. Although there are plenty of websites and platforms that offer digital embroidery designs, ranging from freebies to premium options, Etsy seems to be the go-to option to search embroidery designs for purchase. Etsy offers a host talented designers who take their craft seriously, but not all designs are created equal! A great deal of work goes into optimizing an embroidery file for the best possible outcome. Some Etsy sellers are professional digitizers, like myself, who want your design to sew as beautifully as possible. Other sellers are only concerned with churning out designs to sell as quickly as possible, and the quality suffers. I'm going to teach you how to discern between each of these types of sellers. Many sellers also have their own website (like me!) where they sell their design and offer other content such as a blog or tutorials and other content that can't be found on sites like Etsy.
I recently received a review from a customer who had purchased my Equestrian Embroidery Frame from my Etsy shop. She had purchased a similar-themed design from another seller, but wasn't happy with the quality. She raved about the quality of my design, which is actually what prompted me to write this post. I take great care in making sure my files are optimized to sew out in the most efficient way possible so that buyers are able to achieve a beautiful quality on any home embroidery machine. Here is her review of my file:
The customer states that my the file is well-made and stitches out quicker than a file she had bought from another seller. So let’s dive into what exactly she is talking about and what to look for in a good-quality digital embroidery design. Stay with me, and you'll learn exactly why this customer was happy with her purchase.
1. Design Details: Pay attention to the design details. High-quality designs are well-defined and have clear details. Look for smooth lines. The better the details look in the mock-up or proof that the seller has posted, the more professional your finished embroidery will look.
2. File Formats: Ensure the design is available in the file format that you need for your machine. Most sellers offer multiple formats that are most-widely used. All of my designs are available in JEF, PES, VP3, HUS, XXX, EXP and DST formats. Also check to see if the seller offers other options if you should need them.
3. Stitch Count: VERY important. A design's stitch count affects the density and quality of the embroidery. Designs with appropriate stitch counts create crisper, more defined patterns. To many stitches can result in your embroidery being "bullet-proof", or too dense. This can lead to thread breaks and rippling in the design. Opt for designs with moderate stitch counts for optimal results. If the stitch count looks too high for the amount of detail in the design, it was probably auto-digitized instead of manually digitized and will stitch poorly.
4. Designer Reviews and Ratings: If you have spent any time on Etsy, you know that the platform is based on a 1-5 star review system. Customers who purchase products from Etsy sellers are able to leave a review, from 1-5 stars along with comments and even photos. Before making a purchase, check the reviews and ratings of the designer. Consistent positive feedback from other buyers is a good indicator of the designer’s skill and reliability.
5. Usage Rights: If you plan to sew the design and sell the finished product, always review the usage rights and licensing terms. Some designs may have limitations on commercial use, so make sure the design suits your intended purpose.
6. Customer Support: Choose platforms or designers that offer good customer support. If you encounter any issues with your purchase, it's reassuring to know that help is just an email away.
7. Sample Stitch-outs or mock-ups: Some designers provide images of the design stitched out or a mock-up of the finished design exported from the digitizing software and mocked-up on a product. This gives you a clear idea of how the finished product should look and can also give you some ideas on what the design will look like on different types of items. Look for these samples; they can be incredibly helpful. Additionally, it tells you that a designer has taken time to create a well thought-out listing. Here are examples of design mock-ups:
BONUS
I like to include a video in my embroidery design listings to show the customer exactly how the design will stitch. When you are purchasing a digital file, you have no way of knowing what type of underlay is used or if the designer has taken the time to setup in a thoughtful way that will make the stitching process seamless. Here is an example of a video from one of my listings:
Lastly, remember to trust your instincts. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it might be. If you enjoy a file your purchased from a seller and have an opportunity to leave them feedback, give them a great review!
Happy stitching! Use these tips to make educated purchases, wherever you are buying your designs. May your threads be tangle-free and your designs be flawless.
Beth
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