Surface guide
QR codes on embroidery
Embroidery is the worst common QR surface: stitch pitch is coarse, thread has sheen, and fabric distorts as it is stitched. A code below about 6 cm will not work, and even a large one needs error correction H and careful stabilising.
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| Typical scan distance | 30–60 cm |
|---|---|
| Minimum code width | 6–10 cm |
| Error correction | H |
Why it is so hard
- Stitch resolution. A satin or fill stitch has an effective resolution of roughly 1.5–2 mm. A 33-module code therefore needs 5–7 cm minimum just to render.
- Thread sheen. Rayon and polyester thread reflect directionally, so a dark module can look bright from one angle.
- Fabric pull. Dense stitching draws the fabric in, distorting the grid, worst in the middle, exactly where alignment patterns are trying to correct.
Making it work
- 6 cm minimum, 8–10 cm comfortable.
- Matt threads: cotton or matt polyester, never rayon.
- Fill stitch the dark modules; satin stitch rounds the corners.
- Cut-away stabiliser, and hoop properly. Tear-away is not enough for this density.
- Digitise with pull compensation so modules end up the size you specified.
- Prefer a dark code on a light woven fabric. Knit fabric distorts too much.
Test before you run
Stitch one, photograph it under normal lighting from a normal distance, and decode it. Then stitch it on the actual garment fabric and repeat, the substrate changes the result completely.
Honestly: for most uses a printed patch or a woven label with a printed code is a better answer than embroidering the pattern itself.