How can I prevent puckering in embroidered designs?

Puckering happens when the stitch density and fabric tension aren’t balanced, essentially, when the embroidery is pulling harder than the fabric can handle. The good news is that it’s completely avoidable with the right design approach and garment choice.

To prevent puckering, start by choosing stable, medium- to heavyweight fabrics such as cotton, fleece, or twill. Avoid lightweight or stretchy materials, which can shift under the needle. In terms of design, we recommend reducing large filled areas or breaking them up with white space or negative space so the fabric can relax naturally. Simplifying dense elements or reducing stitch count often makes the design look better and feel softer too.

Our team carefully reviews every embroidery file and fabric combination before production. We’ll adjust stitch patterns, backing, and tension to keep the embroidery smooth, flat, and professional-looking on every piece. With the right preparation, puckering isn’t something you’ll ever have to worry about.