
How Much Does Embroidery Cost? Savings Guide & Pricing Guide
You can personalize clothing, accessories, and corporate apparel with embroidery, giving them a unique look. But how much does embroidery cost? Budgeting for your next project can be easier if you understand the different factors affecting embroidery pricing. The guide covers everything you need to know about embroidery costs, factors affecting pricing, and practical tips.
Cost factors for embroidery
The price of embroidery can vary a lot depending on several things:
1. Complexity of the design
Designing with text or a simple logo usually costs less since there are fewer stitches.
Detailed images or intricate artwork with multiple colors increase stitch counts and time needed, so they cost more.
2. Embroidery size
It’s usually cheaper to put a logo on the chest or sleeves.
Large designs take more stitches and take longer to embroider, so they cost more.
3. Stitch count
Stitch count directly affects embroidery pricing. Because they take longer to make, stitch count-high designs cost more.
4. Type of item or garment
The standard items are T-shirts, caps, and polo shirts, which are relatively cheap to embroider.
You might have to pay more for embroidery on jackets, bags, thick fabrics, or items with unusual shapes.
5. Ordered quantity
One-Item Embroidery: Setup fees can make embroidery on just one item more expensive.
Order in bulk and spread out the setup costs, which lowers the price per item.
6. The embroidery method
The best way to get bulk orders done is with machine embroidery.
It’s usually more expensive, but it has an artisanal quality that’s great for special projects.
Embroidery Costs (Price Estimates)
According to the size and stitch count of the design, here’s an average price range:
Small designs (up to 1,000 stitches): $5 – $15
Designs with 1,000 – 5,000 stitches: $15 – $30
Designs with more than 5,000 stitches: $30 – $60 per item
How to Reduce Embroidery Costs
Want to keep embroidery costs down without sacrificing quality? Here are some ways to save money:
1. Make your embroidery design simpler
Minimize costs with simple, streamlined designs.
2. Get bulk orders
Embroidered items are cheaper when you buy in bulk.
3. Pick your standard items
Avoid higher embroidery fees by choosing common garments like shirts, polo shirts, and hats.
4. Don’t go overboard with colors
It’s easier to keep embroidery costs low with fewer colors and fewer thread changes.
5. Embroider with a trusted company
Invest in a reputable embroidery service that’s known for quality workmanship and excellent customer service. We specialize in digitizing and embroidery services tailored to your needs at Aqua Digitizing. Our team makes sure your designs are flawlessly executed while keeping your costs low.
Online directories like Thomas.Net can help you find reputable embroidery shops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do embroidery companies calculate costs?
Embroidery costs are typically calculated based on stitch count, design complexity, garment type, quantity ordered, and the embroidery method used.
Is hand embroidery worth the extra cost?
Hand embroidery is ideal for premium or heirloom items where the unique craftsmanship and high-quality finish justify the additional cost.
Can I reduce embroidery costs by providing my own garments?
Some embroidery providers allow customers to provide their own garments, potentially reducing overall costs. However, confirm with your provider as policies vary.
What is the minimum order for embroidery?
Many embroidery companies don’t have a strict minimum, but ordering in bulk often reduces the per-item cost significantly.
Final Thoughts
To manage your budget effectively, you need to know what affects embroidery costs. It’s important to evaluate your design complexity, embroidery size, stitch count, garment type, order quantity, and embroidery method before making a decision.
Aqua Digitizing helps you get outstanding embroidery results at competitive prices. Let’s get started! Bring your custom embroidery project to life today!