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How Much Does Embroidery Cost?

May 25, 2023 6 min read

How Much Does Embroidery Cost?

Embroidery is a popular form of decorative art that has been around for centuries. This traditional craft involves decorating fabrics with intricate designs using needle and thread. Embroidery can be used to add a personal touch to clothing, bags, hats, and other accessories. However, the question of how much embroidery costs is one that many people are curious about.

Average Embroidery Pricing

Custom embroidery typically costs between $1 and $3 per 1,000 stitches, depending on the intricacy of the design and the thread used. For bulk embroidery orders, costs can range from $5 to $50 per item, based on the complexity, size, and stitch count of the designs. 


Many embroidery businesses offer discounted rates for bulk orders that use the same design, as the machine setup only needs to be done once for the entire batch. This setup includes digitizing the design, aligning the embroidery, and ensuring consistent quality across all items. 


Larger orders not only benefit from economies of scale but also from streamlined production, making bulk embroidery a cost-effective solution for businesses, events, or organizations seeking custom apparel.


 Pricing Method 

 Average Embroidery Cost 

 Details 

Per stitch

$0.5 - $2 per 1,000 stiches

Apply to common customization, detailed images, and logos.

Available for:  

sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, aprons, t-shirts, tote bags

Per piece 

$10 - $50 per piece

Use for bulk embroidery orders, including the item to be embroidered.

Factors that Affect Embroidery Cost

The pricing of embroidery is influenced by a multitude of factors, including the complexity of the design, the number of colors involved, the size of the design, the quantity of items to be embroidered, and the location where the embroidery is to be placed. 


  • Embroidery Design: The more intricate and complex a design is, with numerous colors and smaller details incorporated into it will generally increase its cost. 

Learn more about  How to Create Your Own Embroidery Designs, you'll discover how to harness both sketching and digitalizing techniques to craft designs that are uniquely yours


  • Design size:  Similarly, larger designs also tend to incur higher costs than smaller ones because they require more stitches and thread.
  • Design placement:  Moreover, embroidery placement on an item affects its price as some areas are harder to embroider than others and require more attention or special equipment. Some common design placements on embroidered sweatshirts are sleeve, middle chest, left-right chest, and neckline.
  • Order Quantity:  The quantity of embroidered items also plays a significant role in determining their overall cost as bulk orders usually receive discounts. 
How Much Does Embroidery Cost?

In addition to these core costs, customers should be aware of several potential external fees that may apply to their embroidery orders. 

  • Delivery fees  can vary depending on the size of the order and the shipping distance, especially for larger bulk orders or expedited shipping. If a project is needed on a tight deadline, 
  • Rush charges  may be added to ensure the job is completed and shipped quickly, which can increase the overall cost significantly.

Furthermore, if the customer requires a unique or highly customized design that goes beyond standard digitization, such as a logo that needs to be redrawn, hand-drafted, or significantly altered, there may be additional design customization fees 


Factoring in these external costs helps customers avoid surprises and ensures a clearer understanding of the full pricing for their embroidery projects.

Embroidery Cost Breakdown

Embroidery Cost Per Item

The cost of embroidery per item varies depending on the intricacy and size of the design, with more detailed designs typically being more expensive to embroider. The embroidery prices also depend on the type of garment or item being embroidered and the number of items being embroidered at once.


For example, custom embroidery pricing may be higher for a shirt compared to a hat due to differences in fabric and embroidery placement. Additionally, bulk orders may receive discounts compared to single-item orders.


Overall, it is difficult to give a definitive answer to how much is embroidery or how much does it cost to embroider a shirt without knowing specific details about the design and order quantity. It is recommended that customers request quotes from embroidery services before placing an order to ensure they are aware of all costs involved.

Embroidery Cost Per Stitch

Calculating the cost of embroidery per stitch can provide customers with a more precise understanding of the expenses involved in their order, allowing them to make informed decisions about their purchases. 


