How Much Does Embroidery Cost? A Complete Guide for Custom Apparel in 2025

Introduction

If you’re creating a clothing line, team uniforms, or event merch, one question always comes up: How Much Does Embroidery Cost?

In 2025, embroidery is a top choice for giving apparel a professional, durable, and premium look. From T-shirts and hats to jackets and tote bags, it adds texture and style that printing methods can’t match.

Embroidery costs vary based on stitch count, design complexity, garment type, thread colors, and order size. Comparing it with DTG (Direct-to-Garment) print on demand or DTF (Direct-to-Film) print on demand can also help you choose the best method for your needs.

This guide is perfect for businesses and creators exploring custom embroidery services or embroidery on demand, helping you understand pricing and get the best value for your project.

Key Takeaways

• Embroidery cost depends on stitch count, design complexity, garment type, quantity, and colors.
  
• Simplify designs and limit thread colors to reduce embroidery printing cost.
  
• Bulk orders and simpler garments lower custom embroidery cost per item.
  
• Embroidery offers a premium, long-lasting finish compared to DTF or DTG printing.
  
• Planning and accurate design details ensure a fair and transparent quote.
  

What Is Embroidery?

Embroidery is a method of decorating fabric using thread to create logos, patterns, or custom designs. It’s widely used in custom apparel because it adds texture, durability, and a premium feel that printing methods can’t match.

In 2025, custom embroidery services are more accessible than ever. Thanks to embroidery on demand, you can order anything from a single personalized shirt to bulk uniforms for your business—without compromising on quality or detail.

Whether you're building a brand or designing merch for an event, embroidery gives your apparel a polished, long-lasting finish. It’s not just decoration—it’s a way to make your clothing stand out and feel truly custom.

Types of Embroidery

When it comes to custom apparel, there are two main types of embroidery: hand embroidery and machine embroidery. Each method has its own strengths, costs, and ideal use cases. Understanding the difference helps you choose the best option for your project.

1. Hand Embroidery

Hand embroidery is the traditional technique, crafted entirely by skilled artisans. It’s perfect for intricate, detailed designs and adds a personal, artistic touch to garments. Because it’s labor-intensive, the custom embroidery cost is typically higher—especially for large orders.

This method is ideal for keepsakes, one-of-a-kind pieces, or high-end fashion where craftsmanship and detail matter most.

2. Machine Embroidery

Machine embroidery uses automated equipment to stitch designs quickly and consistently. It’s fast, precise, and cost-effective—making it the go-to choice for bulk orders, team uniforms, and branded merchandise.

With embroidery services, machine embroidery ensures uniform quality across every item while keeping costs manageable. You can achieve complex, multi-color designs without the high labor costs of hand embroidery.

Factors Influencing Embroidery Cost

Several factors determine how much embroidery costs on custom apparel. Understanding these can help you plan your budget and make smarter choices for your project.

1. Stitch Count

Stitch count is one of the biggest cost drivers. The more stitches your design has, the more time and thread are needed, which increases the price.

• Small logos (1,000–5,000 stitches) usually cost less.
  
• Larger, detailed designs (10,000+ stitches) can cost significantly more.
  

Pro tip: Keeping your design simple or reducing stitch count can save a noticeable amount, especially on bulk orders.

2. Design Complexity

Intricate designs with fine details, gradients, or text take more time and effort to embroider. The more complex the artwork, the higher the embroidery printing cost.

• Simple logos are quicker and cheaper.
  
• Photo-like or highly detailed designs increase both labor and machine time.
  

3. Digitizing Fees

Before embroidery begins, your artwork must be digitized—converted into a file that the embroidery machine can read.

• One-time fee: $20–$100 depending on complexity.
  
• Reusing the same digitized file for future orders usually costs nothing extra.
  
• Digitizing ensures your design stitches out perfectly, saving time and mistakes during production.
  

4. Number of Colors

Most embroidery services include up to 6 thread colors in the base price. Each additional color usually adds $2–$5 per item. Specialty threads like metallic or neon also increase costs.

• Fewer colors = lower cost
  
• More colors = premium, vibrant designs
  

5. Garment Type

The type of apparel affects the price because of fabric thickness, size, and hooping difficulty.

• Jackets, hoodies, and sweatshirts are more expensive than T-shirts or caps.
  
• Thick or textured fabrics require extra stabilizers and careful handling.
  

6. Quantity

Ordering in bulk can drastically reduce your per-item cost. Many embroidery services offer discounts for 50, 100, or even 1,000+ pieces.

• Single item: higher per-piece cost
  
• Bulk orders: up to 50% off per item
  

7. Location of Embroidery

Where the design is placed also matters. Larger areas like full-back jackets or sleeves may require more stitches and time, while small chest logos are quicker and cheaper.

Comparing Embroidery with Other Printing Methods

While embroidery is a top choice for custom apparel, it’s not the only option. If you’re considering DTF (Direct-to-Film) or DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing, understanding the differences in cost, durability, and appearance can help you choose the best method for your project.

1. DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing

DTF printing transfers your design from a special film directly onto the garment.

• Cost: Generally lower than embroidery for small, detailed, or multi-color designs.
  
• Durability: Good, but may fade slightly after multiple washes.
  
• Best for: Full-color graphics, photo-like designs, or small runs where embroidery might be too costly.
  

2. DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing

DTG printing uses a specialized inkjet printer to print directly onto the fabric.

• Cost: Affordable for short runs and one-off designs, but can be expensive for large orders.
  
• Durability: Works best on light-colored cotton fabrics; colors may fade over time.
  
• Best for: Custom T-shirts, complex multi-color designs, or personal projects.
  

3. Quick Comparison Table

Q2. Why are digitizing fees charged?
Ans: Digitizing converts your artwork into a machine-readable file for embroidery.

• One-time setup fee: $20–$60
  
• Reusable for future orders
  
• Ensures accurate stitching and reduces production errors
  

Q3. Can I supply my own garments for embroidery?
Ans: Yes. Many custom embroidery services accept customer-supplied apparel.

• Can reduce costs by 5–25%
  
• Fabric must be suitable for embroidery
  
• Still delivers professional results through embroidery on demand

Q4. How can I avoid extra fees?
Ans: To reduce your embroidery printing cost, follow these tips:

• Plan ahead to avoid rush charges
  
• Simplify your design and reduce stitch count
  
• Limit thread colors
  
• Order in bulk
  
• Choose a reliable custom print on demand provider
  

Q5. Does the number of thread colors affect the price?
Ans: Yes. Most providers include up to 6 thread colors in the base price.

• Extra colors: $2–$5 per item
  
• Specialty threads (metallic, neon): higher cost
  
• Fewer colors = lower embroidery cost
  

Conclusion

Embroidery is more than just a decorative touch—it’s an investment in quality, durability, and professionalism. Understanding the cost of embroidery in 2025 helps you make smarter choices for your apparel projects, whether it’s team uniforms, promotional merchandise, or personalized gifts.

The biggest factors affecting pricing include stitch count, design complexity, digitizing fees, thread colors, garment type, quantity, and placement. By keeping your design simple, ordering in bulk, and choosing suitable apparel, you can manage your custom embroidery cost effectively.

For businesses and creative entrepreneurs, custom embroidery services and embroidery on demand provide a reliable way to produce high-quality, professional-looking apparel that lasts. Compared to alternatives like DTF or DTG printing, embroidery offers unmatched durability and a premium finish.