Getting a logo onto a knitted scarf comes down to three things: a clean file (vector, or a PNG at least 1,000 px wide on a transparent background), a colour count that suits the technique (3 on classic jacquard, 7 on HD jacquard) and shapes simple enough to knit. A jacquard scarf is not printed: every point of the design is a stitch of yarn. Understanding that saves you nasty surprises and speeds up sign-off on your proof.
Why a scarf logo needs different preparation
On a printed T-shirt, a logo can keep its gradients and half-millimetre lines. On a knitted scarf, the design is built from a grid of stitches, rather like a pixel image:
- on classic jacquard, about 36 stitches across the 18 cm width of the scarf;
- on HD jacquard, about 60 stitches across the same width, which gives a much finer result.
Each stitch is a single yarn colour. Any detail smaller than a stitch disappears or thickens, and a gradient becomes flat blocks of colour. That is normal, and it is also what gives jacquard its bold look that reads from the far end of the ground.
The right file format
Vector: the best option
An SVG, AI, EPS or vector PDF describes shapes as curves, so nothing is lost when it is enlarged. The designer can isolate each colour, adjust a line weight or simplify an element cleanly. If your crest was drawn by a designer or agency, ask them for the source file: it is usually the same one used for kit and programmes.
PNG: fine, with conditions
If you have no vector file, a PNG at least 1,000 px wide works. Two precautions:
- a transparent background, so only the logo is knitted;
- no screenshots or images saved from social media: compression creates fuzzy edges and stray colours.
Avoid low-resolution JPEGs: their artefacts add shades that are not in the original logo.
Colour count by technique
| Technique | Maximum yarn colours | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Classic jacquard | 3 | Simple crest, solid colours |
| HD jacquard | 7 | Detailed badge, several colours |
| HD woven | 8 | Fine logo, small type |
| Printed satin | Unlimited | Photo, gradient, effects |
Bear in mind that these colours include the scarf background and the wording. On classic jacquard, a navy background, white wording and a red crest already use all 3 yarns. If your logo has more colours than the technique allows, you have two options: move up a technique, or merge some shades. Our comparison of jacquard vs woven scarves explains these choices.
Fine lines and small text: what the knit simplifies
The elements that cause the most trouble in a knit:
- very thin lines (one-pixel outlines, hatching, decorative rules);
- small text inside the crest (a Latin motto under the shield, a tiny founding year);
- gradients and drop shadows;
- details packed closely together, which merge into one another.
Before sending your file, ask yourself: is the logo still recognisable in a simplified version, without its smallest details? Often, dropping an unreadable motto or thickening an outline makes a big difference. If the small text really matters, take it out of the crest and use it as the main wording on the scarf, where it will be legible.
If your crest is very detailed and every element has to stay, HD woven is the most precise technique.
Mapping each logo colour to a yarn
The palette has 16 yarn colours, from black, white and grey to claret, royal blue, sky blue, gold and dark green. The exact colours of your logo are then matched to Pantone references at proof stage.
In the configurator, the colours in your logo are detected automatically and each one can be mapped to a yarn from the palette. That is very handy to:
- merge two similar blues onto a single royal blue yarn;
- tie the logo in with the background, wording or border colour;
- try a single-colour version, which often looks very smart on classic jacquard.
What the configurator shows you
The online configurator gives you an accurate preview before you speak to anyone:
- automatic background removal when you upload your logo;
- colour-by-colour mapping to the yarns in the palette;
- a stitch-by-stitch preview on jacquard, showing how the logo will actually be knitted;
- a live price based on technique, quantity and extras;
- a shareable link so your committee or team can sign off the design.
If the logo looks too “pixelated” in the classic jacquard preview, switch to HD jacquard: the difference in detail is obvious straight away. For a logo stitched on top of the scarf instead, see our embroidered scarves.
What the designer does on your proof
When you send your quote request, your design goes with it automatically. A designer then prepares your free design proof within 24 working hours. In practice, they:
- redraw or clean up the logo for the stitch grid of your chosen technique;
- adjust line weights and simplify details that are too fine;
- match each colour to the nearest Pantone reference in the yarn palette;
- check the balance between logo, wording and pattern, and how the reverse looks on jacquard (colours swapped).
Ask for as many changes as you need; nothing is made until you approve it in writing. Production then takes 4–6 weeks.
Rights to your logo
One point not to overlook: you must hold the rights to any logos and trade marks you send. For a grassroots club or a charity, the committee usually signs off use of the badge. For a business, check with your marketing team. The name, crest or slogan of a professional club or a registered brand cannot be reproduced without the owner’s permission.
Checklist before you send your logo
- Vector file (SVG, AI, EPS, PDF) or a PNG at least 1,000 px wide.
- Transparent background.
- Colour count that suits the technique, background and wording included.
- Fine lines and small text simplified or removed.
- Preview checked in the configurator, front and back.
- Rights to use the logo confirmed.
Got everything? Upload your logo to the scarf configurator and watch your scarf take shape stitch by stitch. More on logo work on our scarves with logo page.
Read next
Club scarf budget
A club scarf budget comes down to two things: the technique and the quantity. Prices are per scarf, ex VAT and excluding delivery, and they drop at 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 pieces. Add any extras, check the next tier up, and plan resale before you order.
Design a football scarf
To design a football scarf, pick a technique, set your colours, wording and crest in the configurator, choose a quantity (50 minimum) and approve the free design proof. Production then takes 4–6 weeks.
Scarf slogan ideas
The best scarf slogan is short, in capitals and in strong contrast: about 15 characters on classic jacquard and 25 on HD jacquard. Here are 50 ideas sorted by theme to help you find yours.