The unlimited color embroidery feature mainly uses a white recycled polyester thread that’s colored during embroidery without stopping and changing needles between colors. As this method differs from the one used for standard embroidery, there are some additional design file guidelines you should take into account:
- Due to the thread coloring process, it’s impossible to switch to a new color without a smooth transition. For small embroidery designs, avoid complex designs with many colors and drastic color changes, as the space might be too small to ensure the desired result.
- For all designs, we suggest that the smallest color element is at least 2 cm (0.8″) wide so there’s enough room for the color sequence.
- To ensure the best quality gradient designs, leave enough space for the gradient effect—gradients won’t look good in small areas.
- Avoid using run stitching, especially if your design has multiple colors. The unlimited color technology can’t produce consistent quality for the run stitching, and the color change will be noticeable.
If there are any issues with your designs, our digitizers will make the necessary adjustments and put your order on hold to approve the changes with you.
Disclaimer: For certain design areas with single, solid colors (for example, a large black area), we use the regular threads of standard embroidery instead. This adjustment allows us to create thinner and less stiff embroideries, while maintaining the superior quality Printful is known for.