How can I embroider from a photo?

How to embroider from a photo: the complete guide to transforming your images into machine embroidery

Machine embroidery has never been more popular, and more and more enthusiasts want to transform their own photos into beautiful embroidered designs. Whether it's a portrait, an animal, a landscape, or a cherished memory, it's entirely possible to create a digital embroidery design from a simple image.

In this article, I explain how to convert a photo into an embroidery design , what software to use, and what alternatives exist if you prefer to use a professional digitizer .

⭐ Why turn a photo into an embroidery design?

Creating a pattern from a photo allows you to:

  • personalize your projects (gifts, clothing, decorations…)

  • immortalize a moment or a face in embroidery

  • create unique designs that cannot be found elsewhere

  • add an artistic touch to your creations

This technique is commonly called embroidery digitizing .

1. How do I convert a photo into a machine embroidery design?

To embroider from a photo, you need to use scanning software that allows you to transform an image (JPEG, PNG…) into an embroidery file (PES, JEF, DST, VP3…).

✔️ Step 1: Choose a good quality photo

For best results:

  • Clear, well-lit photo

  • stark contrast

  • face or subject well centered (if portrait)

✔️ Step 2: Import the photo into embroidery software

This is where the magic happens!
Specialized software allows you to:

  • automatically convert the image into embroidery stitches

  • adjust the colors

  • choose the type of stitches (fill, satin, outline…)

  • Optimize the design so that the machine embroiders cleanly.

✔️ Step 3: Adjust the pattern

Even with automatic conversion, you will generally need to:

  • simplify certain details

  • limit the number of colors

  • redraw or correct some areas

  • adjust the density and direction of the points

Digitization is a real skill , which is why many embroiderers prefer to use an expert (see below).

✔️ Step 4: Export in the correct format

Make sure you export in a format compatible with your machine:
PES (Brother), JEF (Janome), DST (Tajima), VP3 (Husqvarna), etc.

2. The best software for turning a photo into an embroidery design

Here are the recommended software programs for converting an image into embroidery.

⭐ 1. Embrilliance (recommended)

Embrilliance is one of the most accessible and popular software programs.
The StitchArtist module allows you to create or convert patterns from images.

Benefits :

  • intuitive interface

  • Compatible with Windows & Mac

  • Automatic conversion + manual editing

  • very good value for money

⭐ 2. PE-Design (Brother)

A very comprehensive software, ideal for Brother users.
It offers advanced tools to accurately transform photos into embroidery.

⭐ 3. Hatch Embroidery

Created by Wilcom, a global leader in digitization.
Powerful tools, excellent stitch quality, clean conversion.

⭐ 4. SewArt

Very easy to use for beginners.
Allows for quick conversion of image into embroidered design.

3. Hire a professional digitizer: the most reliable solution

If you want an impeccable result , especially for a portrait or a complex photo, it may be wise to use a digitizer (professional digitizer).

A digitizer can:

  • transform your photo with precision

  • optimize the points for a clean result

  • adjust the colors and density

  • avoid defects in embroidery

Where can I find a trustworthy digitizer?

Here are the best platforms to get in touch with a digital embroidery specialist:

  • Fiverr → large selection of digitizers, various prices, customer reviews

  • Instagram → many professional digitizers showcase their portfolios there

  • Etsy → option to order a custom scanning service

  • Facebook embroidery groups → active communities with experienced digitizers

Conclusion

Transforming a photo into a machine embroidery design is an exciting and accessible creative experience, especially thanks to software like Embrilliance , Hatch or PE-Design.
If you want a professional result, using a specialist digitizer is the best option.

Whatever your method, you will be able to bring your photos to life and create unique, personalized and emotionally resonant embroideries.

Back to blog