Position embroidery patterns perfectly

A technically perfect embroidered motif loses its impact if it's crooked or too high. Precise placement is especially crucial for clothing such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps – it creates a professional, balanced effect and underscores the quality of the embroidery.

The good news: With simple tools and a systematic approach, you can achieve this reliably – even without a laser or positioning system.

How to position your embroidery motif correctly – step by step

1. Put on the garment and mark it

Put on the garment you want to embroider yourself or ask a second person for help. Mark the desired embroidery position with a washable marker , such as one from Prym.
Tip: The left chest for logos sits approximately 7-9 cm below the shoulder seam and 10-12 cm from the center front .

2. Clamp or glue the textile smoothly

Stretchy or textured fabrics (e.g., jersey, fleece, corduroy) should be stabilized with a suitable stabilizer . Depending on the technique:

• With Filmoplast: do not clamp, but glue
• With frame: clamp smoothly and without tension

The marker should be centered in the embroidery frame or aligned to the desired position.

3. Use the embroidery machine's tracing function

Before you start, you should "trace" the embroidery position – the so-called tracing function . This moves the machine's embroidery frame along the outer contour of the motif.

How to recognize before the first stitch:

• Is the mark made correctly?
• Does the motif fit completely into the frame?
• Is everything straight?

If necessary, adjust the position or orientation – many machines allow small adjustments directly on the display .

4. Mirror, rotate or scale the motif

Use your machine's onboard features to adjust your design. Many models allow you to mirror , rotate , or resize it right before stitching – without software.

Tip: For recurring placements, you can create a paper pattern with an embroidery frame outline and use it as a positioning aid.

YouTube video: Livestream for perfect positioning

Recommended tools & materials

Conclusion

A good embroidery machine delivers precision—but only you determine where the motif sits. With a marker pen, tracing function, and a little planning, you can achieve precise placement on any fabric. This way, your embroidered motif will look not only neat but also professional.

PRYM AQUA trick marker

4.90 EUR

To the product

SULKY - Filmoplast®

17.90 EUR

19.00 EUR

To the product

masking tape

1.90 EUR

3.90 EUR

To the product