A guide to memorial pet embroidery in Australia

When a dog, cat or any other pet passes, the small moments are the hardest. The empty bed by the door. The lead still hanging in the hallway. The food bowl you keep meaning to put away. A memorial embroidery doesn't change any of that, but it does put the animal back in your line of sight every time you put on a jumper.

Most of the memorial pet pieces we make at RK Threads are commissioned in the first six months after a pet has passed. Some are for the person who lost them, some are gifts from family or close friends who knew the animal. Both work. The questions below are the ones we get most often.

What photo should I use?

The photo you choose matters more than the garment. Pick one where the pet looks like themselves: ears up if they always had ears up, head tilted if that was their thing. A clear, well-lit photo translates best into thread, but if there's a slightly blurry photo that captures their personality, send it anyway and we'll work with it. The portrait is a stylised line drawing, not a photo-realistic copy, so character matters more than resolution.

Should I add a name, date or phrase?

About half our memorial orders include a name underneath the portrait. Some add the years they were with you (for example "Marley, 2009 to 2024"). A small number include a short phrase like "good boy" or "the best dog". Any of these read warmly; none of them are required. Your first embroidery placement is included in the price, and adding text to a separate spot on the garment is a paid extra at checkout.

Which garment do most people choose?

Hoodies and crewnecks are the most common because they get worn the most. A few people choose a tote so they carry their pet with them everywhere. Heavyweight 380GSM hoodies are popular for winter; lighter mid-weight crewnecks suit Australian autumns and springs. There's no wrong answer.

How do I know it will feel right?

Add the draft approval option on the product page when you order. We'll email you the line drawing within three business days, you can revise it once or twice, and we won't stitch until you've approved it. For memorial orders, mention it in the order notes and we'll cover the draft approval fee.

Ready to start?

Browse the pet portrait collection to pick a garment, then upload your photo on the product page. If you'd rather talk it through first, email support@rkthreads.com and we'll help you choose.