Cap side and back embroidery size
A cap side design is about 2.5 × 1.5 in (64 × 38 mm), and a back design about 3.5 in (89 mm) wide and up to 2 in (51 mm) tall. These spots need a frame that can reach them, so check your cap frame first.
| Typical size | 2.5 × 1.5 in (64 × 38 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width range | 1.5–3.5 in (38–89 mm) |
| Height range | 0.75–2.25 in (19–57 mm) |
| Smallest hoop | 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) |
| Machines that fit it | 80 in our guide |
Where to place it
On the side, centre the design on the side panel, clear of the seam where it meets the front panel, and keep it to about 2.5 × 1.5 in (64 × 38 mm). On the back, centre it above the strap or closure and keep it to about 3.5 in (89 mm) wide and 1.25–2 in (32–51 mm) tall. Leave at least about ½ in (13 mm) of plain fabric between the design and any seam, eyelet or edge, and mark the centre with tape before you hoop.
Side and back spots are a small, popular extra on a cap that already has a front logo, such as a team mark, a year or a small icon. OTTO lists about 2.5 in (64 mm) wide for a side and 3.5 in (89 mm) wide for a back. Its two decoration pages disagree on height: one gives 1.5 in (38 mm) for the side and 1.25 in (32 mm) for the back, and another gives 2.25 in (57 mm) for the side and 2 in (51 mm) for the back. Plan for the smaller height unless your frame and cap give you more room.
A standard cap frame is built around the front panel, so side and back work often needs a frame made for the job. Ricoma, for example, lists a cap-back frame in its multi-frame kit. Madeira's cap guide also names side panels near the brim, the area above the keyhole, and the strap as other placement options. Check your machine maker's list for what reaches those areas before you buy a design. Flat sides stitch better than strongly curved ones, so check the cap's shape first. On a trucker cap the mesh back is open and may not hold fine detail, so stitch a sample before you commit.
Keep the design simple. Geometric shapes and small motifs work best, and a design that is too big overwhelms the cap while one that is too small nearly disappears. Letters should be at least ¼ in (6 mm) tall at the final size, which is the minimum OTTO gives for cap lettering. Choose a thread that contrasts with the cap, such as a dark thread on a light cap.
Use cap backing, as for a front logo, and one piece is enough on a structured cap. Good backing helps stop puckering on small designs. Brand names on this page are for reference only. We are not affiliated with Brother, OTTO or Ricoma.
Tips
- Check that your frame and machine can reach the side or back before you buy or digitize a design.
- Keep it simple: one or two colors, bold shapes, letters at least ¼ in (6 mm) tall.
- Pick a flat part of the panel and stay about ½ in (13 mm) away from seams and eyelets.
- Use contrast: dark thread on a light cap, light thread on a dark one.
- Match the side design to the front logo so the two do not compete.
Check this size on your machine
Machines that can stitch a cap side and back design
These machines hold the typical 2.5 × 1.5 in size in one hooping. Finished caps also need a cap frame: see machines for hats.
- Brother SE700 (4 × 4 in)
- Brother PE800 (5 × 7 in)
- Brother SE2000 (5 × 7 in)
- Brother PE900 (5 × 7 in)
- Brother SE600 (4 × 4 in)
- Brother PE535 (4 × 4 in)
- Brother PE545 (4 × 4 in)
- Brother PE770 (5 × 7 in)
- Brother SE1900 (5 × 7 in)
- Brother SE725 (4 × 4 in)
- Brother SE400 (4 × 4 in)
- Brother NQ1700E (6 × 10 in)
- Brother PR1055X (14 × 8 in)
- Brother SE625 (4 × 4 in)
- Brother PRS100 (8 × 8 in)
- Brother PR680W (12 × 8 in)
- Ricoma EM-1010 (12.2 × 8.3 in)
- Brother SE630 (4 × 4 in)
- Janome Memory Craft 550E (14 × 8 in)
- Brother LB5000 (4 × 4 in)
- Brother PE550D (4 × 4 in)
- Janome Memory Craft 500E (11 × 8 in)
- Brother PE500 (4 × 4 in)
- Janome MB-7 (9.5 × 8 in)
And 56 more. See all machines.
Frequently asked questions
How big can embroidery be on the side of a cap?
About 2.5 in (64 mm) wide and 1.5 in (38 mm) tall is a safe size. One OTTO page lists up to 2.25 in (57 mm) tall, but its other page says 1.5 in, so use the smaller height unless your cap and frame allow more.
How big can embroidery be on the back of a cap?
About 3.5 in (89 mm) wide and 1.25–2 in (32–51 mm) tall. OTTO's two pages give those two heights, so plan for 1.25 in (32 mm) and go taller only if your cap and frame have room.
Can my cap frame stitch the side or back?
Not always. Standard cap frames are built around the front panel. Some makers sell extra frames for the back or sides, so check your machine maker's accessory list for your exact model.
Is a mesh back a good place for embroidery?
It is risky. The mesh is open and gives stitches little to hold, so stitch a sample first and keep the design simple. A trucker cap's foam front takes stitches more cleanly.