Pricing Guide

How Much Does Custom Embroidery Cost in 2026?

From polo shirts and caps to jackets and bags, embroidery is the gold standard for professional branding. This guide breaks down real-world pricing so you can budget accurately and get the best value on your next embroidery order.

Quick Answer

Custom embroidery typically costs $5–$20 per piece for orders of 24+. Pricing depends on stitch count, garment type, quantity, and number of embroidery locations. A one-time digitizing fee of $30–$75 applies for new designs.

Embroidery Pricing by Quantity & Stitch Count

Quantity	Simple Logo (5K stitches)	Medium Design (10K stitches)	Large Design (15K+ stitches)
6 pieces	$15–$20	$18–$25	$22–$30
12 pieces	$12–$17	$15–$22	$18–$27
24 pieces	$8–$13	$11–$17	$14–$22
48 pieces	$6–$10	$9–$14	$12–$18
100 pieces	$5–$8	$7–$12	$10–$15
500 pieces	$3.50–$6	$5.50–$9	$8–$12

* Per-piece pricing for embroidery only. Blank garment cost is additional. Prices are 2026 US market estimates and vary by shop, location, and garment type.

What Affects Embroidery Pricing?

Stitch Count

Stitch count is the single biggest factor in embroidery pricing. A simple logo with 5,000 stitches takes far less machine time than a detailed design with 15,000+ stitches. Most shops price primarily on stitch count rather than design dimensions.

Number of Thread Colors

Each thread color requires a machine stop to change spools. Designs with 1–3 colors run faster and cost less. Designs with 6+ colors add $0.50–$2.00 per piece due to extra setup and run time.

Garment Type

Polos and t-shirts are the easiest to embroider and the cheapest. Caps and beanies require special hooping equipment and run slower, adding $1–$3 per piece. Jackets, bags, and thick outerwear are the most expensive due to heavy materials and complex hooping.

Number of Embroidery Locations

Each additional location (left chest, back, sleeve, collar) requires re-hooping the garment and a separate machine run. Left chest only is standard; adding a second location typically adds 50–75% of the first location cost.

Digitizing Fees

Before any design can be embroidered, it must be converted into a stitch file — a process called digitizing. Expect a one-time fee of $30–$75 for simple logos and $75–$150+ for complex artwork. Many shops waive digitizing for orders over 48 pieces.

Rush Charges

Standard turnaround for embroidery is 7–14 business days. Need it faster? Rush fees of 20–50% apply for 3–5 day turnaround, and same-day or next-day embroidery (where available) can double the per-piece cost.

Embroidery vs Screen Printing Cost

Screen printing is generally 20–40% cheaper per piece than embroidery for the same quantity. For 100 t-shirts with a one-color logo, screen printing might cost $6–$10 per piece while embroidery runs $8–$14 per piece.

When embroidery is worth the extra cost:

Corporate uniforms and professional branding — embroidery conveys quality and lasts longer
Polos, caps, and jackets — these garments look best with embroidered logos
Small orders (under 24) — screen printing setup fees make it expensive at low quantities, while embroidery setup is similar regardless of method
Durability matters — embroidery will not crack, peel, or fade like printed designs can over time
Premium gifting and client-facing merchandise — the textured, stitched look signals higher value

How to Save Money on Embroidery

1
Simplify Your Design
Reduce stitch count by removing unnecessary detail, gradients, and small text. A clean, bold logo embroiders better and costs less. Ask your embroiderer to optimize the design — they can often cut 20–30% of stitches without changing the look.
2
Order in Larger Quantities
Per-piece pricing drops dramatically between 12 and 48 pieces, and again at 100+. If you know you will reorder, placing one larger order is significantly cheaper than two smaller ones.
3
Stick to Fewer Locations
A single left-chest embroidery is the most cost-effective placement. Each additional location (back, sleeve, collar) adds a separate setup and run charge. If budget is tight, one well-placed logo is better than three.
4
Supply Your Own Garments
Some shops allow you to provide your own blank garments, which can save money if you have a wholesale account or existing inventory. Confirm with your embroiderer first — not all shops accept customer-supplied blanks, and some charge a handling fee.
5
Ask About Setup Fee Waivers for Large Orders
Digitizing and setup fees are one-time costs that hurt small orders disproportionately. For orders of 48+ pieces, many shops will waive or discount the setup fee. Always ask — it never hurts to negotiate on larger runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to embroider a logo on a polo shirt?

A standard left-chest logo (5,000–8,000 stitches) on a polo shirt typically costs $8–$15 per piece for orders of 24+. For smaller orders of 6–12, expect $12–$20 per piece. These prices include embroidery only — the blank polo is additional, usually $8–$20 depending on the brand.

Is there a setup fee for embroidery?

Yes. Most embroidery shops charge a one-time digitizing fee of $30–$75 to convert your artwork into a machine-readable stitch file. This fee is charged once and the file is kept on record for future orders. Many shops waive digitizing for large orders (48+ pieces).

How much does hat embroidery cost?

Hat and cap embroidery typically costs $2–$5 more per piece than flat goods (shirts, polos) due to specialized hooping equipment and slower run speeds. Expect $10–$18 per cap for orders of 24+ with a standard front logo. Structured caps are easier to embroider than unstructured or low-profile styles.

What is the minimum order for custom embroidery?

Most embroidery shops have a minimum order of 6–12 pieces due to the setup time involved. Some shops offer single-piece embroidery but at a higher per-unit cost ($20–$35+). For the best pricing, order 24 or more pieces.

Is embroidery more expensive than screen printing?

Generally, yes. Embroidery costs 20–40% more than screen printing for comparable orders. However, embroidery offers a premium, textured look that lasts the life of the garment. For corporate wear, uniforms, and professional branding, the extra cost is usually worth the quality difference.

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