3D puff embroidery that stands up and stands out

A sheet of embroidery foam is laid on the garment and the design is stitched over it with dense satin stitches. The needle perforates the foam along every edge, the excess is torn away, and what remains is locked inside the stitching, giving a raised shape with smooth, rounded sides.

Because the foam has to be completely covered and cleanly cut, 3D files are digitised differently from flat embroidery: stitch direction, density, column width and how the ends of letters are capped all change. A logo that stitches beautifully flat can look messy in 3D if it is simply re-used, which is why our digitising treats 3D as its own job.

Good candidates: chunky block or script lettering, simple bold icons, monograms and short brand names with even, wide strokes.

Less suitable: thin lines, small text, fine detail, gradients, and large filled areas, which go flat or uneven when stitched over foam.

The most effective designs often combine techniques: the main word raised in 3D with a flat outline, underline, tagline or small icon around it. If your logo is detailed, we may propose a simplified 3D version for headwear while keeping the full logo flat for shirts. You will see exactly what we suggest on your proof.

• Structured caps and snapbacks – the classic home for 3D; the firm front holds the shape. See cap embroidery.
• Hoodies and heavy sweatshirts – chest lettering on thick fleece looks strong. See hoodie embroidery.
• Jackets and heavier fabrics – where the fabric can support dense stitching

Thin T-shirts, lightweight performance fabrics and soft knit beanies are generally not suited to 3D, because the dense stitching pulls the fabric. We will recommend flat embroidery instead where that is the better result.

Foam is chosen to match the thread colour as closely as possible so no foam shows at the edges. Thread colours are matched to your brand from the available range. Send a vector file (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) or a sharp PNG or JPG and say which parts you want raised. Our artwork guidelines explain how to prepare logos for stitching.

3D is slower to stitch and finish than flat embroidery, because of the denser stitching and the hand-finishing of foam edges. Fast turnaround, including same-day, is possible on qualifying orders and is always subject to capacity, job size, approved artwork, payment and a confirmed deadline. New 3D designs need digitising first, so allow for that on a first order.

Collect from our Rivonia shop once we confirm your order is ready, or ask for delivery, quoted per job.