“How much does embroidery cost?” sounds like a simple question—until you get three quotes that don’t match. In 2026, embroidery is still priced the same way it’s always been priced: you’re paying for machine time (stitches), setup (digitizing), and the garment itself. The tricky part is that those pieces can be packaged together differently depending on where you order, how complex the design is, and how many items you need.
This guide breaks down the real cost drivers, shows example math you can reuse, and gives you practical ways to get the look you want without paying for surprises.
2026 cost snapshot (quick tables)
Here’s a practical way to think about embroidery pricing in 2026: you’re usually paying for (1) the garment, (2) stitching time, and (3) setup. Some providers show those as separate line items; others roll them into a single “per piece” price.
A reusable “back-of-the-napkin” formula
- Total per item ≈ garment cost + (stitch count ÷ 1,000 × stitch rate) + per-item handling
- Plus one-time digitizing/setup (often waived for larger batches)
- Plus optional large-placement fee when the stitch area is big
Stitch rates and setup fees vary by provider. The tables below link to example pricing models so you can see where the numbers come from.
What to collect before you request a quote
- Placement (left chest, sleeve, back, etc.) and approximate size in inches
- A clean logo file (vector is best) or a high-resolution image
- Quantity and sizes (S–5XL, etc.)
- Deadline (and whether it’s flexible)
Stitch pricing + setup examples (linked)
| Cost component | How it’s commonly charged | Typical range you’ll see in 2026 quotes | Why it matters | Example source links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digitizing / setup | One-time per new design file | About $6–$25+ depending on provider and complexity | This is why “one item” can feel expensive. | Printful digitization fee chart · Threads Hawaii (digitizing starts at $25) |
| Stitching time | Per 1,000 stitches or flat per placement | About $0.75–$1.50 per 1,000 stitches (varies by shop, quantity, and design) | More stitches = more machine time = higher cost. | Threads Hawaii stitch pricing · Printful example using $1.50 / 1,000 stitches |
| Large placement fee (when applicable) | Tiered by stitch count / complexity | Can add a few dollars up to ~$20+ per item for very dense/large designs | Big back pieces can jump tiers quickly. | Printful large embroidery tiers |
| Garment cost | Blank garment included or itemized | Depends heavily on brand, fabric weight, and sizing range | A premium hoodie can cost more than the stitching. | Printful example garment costs |
Tip: if two quotes are far apart, ask each vendor to tell you the stitch count they’re estimating and whether digitizing is included. Those two answers usually explain the difference.
How embroidered clothing is priced (stitches, digitizing, garment)
If you’ve ever wondered why a tiny embroidered logo can cost more than you expected, here’s the simple truth: embroidery isn’t just “ink on fabric.” It’s a stitched construction process, and the machine needs a stitch file.
Digitizing: the one-time setup fee
Digitizing converts your artwork into a stitch-ready file. Many services treat this as a one-time charge per new design. For example, Printful lists a one-time digitization fee for new designs (with separate fees for text/back-side/adjustments).
If you’ll reorder the same logo over time, paying digitizing once can make repeat orders much cheaper.
Stitch count: you pay for machine time
Most providers either price per 1,000 stitches or tuck stitch cost into a flat per-placement rate. The key is that stitch count rises with size, density, and detail.
- Small left-chest logo: often a few thousand stitches
- Detailed chest emblem / patch-sized art: commonly 8,000–15,000+ stitches
- Large back design: can be 25,000–60,000+ stitches depending on fill
Stitch count: the fastest way your quote changes
In 2026, the most reliable “price predictor” is still stitch count. If you enlarge a design, add filled areas, or increase detail, stitch count climbs—sometimes more than you’d expect.
