How is embroidery priced?

Embroidery pricing is based on stitch count, not color count. A simple logo (5,000-10,000 stitches) costs $5-8 per unit. Complex designs (30,000-50,000 stitches) cost $12-20 per unit. Volume discounts apply for 25+ units.

What is the minimum size for embroidered text?

The minimum letter height for readable embroidered text is 3mm (approximately 0.12 inches). Serif fonts require larger sizes. We recommend sans-serif fonts at 5mm+ for best results.

Can you embroider on caps and hats?

Yes. Cap embroidery is one of our specialties. We use specialized cap frames and can embroider front panels, sides, and back. Standard cap embroidery area is 4" x 2.5" for front panels.

How durable is embroidery compared to printing?

Embroidery is the most durable decoration method available. The polyester thread will not fade, crack, or peel — the decoration literally outlasts the garment itself. This makes it ideal for workwear and uniforms.

What thread colors are available?

We stock 500+ Pantone-matched thread colors. If your brand uses specific Pantone colors, we can match them precisely. Custom thread color matching is included at no extra charge.

Embroidery SPECIFICATION

Machine Embroidery

Premium stitched designs with a professional, textured finish

Updated February 2026

Embroidery is the premium print technique for corporate logos, team branding, and high-end merchandise. It produces the most durable decoration method with a professional 3D texture. Best for simple logos with fewer than 12 colors.

Stitch density: up to 100,000 stitches per design (standard 10,000-50,000)
Max colors: 12 thread colors per design (each color = separate needle)
File format: DST, PES, or EMB digitized file required
Durability: Outlasts the garment — no fading, peeling, or cracking
Best for: logos, monograms, corporate branding, team uniforms

What is Machine Embroidery?

Machine embroidery uses automated multi-head embroidery machines to stitch designs directly onto garments using polyester or rayon thread. It creates a premium, raised, textured look that conveys quality and durability — ideal for corporate branding, team uniforms, and premium merchandise.

Technical Specifications

Stitch Density

Up to 100,000 stitches per design

Max Colors

12 thread colors per design

Thread Type

Polyester (standard) or Rayon (premium sheen)

Max Embroidery Area

12" x 14" (30 x 35 cm)

Stitch Types

Satin, fill, running, tatami

Needle Speed

Up to 1,000 stitches/minute

Backing

Tear-away, cut-away, or water-soluble

Durability

Outlasts garment — no fading/cracking

Hand Feel

Raised, textured, premium 3D effect

File Requirements

Preferred Format

DST (Tajima) — industry standard

Also Accepted

PES, EMB, EXP, JEF

Digitizing

We digitize from vector (AI, EPS, SVG) for free

Min. Detail Size

1mm line width, 3mm letter height

Color Specification

Pantone or thread color chart reference

Vector Source

AI, EPS, SVG, PDF (for digitizing)

Download Template

Best For

Corporate logos and branding
Team uniforms and workwear
Caps, hats, and beanies
Polo shirts and dress shirts
Premium merchandise and gifts
Monograms and initials

Not Ideal For

Photographic or gradient images (use DTG/DTF)
Designs with 12+ colors (use DTG/DTF)
Ultra-thin or stretchy fabrics (may pucker)
Full-coverage designs (use AOP or sublimation)
Budget projects (embroidery has higher per-unit cost)

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Most durable decoration — outlasts the garment
Premium, professional appearance with 3D texture
Works on almost any fabric weight
No fading, cracking, or peeling ever
Free digitizing from vector files
Ideal for corporate and team branding

Limitations

Limited to 12 colors per design
Cannot reproduce photographic detail
Higher per-unit cost than print methods
Setup time for digitizing (12-24 hours)
Not suitable for very thin/stretchy fabrics

Compatible Products

Polo ShirtsCaps & HatsHoodiesJacketsDress ShirtsBeaniesBagsTowelsApronsWorkwear

Production Details

3-7 business days (includes digitizing)

Lead Time

1 unit

Min Order

12" x 14"

Max Print Area

$5-25 per unit (varies by stitch count)

Cost Range

Care Instructions

Machine wash in cold or warm water
Tumble dry on any setting
Iron safe (avoid ironing directly on stitching)
Dry cleaning safe
No special care needed — extremely durable

99.2% Quality Pass Rate

2-5 days Production Time

200+ Countries Shipped

5M+ Items Fulfilled

Embroidery FAQ

Common questions about Machine Embroidery

No. If you provide a vector file (AI, EPS, SVG), our team will digitize it for free within 12-24 hours. Digitizing converts your artwork into stitch instructions (DST format) that the embroidery machine can execute.