Embroidery

Embroidery is the technique of decorating fabric with stitched thread. Modern commercial embroidery uses computerized machines that read a digitized design file (.dst, .emb, .pes) and stitch it into the garment with multiple thread colors loaded simultaneously.

Pricing is based on stitch count rather than piece count. A simple left-chest logo might run 5,000–8,000 stitches; a full-back design can hit 30,000+. Most shops have a setup or "digitizing" fee the first time you submit a logo, since the artwork has to be converted into stitch instructions.

Embroidery is the gold standard for polos, hats, jackets, and corporate apparel because the stitched logo looks premium and lasts the life of the garment. It is not ideal for fine detail, gradients, or photographs — the smallest readable text in embroidery is roughly a quarter inch.