Large design tiers (example model)
Here’s an example of tiered large-embroidery pricing based on stitch count. Use it as a mental model when you’re comparing quotes. (This is an example pricing structure from a print-on-demand provider, not a universal industry standard.)
| Tier | Stitch count | Example added fee (USD) | What to take from this | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | 0–14,999 | No extra charge | Small/medium areas often live here. | Printful tier table |
| T2 | 15,000–19,999 | $3.95 | Crossing 15k can trigger a jump. | Printful tier table |
| T3 | 20,000–24,999 | $6.95 | Dense logos and larger patches often land here. | Printful tier table |
| T4 | 25,000–34,999 | $9.95 | Large pieces start getting real machine-time expensive. | Printful tier table |
| T5 | 35,000–44,999 | $13.50 | Back designs and filled art often land here. | Printful tier table |
| T6 | 45,000–59,999 | $16.95 | Very dense fill or big coverage. | Printful tier table |
| T7 | 60,000+ | $19.95 | Expect premium pricing and longer production time. | Printful tier table |
If your design is meant to be “clean and minimal,” keep stitch count down by avoiding large filled areas. Outlines, simple text, and smaller placements are usually the most cost-effective in 2026.
Example calculations (small logo vs large design)
Instead of guessing, here are two example breakdowns that show how embroidery quotes get built. They use published example math from a major provider so you can follow the logic and swap in your own numbers.
| Scenario | What’s being embroidered | Key inputs | Example cost build | Source link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small logo on a polo (flat-rate style example) | Simple logo placement on a polo shirt | Includes base garment + digitizing example | Base product price example: $20.35 + digitization example: $6.50 + (example store/payment fees) ⇒ total example cost $29.44 (selling price example: $45). | Printful pricing examples |
| Large logo on a hoodie (stitch-count style example) | Large back logo on a midweight hoodie | 12,000 stitches, $1.50 per 1,000 stitches example | Blank hoodie example: $18.00 + stitching example: 12 × $1.50 = $18.00 + digitizing example: $15.00 + (example store/payment fees) ⇒ total example cost $55.03 (selling price example: $95). | Printful stitch-count example |
How to use these examples for your own quote
- If you know stitch count: plug it into (stitches ÷ 1,000 × stitch rate).
- If you don’t: ask the vendor what stitch count they’re estimating (or ask for a “small / medium / large” stitch range).
- Ask whether digitizing is included and whether it’s waived at certain quantities.
Bulk orders: when the price drops and when it doesn’t
Bulk embroidery can get dramatically cheaper per item—but only if the design and placement stay consistent. Two common ways you’ll see savings in 2026:
- Digitizing waived: Some providers waive digitizing after a certain item count (example: 25+ items on one order). See an example digitizing-waiver rule.
- Lower stitch rate: Many shops charge less per 1,000 stitches at higher quantities. Example quantity-based stitch pricing.
When bulk doesn’t help much
- If every item is different (different names, different art) you may pay setup costs repeatedly.
- If you change garment types (hat → hoodie), some providers treat it as a file adjustment or new digitizing.
- If your deadline is tight, rush fees can erase bulk savings.
Real-world pricing examples from PetDecorArt (custom pet embroidery)
If you’re shopping for embroidered clothes as a gift (or you want something that feels genuinely personal), a custom pet portrait is a great example of why embroidery isn’t priced like a basic logo. You’re not just paying for “a stitch”; you’re paying for detail, interpretation, and time.
PetDecorArt specializes in personalized pet embroidery made from your photo. If you want help choosing the right image, the Pet Portraits From Photos guide is a good starting point. And if you’re deciding between printed vs embroidered apparel, this comparison may help: Embroidered vs Printed Pet Portrait Hoodie.
PetDecorArt embroidered apparel price examples (what’s included)
| Product (link) | Price (USD) | Fabric / build (from product page) | Portrait options (from product page) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Hand Embroidered Pet Portrait T-Shirt | $49.98 | 100% cotton; fully hand-embroidered (“thousands of stitches”) from your photo | Mini 2” head portrait or Classic 3.5” full-body option | Everyday wear, lighter layer, easy gift size |
| Custom Embroidered Pet Portrait Crewneck Sweatshirt | $59.98 | 100% cotton; hand-embroidered from your pet photo; sizes S–5XL listed | Mini 2” or detailed 3.5” portrait | Cozy daily wear, gifting, memorial keepsake |
| Custom Hooded Sweatshirt with Pet Portrait (320g) | $69.98 | Premium 320g cotton-blend fleece; unisex comfort fit (per product page) | Custom embroidered pet portrait created from your uploaded photo | Cold-weather layering, premium “wearable portrait” feel |
| Custom Long Sleeve Polo with Embroidered Pet Portrait | $79.98 | Premium silk-blend fabric with a multi-fiber blend listed on page | Hand-stitched pet portrait embroidery created from your photo | Business casual, “nice” gift, elevated look |
| Personalized Pet Polo Shirt | $69.98 | 50% cotton + 50% polyester blend; 200g fabric (per product page) | Hand-embroidered pet portrait from your photo | Uniform-style gifting, smart casual |
Looking for more categories? Browse the full embroidered apparel collection here: PetDecorArt Embroidery Clothing.
