What clothing can you have embroidered?

Short answer: Sweaters, hoodies and t-shirts are best suited for embroidery. Caps, beanies, towels, fleece and tote bags can also be embroidered, with some limitations on size and design. Less suitable are highly stretch fabrics, areas with a thick seam or pocket, and waterproof fabrics.

Sweaters, hoodies and t-shirts: the classics

This is where embroidery really shines. A sturdy cotton sweater or hoodie, or a cotton/polyester blend, has enough body to support the thread without becoming distorted. The embroidery lies flat, stays taut after dozens of washes and lasts as long as the garment itself.

• On the chest we usually work with a width of around 10 cm. Large enough for detail, small enough to remain refined. A line drawing is approximately 10 × 10 cm.
• Large on the front or back can be up to 28 × 25 cm.
• On the sleeve we embroider up to 5 cm.

T-shirts are perfectly fine, but the fabric is thinner. A heavily filled design makes a light t-shirt stiff in that area. On thin fabrics we therefore prefer line work rather than large filled areas. View all models in our sweaters collection.

Can you have a cap, beanie or socks embroidered?

Yes, but with limitations. This is where people are most often surprised.

• Caps. We embroider on the front, up to 6 cm high and approximately 10 cm wide. A cap is curved and often has a seam in the middle, so the design takes that into account.
• Beanies. The fabric is usually ribbed and stretchy. We place a water-soluble film over it so that the stitches do not sink between the ribs. This film disappears after the first wash.
• Socks. Possible, up to approximately 5 cm. On an ankle that is quite prominent, but the design must be simple enough to remain legible at that size.

Towels, tote bags and other accessories

Terry cloth consists of loops, and without help the stitches would disappear between them. Here too we use a water-soluble film on top, so that the embroidery stays on the loops. After the first wash you won't see it anymore. Towels with a name or initial are one of the most rewarding things to have embroidered: they are washed often and the embroidery simply survives that.

A tote bag, scarf or blanket can also be embroidered. Accessories often have a smaller surface area, so the design sometimes needs to be simpler. For the little ones you can find ideas in gifts for babies.

Fleece, velour and other soft fabrics

Fleece and velour can be embroidered, but they require attention. They are soft, fluffy fabrics that easily become distorted if too much thread is used. A fine design works better there than a large filled area.

Tip from our atelier: Is a loose thread sticking out of fleece or velour? Never burn it off, these fabrics melt. Cut it off with a small pair of scissors.

What makes a garment less suitable for embroidery?

• Too much stretch. Highly stretch fabrics pull back together after embroidery, and the design can become wavy. This can be compensated for with the right reinforcement and an adapted design.
• A seam or pocket where the design is placed. The fabric must be stretched flat in the embroidery hoop. A thick seam or stitched pocket in the middle makes that impossible.
• Coated or waterproof fabrics. Embroidery makes holes, and you don't want that in a waterproof layer.

Choose the garment first, then the design

The mistake we see most often: someone has a design in mind and looks for a garment to match it afterwards. The other way around works better. A fine line drawing of a face comes across much better on a smooth sweater than on a ribbed beanie. A clean logo in two colors can work almost anywhere.

In doubt? Send a photo, a name or a drawing. Louise will make a design out of it, Julie will embroider it on what you wear. Tell us what you want it on, and we will honestly tell you if it's possible and what might need to change. With a photo or drawing you will first receive a sample by email, and we will only embroider after your approval.

Didn't find it in the webshop?

The webshop contains a selection. Behind the scenes we can choose from more than eight thousand products: colors, cuts and types that we don't all put online. Looking for something specific, email us at info@ticenits.be.

We work without a large warehouse: we order each garment especially for you, in the right size and color. That is more sustainable, because nothing is left sitting around. It does mean that we can no longer change the size and color after your order. If you are in doubt about your size, first look in the size chart.

Ordering for a group? Then printing can also be an option

For a youth movement, sports club or group of friends with a large, colorful design, printing is sometimes smarter. This is possible from 10 pieces. Embroidery lasts the longest, printing is the budget option. You can read all about it on for groups or in embroidery or printing.

Ready to choose?

Frequently asked questions