How to Create Custom Embroidered Graduation Stoles

Graduation is monumental achievement in life, ending the chapter in life from all the hardships and dedication during college years. Most students and institutions would opt to wear graduation stoles to symbolize their success. These decorative garments are adorned with personal touches telling a story of their academic journey and making it more memorable.

While printed designs are common, custom embroidered graduation stoles create a premium and classic feel and lasts a lifetime. Embroidery adds a 3D texture that looks stunning in graduation photos. It is also more durable than other materials used. It won’t peel, crack, or fade over time.

In this guide, we’ll break down the process of creating your own custom embroidered graduation stoles.

1.       Choose the right stole

·         Satin/Polyester Satin – a popular choice for graduation stoles. It’s glossy finish adds a touch of elegance

·         Silk – luxurious and expensive look

·         Velvet – soft and matte texture, often used for formal or special honors

·         Cotton blends – a comfortable, versatile choice

 

2.       Plan your design

Now that you have selected your base stole, it’s time to plan your design. Since the stole hangs over your neck, you have two long panels to work with.

·         Left side: Usually reserved for the school’s name or logo, graduation year

·         Right side: Space usually for academic achievements, college major, or personal message to your family

·         High-resolution design: make sure your designs are in high-reso format. Vectorized copies of the design are usually done by the print or embroidery shops.

 

3.       Design Colors

·         Contrast: if your base stole is dark, opt for a lighter color design like white or gold

·         Personalization: you can choose a color design based on your school or college’s colors, personal color choices, or colors that tells a story.

Metallic colors like gold or silver are popular choices on custom embroidered graduation stoles as well.

4.       Size and Fit

Always consider the size and fit of your custom embroidered graduation stole. You don’t want it to look too short or too long. Stoles are usually 60-72 long but always consider your body size to create the perfect look.

 

5.       Have it done by a professional

After reviewing and finalizing your design, double checking everything; have a professional do the custom embroidered graduation stole for you. Unless you are a professional seamstress (which I guess you don’t need a guide for this if you are), opting to have it serviced by a professional will guarantee you a cleaner, professional look.

 

6.       Extra note

·         School policy: make sure to check your school’s policy on graduation stoles first. Although, most give you the creative freedom to design your own custom graduation stoles, others might not. So be sure to check your school’s policy first and follow any guidelines they have provided

·         Storage: your custom embroidered graduation stole is a memorabilia worth keeping for. Make sure to store it on a hanger neatly. Avoid folding it as it may crease.

Designing your custom embroidered graduation stole gives you the creative freedom of storytelling your journey through out your college years. Whether representing your organization, college, fraternity, or simply celebrating your personal academic achievements, your custom graduation stole is a memorabilia worth keeping for.