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Amorli photo guide

How to choose a photo for outline embroidery

A strong embroidery reference starts with a recognisable subject, not an expensive camera. Here is what to check before uploading, and why a small left-chest design allows less detail than a centred outline.

5 min readPublished Updated
Choosing a reference photo as the first step for custom Amorli outline embroidery

1. A clear subject matters more than lots of detail

Outline embroidery depends on contours. The more clearly people, a pet or a vehicle stand apart from the background, the more deliberately the artwork can be simplified. A busy background is not automatically a problem, but it should not hide the important lines.

Zoom into the image before uploading. If eyes, hands, ears, wheels or the vehicle shape already blur on screen, the reference probably lacks reliable information.

2. Check light, sharpness and crop

Soft daylight and readable contrast help define the shape. Strong backlighting, motion blur and hard shadows can swallow important contours.

  • People: keep heads, hair and the gestures you want fully visible.
  • Pets: keep eyes, ears and characteristic fur or body contours visible.
  • Vehicles: choose one clear photo of one complete vehicle, ideally side-on or at a front three-quarter angle.
Illustration showing a couple photo becoming an outline and then an embroidered version on black fabric
Editorial illustration: a clear photo becomes a reduced line drawing and then an embroidered design.

3. Centred or on the left chest?

A centred design has more visual room and is better suited to several people or a more complex vehicle shape. A small left-chest design is subtler, but the subject needs stronger simplification.

If one small detail matters to you, mention it in the additional notes. A note cannot replace information that is missing from the photo itself.

4. Image rights and privacy

Only upload images Amorli is allowed to process for your order. If recognisable third parties or children appear, make sure you may use the photo for this purpose.

The reference image is stored privately, used only for design and production, and automatically deleted no later than 30 days after upload. Public catalogue media is handled separately.

A photo being translated into a reduced outline drawing on a tablet
An embroidery machine stitching a personal outline onto a grey hoodie
Two real process steps: creating the outline and stitching it by machine.

5. If in doubt, choose the clearer image

Between two similar photos, the sharper and calmer one is usually the better starting point. If the subject is very fine or partly obstructed, choose the centred design or contact us before ordering without sending sensitive payment details.

Continue your decision with these practical guides.

Placement guideSmall left-chest or large centred embroidery?Compare a discreet left-chest outline with a centred design and choose the right placement for your photo.Customisation guideHow to design your own custom hoodie in SwitzerlandA practical guide to choosing the subject, photo, production method and placement for your personalised hoodie.Print or embroidery?Photo hoodie: should you print or embroider it?An honest comparison of photo printing and outline embroidery to help you choose the right method for your custom hoodie.
Create a custom photo hoodieView all designs