Puff, Chenille or 3D: Choosing the Right Lift

Each technique carries a different minimum, tooling cost and logo tolerance. Picking one before the artwork is locked saves a sampling round.

Puff embroidery

Foam under the stitch gives height on block letters and simple shapes. Fine serifs and gradients do not survive it, so check the logo before promising it.

Chenille

A looped yarn patch, applied rather than stitched into the panel. Reads collegiate, carries a patch minimum, and needs a flat surface to sit on.

3D direct embroidery

The most forgiving of the three at volume, with tooling limited to a digitising fee. Where most programs land once the numbers are in front of them.