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How much does custom embroidery cost? Digitising, stitch count and quantity
Short answer: machine embroidery is priced from a one-time digitising fee (turning your artwork into a stitch file), then per item by stitch count, number of thread colours, the item being embroidered, and quantity. Thumbtack reports that digitising "usually" costs USD 20 to 30 in the US, and that most of its customers pay around USD 109 for an embroidery job, with a typical range of USD 95 to 125 (Thumbtack, US data, checked 27 October 2026). Hand embroidery is priced differently, mostly by hours.
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What is the digitising fee?
Embroidery machines don't read a JPG or PNG. Someone has to turn the design into a stitch file that sets every stitch's type, direction and order. That's digitising, and it's charged once per design. Re-orders of the same design shouldn't pay it again, so keep the file or ask the maker to. Thumbtack's article gives a typical US digitising fee of USD 20 to 30, as low as USD 10 and USD 60 or more at the high end, depending on detail.
What makes embroidery cost more per item?
Thumbtack lists these factors, and makers price the same way:
| Factor | Why |
|---|---|
| Stitch count | More stitches means more machine time; large filled areas add up fast |
| Thread colours | Each colour change stops the machine |
| Detail | Small text and fine lines are harder to digitise and stitch cleanly |
| Item | Caps, bags and thick or stretchy fabrics need different hooping and backing |
| Supplied vs sourced items | If the maker buys the garments, their cost is added |
| Direct vs patch | A sewn-on patch is made separately, then attached |
| Quantity | Digitising and setup are spread over more items; volume can earn a discount |
The Fabric Yardage & Embroidery Cost Calculator lets you estimate stitch-based costs for your own design.
What do published examples look like?
Thumbtack quotes US embroiderers on a few common jobs. These are examples from named businesses, not market rates:
- Custom ball caps: about USD 5–10 each
- Golf shirts: USD 20–30 each, plus a digitising fee
- A name patch sewn onto a backpack: about USD 10
Source: Thumbtack, embroidery cost. Prices in your country, and for your design, will differ.
How should I prepare artwork?
- Vector or high-resolution artwork, with the final size in mm or inches
- Thread colours, ideally matched to a thread chart or Pantone references
- Placement: left chest, sleeve, cap front, back, with measurements
- Garments: brand, colour, sizes and quantities, or ask the maker to source them
- Simplify fine detail. Very small text may not stitch cleanly; the maker will advise.
Should I choose embroidery, a patch or a print?
Embroidery is durable and textured, and suits logos and names. Patches suit complex designs, or items that are hard to hoop. Printing suits photographic or very detailed artwork. Ask the maker which fits your design.
On The Spool List embroidery market you post once for free, makers with verified embroidery machines quote, and you choose. You pay the quote with no buyer fee, and the payment is protected until you confirm delivery.
Sources
- Thumbtack: how much does embroidery cost? (US data from Thumbtack customer quotes; checked 27 October 2026)
FAQ
What is an embroidery digitising fee? A one-time charge to turn your artwork into a stitch file the machine can read. Thumbtack says it's usually USD 20 to 30 in the US.
Do I pay digitising again for a re-order? Usually not, if the same maker keeps the stitch file. Ask for the file or confirm they'll keep it.
Why do more colours cost more? Each colour change takes machine time, and complex multi-colour designs take longer to digitise.
Is it cheaper to embroider more items? Usually per item, because digitising and setup are shared across the order.
Post it free and let makers bid. Your payment is protected until you confirm delivery.