custom pet embroidery
How to Choose the Best Photo for a Custom Pet Portrait
A custom pet portrait is only as good as the photo it starts from. Every piece we make begins with a stitch file drawn by hand from your picture, so the clearer the photo, the more your pet's expression, markings and personality come through in thread. Here's how to choose (or take) the right one.
- Sharp and in focus, especially the eyes
- Natural daylight, no harsh flash
- Taken at your pet's eye level, face clearly visible
- The original file from your phone, not a screenshot
1. Focus on the eyes
The eyes are what make a portrait look like your pet. If they're blurry or hidden in shadow, the embroidery has nothing to work from. Zoom in on the photo before you send it: you should be able to see a clear catchlight in each eye.
2. Use soft, natural light
Daylight from a window or a shady spot outside shows true fur colour and markings. Avoid flash, which flattens features and turns eyes green or white, and avoid strong sunset light, which shifts colours orange. Dark-coated dogs and cats especially need good light so we can see the shape of the face.
3. Get down to their level
Photos taken from above make heads look large and bodies small. Crouch down so the camera is level with your pet's face, ideally looking towards you or slightly to the side. A front or three-quarter view works best for a recognisable portrait.
4. Show the whole face, without obstructions
Ears, muzzle and markings should all be in the frame. Toys, hands, collars covering the neck or a heavy filter can hide details we need. Accessories you'd like included, like a bandana, are fine as long as the face is clear.
5. Send the original, full-size file
Screenshots and photos forwarded through messaging apps are often compressed. Upload the original photo from your camera roll so we have as much detail as possible to draw from.
What if I only have an old or imperfect photo?
That's very common, especially for memorial pieces. Send the best photo you have, and add one or two extra photos by email if you can: they help us check colours and markings. If anything is unclear, we'll reach out before stitching. You can also leave a note at checkout to receive a preview of the design by email within 3–5 days.
Two pets on one piece?
We can stitch up to two pets on one shirt. Separate photos are fine (they don't need to be in the same picture), as long as each one follows the tips above.
Where your photo can go
The same hand-drawn portrait can be stitched onto a sweatshirt, a t-shirt, a dad hat, an iron-on patch or a hoop for the wall.
Turn your photo into embroidery
Curious about what happens after you upload? Read how custom pet portrait embroidery works, from stitch file to finished piece.
Choose a sweatshirt, hat, patch or hoop and upload your picture. We'll handle the rest.
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