Small lettering is one of the hardest things to embroider well. Below a certain size, columns get too narrow to form clean satin stitches. These rules keep small text readable.
Rules for Small Lettering
- •Keep capital letters at least 5 mm (about 0.2 in) tall for satin lettering.
- •Choose simple block or sans-serif fonts — fine serifs disappear at small sizes.
- •Avoid thin script with hairline strokes for tiny text.
- •Use a sharp needle and a fine bobbin for crisp edges.
- •Add a topping on textured fabric so letters don't sink.
How to Get It Right
- 1Set your text in SewFlow's Text tool and size it generously.
- 2Pick a bold, clean font for the smallest text.
- 3Preview at actual size to check legibility.
- 4Stitch a test on the real fabric before the final run.
- 5Increase size slightly if columns look cramped in preview.
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Open the Free Converter →The 5 mm Rule
Keep satin lettering at least 5 mm tall. Smaller than that, columns get too narrow to stitch cleanly and text turns to mush.