Custom embroidery questions

Most embroiderers price by stitch count, usually per 1,000 stitches, plus a one-time digitizing fee and the item itself. One industry pricing guide puts the stitch rate around $1–3 per 1,000. Bigger designs and solid fills mean more stitches. Our free stitch count and price calculators give a range; bids give the real number.

It depends on size and how much of it is filled. As a reference, an ASI example puts a solid 2 x 2 inch fill at about 5,600 to 6,900 stitches depending on density. Outlines and lettering use far fewer. The exact count comes from the digitized file.

Digitizing turns your artwork into a stitch file the machine can sew: stitch types, direction, density and order. It's charged once per design, commonly $10–75, more for large or complex jacket backs. Reorders of the same design usually skip it.

The platform doesn't set one. You can post one patch or one cap. Each maker sets their own minimum, and on a single item the digitizing and setup make up most of the price.

Yes. DST is a common format for commercial multi-needle machines; PES is a common home-machine format. If you already have a stitch file, attach it and say so, and you may skip the digitizing fee. Ask for the file when you pay for digitizing, so you own it.

Many makers accept customer-supplied items: jackets, bags, towels, baby blankets. Say what it is and what it's made of. Some charge a handling fee or ask for a spare, because a ruined item can't be replaced from their stock.

It's limited by the machine's embroidery field, which is often smaller than the hoop's name suggests. A common home 4x4 hoop sews a 100 x 100 mm field; large jacket backs need a big field or a multi-hooped design. Our hoop size calculator checks a size against common fields.

It depends on digitizing, the maker's queue and quantity. One pricing guide gives five to seven business days as standard for shops. Each bid here states a turnaround. A 24–48 hour deadline is a rush and usually costs more.

Embroidery lasts and looks premium but suits simple, bold designs. A patch can be sewn or ironed onto items that are hard to hoop. Heat transfer handles photos and fine gradients. Say what the piece is for and makers can advise.

Post the job free. Embroiderers who can do it send a price and a turnaround, and you can message them with questions. Compare bids, profiles and reviews, then accept one. Nothing is charged until you accept.

You pay by card through Stripe when you accept a bid. The platform holds the payment and releases it to the maker once the order arrives and you confirm delivery. If something goes wrong, you can open a dispute in the app.