What moves the cost of custom embroidery
Most embroiderers price by stitch count, plus a one-time digitizing fee. Size, fill and quantity move the number most. Post your artwork free and compare bids.
What moves the price
- Stitch count — Most shops price per 1,000 stitches; one industry pricing guide puts the rate around $1–3. A solid-filled logo can carry several times the stitches of an outline at the same size.
- Digitizing — Artwork has to be converted into a stitch file before a machine can sew it. It's a one-time charge per design, commonly $10–75, more for large or complex jacket backs. Already have a DST or PES? Say so.
- Quantity — Digitizing and setup are paid once, so the per-piece price drops as quantity grows. A single item carries the whole setup on its own.
- The item — Structured caps and heavy jackets are slower to hoop and sew than a flat polo, and usually cost more. Patches need a backing and a finished edge.
- Your own garment — Sending your own jacket, bag or towel saves the blank cost. Some makers charge a handling fee or ask for a spare, because a ruined customer item can't be replaced from stock.
- Specialty thread — Metallic, glow and reflective thread and 3D puff foam run slower and cost more per placement.
- Rush — A deadline inside 24–48 hours is a rush job. Expect a surcharge, and expect some makers to pass.
How to brief an embroiderer (paste this into your post)
- Your artwork: vector (AI, SVG, PDF) is best, a clear PNG is fine. Or the DST / PES file if you have one.
- What it goes on: patch, cap front, left chest, jacket back, towel, bag.
- Finished size in inches or millimeters, and where on the item it goes.
- Thread colors, or 'match the artwork'.
- Quantity, and sizes and colors of the items if the maker supplies them.
- For patches: shape, edge (merrowed or satin), and backing (sew-on, iron-on, hook-and-loop).
- Whether you're sending your own item, and how many spares.
- The date you need it in hand, your ship-to country and a budget range.