Retro embroidery font
Retro is a bold script embroidery lettering style based on the open-source Lobster font. Keep capital letters at least 10 mm tall so the stitches stay readable. It suits shop names and vintage logos.
- Min. 10 mm capitals
- bold script
- Based on Lobster
Stitched sample. Based on Lobster.
Retro A to Z, stitched
Every letter, number and common symbol, generated from the font and rendered as real stitches.
About Retro
A bold, connected script with a vintage sign-painter feel. Thick strokes and tight joins make it one of the easiest scripts to stitch.
Best for
- Shop and brand names
- Retro-style tees and caps
- Diner and food truck aprons
- Patches
Size guide
| Capitals | Result | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | Too small | Small labels, cap sides |
| 8 mm | Too small | Left chest names, sleeves |
| 12 mm | Readable | Cap fronts, towels, bags |
| 20 mm | Clear | Pillows, tote bags, jacket fronts |
| 35 mm | Clear | Monograms, jacket backs |
Stitching tips
- Use at 10 mm or larger so the loops stay open.
- Underline it with a swash or a simple bar for a classic logo.
- Works well in a single bright color on dark fabric.
Fonts that pair with Retro
Use one style for the name and another for a tagline or date.
Free account
Make Retro lettering ready to stitch
Create a free account to digitize any image, try every setting and watch it sew. Choose a plan only when you want to download files.
- Digitize and preview any image
- Realistic stitch preview and sew-out
- Download free ready-made designs
- No credit card needed
Other embroidery fonts
BlockBold sans · min. 5 mm · Names on shirts, bags and caps
SlabClassic serif · min. 7 mm · Monograms and a traditional look
TallCondensed caps · min. 6 mm · Long names on sleeves and collars
VarsityHeavy slab · min. 6 mm · Team names, numbers and sports wear
ScriptRounded script · min. 10 mm · Gifts, baby items and towels
ClassicElegant serif · min. 8 mm · Wedding linens and formal monograms
RoundedSoft sans · min. 5 mm · Kids' clothes, pets and playful brands
BrushBrush script · min. 10 mm · Sporty slogans and hand-made looks
FlowingFlowing script · min. 12 mm · Signatures, quotes and keepsakes
RomanRoman capitals · min. 7 mm · Crests, clubs and classic branding
SportCondensed sans · min. 5 mm · Workwear, jerseys and bold headlines
Retro font questions
The quickest way to see what it does with your artwork is to try it. With a free account, digitizing and previewing cost nothing and take about a minute.
What is the smallest size for the Retro embroidery font?
Keep capital letters at least 10 mm (0.39 in) tall. Smaller than that, the satin stitches start to merge and the letters lose their shape.
What font is Retro based on?
Lobster, an open-source font under the SIL Open Font License. The stitches are generated from the letter shapes, so the lettering keeps the look of the font.
What is Retro lettering good for?
Shop names and vintage logos. Shop and brand names, Retro-style tees and caps, Diner and food truck aprons are common uses.
How do I turn Retro text into an embroidery file?
Type your text in the text to embroidery tool with Retro selected, pick a size and color, then send it to the digitizer to preview the stitches and download DST, PES, JEF or another format for your machine.
Do I need to install the font on my machine?
No. The letters are converted into stitches, so the file sews on any machine that reads the format, without the font installed anywhere.
Retro lettering, ready for your machine
Sign up free, type your text, preview the stitches and download the file for your machine.