Embroidery QR Code: How to Stitch One That Scans
An embroidered QR code works on a patch, a cap, a tote bag or a quilt label, as long as each square is big enough for thread. Thread is thick, fabric stretches and stitches pull, so an embroidered code has to be simpler and larger than a printed one. This page makes the code and gives you a free SVG to digitize. It does not create a PES or DST stitch file: your digitizing software does that from the SVG.
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From link to stitched code in three steps
- 01
Paste the link and keep it short. A dynamic code always holds the same short link, 25 squares per side at Low error correction, and you can change its destination after the item is stitched. Three dynamic codes are free.
- 02
Keep the pattern on Square with solid colors and no frame, and download the SVG. For a cross stitch chart, download the PNG instead and print it large.
- 03
Open the SVG in your digitizing software, set the squares to a fill stitch and stitch a test on the same fabric with the same stabilizer. Scan the test before you run the order.
Where people use it
Patches
A patch on white twill is the easiest surface: flat, stable and light. It can be sewn onto a dark garment afterwards.
Caps, polos and workwear
A code on the chest or the sleeve links to a company page or a booking form. Keep it on a flat area: a curved cap front needs more size.
Quilt labels and cross stitch
A label on the back of a quilt opens the story of who made it. In cross stitch every square is one cross, so a code of 25 squares per side is a small project with a working result.
Size: thread sets the limit
Machine embroidery thread is about 0.4 mm thick, and a square needs several stitches to look square. Start with 2 mm per square. A dynamic code at Low error correction is 25 squares wide, or 33 with a margin of four squares, so about 6.6 cm in total. Below 1.5 mm per square the corners round off and scanning becomes a matter of luck.
Digitizing the file
Ink/Stitch is a free extension for Inkscape that reads SVG and writes PES, DST, JEF and other machine formats. Programs such as Hatch digitize from a picture, so the PNG download works there. Use a fill stitch for the squares with one stitch direction for the whole code, add pull compensation so the squares do not shrink, and keep the underlay light so the gaps stay open. With the Square pattern the SVG holds the dark squares as one plain shape without clipping masks.
Fabric, thread and contrast
Use dark thread on a light, tightly woven fabric with a cutaway stabilizer. Knits and fleece move too much unless they are well stabilized. On a dark garment, stitch a light filled field first and the dark squares on top, or make the code as a patch. Leave plain fabric around the code at least four squares wide.
Cross stitch and hand embroidery
On 14 count Aida a code of 25 squares measures about 4.5 cm, and a code of 29 squares about 5.3 cm. Work the dark squares in black on white fabric and leave the light squares empty. Count twice at the three large corner markers: a mistake there stops the code from scanning, while a single wrong cross elsewhere is usually forgiven by the error correction.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do you make PES or DST embroidery files?＋
No. You download an SVG or a PNG and digitize it in your own software. Ink/Stitch, a free extension for Inkscape, reads the SVG and writes the common machine formats.
How big does an embroidered QR code need to be?＋
About 6.6 cm for a short link at 2 mm per square, including the margin. Longer links need more squares and more size.
Why does my embroidered QR code not scan?＋
The usual causes are squares that are too small, thread and fabric that are too close in color, puckered fabric and a missing margin. Enlarge the design, raise the contrast, stabilize the fabric and stitch a new test.
Which error correction level should I choose?＋
Low or Medium. Higher levels add squares, which makes every square smaller at the same size, and thread loses detail faster than print does.
Can I change the link after it is stitched?＋
Yes, if you stitched a dynamic code. It holds a short qrforprint link and you change its destination in your account. Three dynamic codes are free. A static code cannot be changed.
Can I use the code on products I sell?＋
Yes. The generator is free and the downloads carry no watermark.