Production time reality check (2026)
Custom embroidery takes time—especially when it’s made-to-order. PetDecorArt notes that custom handmade products have a crafting window and may ship separately from other items. If you’re gifting for a specific date, order early and keep some buffer.
(If you’re on a deadline, consider a smaller portrait size or a simpler placement—less stitch time usually means faster production.)
Cost-per-wear: care tips that protect your embroidery
The most underrated way to “lower” the cost of embroidered clothes is to keep them looking new. Embroidery is durable, but friction, heat, and harsh washing can make threads fuzz or dull.
- Turn garments inside out before washing.
- Avoid high heat drying when possible (heat can stress fibers and thread sheen).
- Don’t iron directly on raised embroidery—use a cloth barrier or iron from the inside.
For a step-by-step care checklist, see: How to Wash Embroidered Clothes.
FAQ
How much does it cost to embroider a shirt in 2026?
For custom one-offs in 2026, the price is usually a mix of the shirt cost + stitching time + a one-time digitizing/setup fee. A small, simple left-chest logo is typically far cheaper than a dense, large design. If you’re comparing quotes, ask for the estimated stitch count and whether digitizing is included.
Why do some shops charge a digitizing fee?
Embroidery machines need a stitch file, not a regular image file. Digitizing converts your artwork into stitch instructions. Many vendors charge it once per new design and then reuse that file on future runs.
What makes embroidery expensive fast?
Bigger stitch area, dense fill stitches, high-detail artwork, and rush deadlines. The fastest way costs climb is when a design crosses into a higher stitch-count tier for a large placement.
Is embroidery more expensive than printing?
Often, yes—especially for one-off orders—because embroidery has setup + machine time. But embroidery can look more premium and last longer, which can make it a better value for items you wear often (hoodies, polos, hats).
How can I reduce embroidery cost without making it look cheap?
- Choose a smaller placement (left chest vs full back).
- Simplify filled areas (outlines and clean shapes reduce stitches).
- Order multiple items with the same design (setup spreads out).
- Avoid rush timelines when possible.
Does thread color count affect price?
Sometimes. Some shops price purely by stitches; others include complexity factors like color changes or special techniques. If your design uses lots of color blocks, ask whether the quote assumes extra steps beyond stitch count.
What’s the difference between a small logo and a custom portrait embroidery cost?
Logos are usually repeatable and predictable. Portrait embroidery requires interpretation, detail, and higher stitch density to capture features, so it’s priced more like custom work than a standard uniform logo.
If I’m gifting embroidered clothing, how far ahead should I order?
For custom work, earlier is safer. Build in extra time for production plus shipping, especially during holidays. If the date is fixed, pick a simpler design or smaller placement to help keep turnaround realistic.
Sources & further reading
- Printful Help Center (digitization & adjustment fees): What are digitization and adjustment fees for embroidery?
- Printful Help Center (large embroidery tier pricing): What’s the large embroidery pricing?
- Printful Blog (cost breakdown examples): How to price embroidered products for profit
- Threads Hawaii (example shop pricing model): Pricing
- PetDecorArt (photo guide): Pet Portraits From Photos: A Complete Guide
- PetDecorArt (embroidery collection): Embroidery Clothing
- PetDecorArt (care): How to Wash Embroidered Clothes
This article provides budgeting guidance and example pricing models. Final pricing varies by design complexity, stitch density, placement, and vendor policies.
