If you draw in Procreate on your iPad, you already have everything you need to create custom embroidery — you just need to get your artwork into the right format. Procreate can't export embroidery files, but it exports beautiful PNGs that SewFlow converts to JEF, DST, or PES for free.
Step 1: Export From Procreate
- 1Open your drawing in Procreate and tap the wrench (Actions) icon.
- 2Tap 'Share' and choose 'PNG' — this preserves transparency and gives the cleanest edges.
- 3If your artwork should have no background, hide your background layer before exporting so the PNG is transparent.
- 4Save the PNG to your Photos or Files.
Step 2: Convert to Embroidery
- 1Open sewflow.com/image in your iPad or computer browser and upload the PNG.
- 2Use background removal if you exported on a solid background.
- 3Set your hoop size and select JEF, DST, or PES.
- 4Preview the stitch simulation and download.
Exported from Procreate? Convert it now:
Open Image to Embroidery →Drawing Tips for Embroidery
- •Work with flat colour fills rather than textured brushes — solid areas stitch cleanly.
- •Keep your palette tight; each colour becomes a separate thread layer.
- •Make lines thick — thin sketchy strokes can disappear in thread.
- •Draw on a large canvas (2000 px+) so the exported PNG is high resolution.
Flatten the Look
Procreate's painterly brushes look gorgeous on screen but muddy in thread. For embroidery, switch to a hard, flat brush and block in solid colours — think bold illustration, not watercolour.