What is 3D embroidery?
3D embroidery, or puff embroidery, is a specialized technique that results in three-dimensional decoration. The 3D effect is achieved by placing foam on the surface of the cap or garment and embroidering the design on top of the foam. The foam stays puffed up beneath the stitches, so this process produces a raised, or 3D, version of the design.
3D embroidery, also called 3D puff embroidery, is very popular, but less common than flat embroidery.
Flat embroidery likely comes to mind when you think of embroidery because it is the most common. What is flat embroidery? It is when thread is stitched directly onto the surface of the fabric of a garment. As a result, the stitches sit flat against the fabric, resulting in a 2D version of the logo or design.

Flat Embroidery vs. 3D Puff Embroidery
Flat embroidery is a classic for a reason. It works on almost all fabrics and types of garments. Flat embroidery is a great choice for most designs and apparel because it’s effective for reproducing even small details and intricate designs.
3D puff embroidery is most commonly used to embellish headwear, as opposed to garments such as polos or tees. 3D embroidery may also be suitable on heavier garments like hoodies, jackets, or even bags, but headwear is by far the most popular use. 3D puff embroidery is great for designs that feature large letters or figures. Such designs highlight and compliment the bold impact of puff embroidery.
Small lettering and tiny details aren’t compatible with puff embroidery, because they don’t provide enough space for the 3D effect.




Should You Try 3D Puff Embroidery?
If you’ve been thinking of refreshing your brand, 3D puff embroidery may be just what you need for your next order of caps. Puff embroidery is a great way to refresh your logo without making a major change. Your brand can maintain its classic look and color scheme while getting the impact of a whole new style.
Puff embroidery also has a very high perceived value. It looks expensive! Because of this, 3D embroidery elevates the image of suitable designs and logos.
If you’re trying to decide whether 3D puff embroidery would be good for your next order, reach out to your Midwest Stitch sales rep. Our sales team has years of experience and a great eye for design. We’re here to make sure your next apparel order looks amazing!
Why Choose Midwest Stitch for 3D Embroidery?
We do all our embroidery in house so that we can ensure every garment in your order proves worthy of representing your company. Since we started doing 3D embroidery in 2016, our team has mastered it! Our highly trained machine operators take care to make sure that each garment we embroider looks amazing.
Also, each of our sales consultants has a detailed understanding of the embroidery process. They make excellent recommendations about which style of embroidery will work best for your brand.
If your logo isn’t compatible with 3D embroidery, you can trust that your sales rep will tell you! When you work with Midwest Stitch, you can be confident that your order will look great. Bring us your problems, we’re here to help!