The cost of embroidery is typically calculated based on the number of stitches required to complete a design or lettering. Custom embroidery costs may vary depending on various factors such as thread type, fabric material, and design complexity. Generally, the higher the stitch count, the more expensive it will be.


Embroidery costs per letter or design can range from a few cents to several dollars per thousand stitches. To calculate how much embroidery costs per stitch for your project, you need to know your total stitch count and multiply it by the price per thousand stitches provided by your embroiderer. 


It's essential to find an accurate embroidery price guide from reputable sources to ensure that you're not overpaying for your orders.

How Much Does Embroidery Cost?

Custom Embroidery Cost

Determining the expenses involved in custom embroidery can be a crucial aspect of making informed purchasing decisions, as factors such as thread type, fabric material, and design complexity can significantly impact pricing.


To get an idea of custom embroidery costs, individuals should consider checking out embroidery prices near me or consulting a pricing guide for embroidery. Generally speaking, custom embroidery prices are determined by the number of stitches needed to complete the design and can range from $1-$2 per stitch.


However, additional charges may apply for special materials or designs that require more intricate work. It's also worth noting that some companies may offer an embroidery price list on their website or provide quotes upon request to give customers a better understanding of their costs before placing an order.


 Average Cost For Single Embroidered Item

 Item 

 Average Cost (including the item) 

Custom Embroidered Sweatshirt and Hoodie

$40 - $50

Custom Embroidered T-shirt

$30 - $40

Custom Embroidered Hat & Cap

$30 - $40

Embroidered Tote Bag

$40 - $50

Conclusion

Embroidery cost varies depending on several factors such as the design complexity, thread count, and embroidery location. Moreover, the type of item being embroidered also affects the overall embroidery cost.


For instance, a small logo embroidered on a hat will be less expensive compared to embroidering a large design on a jacket. The average cost per stitch ranges from $0.50-$1 depending on the quantity of stitches required for the design. On average, most embroidery companies charge between $5 to $10 for each item they embroider.


Custom embroidery involves creating designs from scratch and is often more expensive than standard embroidery services. Interestingly enough, according to a recent study conducted by Statista


Global revenue in the apparel market is projected to steadily rise between 2024 and 2029, with an overall increase of 0.3 trillion U.S. dollars (+16.76%). This marks the ninth consecutive year of growth, with revenue expected to reach a new peak of 2.04 trillion U.S. dollars by 2029.


This statistic highlights the significant growth potential for businesses in the apparel industry that offer quality embroidery services at competitive prices. 


Therefore, it is essential for these businesses to understand their clients' needs and offer affordable but high-quality embroidery services if they want to remain relevant in this growing industry.

FAQs About Embroidery Costs

What factors influence the cost of embroidery?  

Embroidery costs are primarily influenced by factors such as the complexity of the design, the size of the design, the number of colors used, the placement of the embroidery on the item, and the quantity of items being embroidered. Additionally, setup fees for digitizing the design may apply.


How much does embroidery typically cost per 1,000 stitches?  

On average, embroidery costs range between $1 and $3 per 1,000 stitches, depending on the complexity and detail of the design. Larger, more intricate designs with multiple colors may fall on the higher end of this range.


Are there any additional fees besides the cost per stitch?  

Yes, aside from the cost per stitch, customers may incur additional fees, such as setup charges for digitizing the design, delivery fees, rush order charges for quick turnaround times, and customization fees if a special design needs to be redrawn or altered before embroidery.


Do bulk embroidery orders come with discounts?  

Yes, many embroidery companies offer discounts for bulk orders. The cost per item often decreases as the quantity increases, since the setup is only done once for the entire order, and the production becomes more efficient.


Does the placement of the embroidery affect the cost?  

Yes, the placement of the embroidery can affect the cost. Embroidering on more difficult areas like sleeves, caps, or uneven surfaces may require special equipment or extra attention, leading to higher costs compared to standard placements like the chest or back.


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