How Much Does Embroidery Cost Per Item? | Comprehensive Pricing Guide for 2024

Curious about how much embroidery costs per item? Whether you're personalising a single garment or placing a bulk order for your business, understanding the various pricing structures can help you budget more effectively. This guide will break down the key factors influencing embroidery costs, including stitch count, design complexity, and quantity. Plus, we'll provide tips on how to get the best bang for your buck, making sure you're fully informed before making your next embroidery purchase.

Understanding Embroidery Pricing Methods

Embroidery pricing can vary significantly depending on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of the most common pricing methods:

1. Per Stitch Pricing

Charging by the stitch is one of the most popular pricing methods in the embroidery world. This method is ideal for custom designs, logos, and intricate artwork where the stitch count can vary.

• Average Cost: £0.75 – £2.25 per 1,000 stitches
• Example: A small logo on a polo shirt might require 5,000 stitches, resulting in a cost of approximately £3.75 to £11.25 for the embroidery alone.

Tip: Simple designs with fewer stitches will cost less. So, if you're looking to save money, consider simplifying your design or reducing the stitch density.

2. Per Inch Pricing

Pricing by the inch is another common approach, particularly for monograms or names where the size can easily determine the cost.

• Average Cost: £0.75 – £1.50 per inch
• Example: If you're embroidering a 2-inch monogram on a shirt, expect to pay around £1.50 to £3.00.

Tip: This pricing method works well for straightforward designs like initials or names. Larger items like blankets may require larger lettering, which could increase the cost.

3. Per Piece Pricing

For bulk orders, embroidery shops often charge a flat rate per item, which can include the cost of the item itself.

• Average Cost: £5 – £20 per piece, including the item
• Example: A custom embroidered hat might cost £10 to £25, depending on the design complexity and quantity ordered.

Tip: The more items you order, the lower the cost per piece. Bulk orders often come with significant discounts.

Factors Influencing Embroidery Costs

While the pricing methods give a basic idea, several other factors can affect the final cost of your embroidery project.

1. Design Complexity

Intricate designs with many colours and details require more stitches and time, driving up the cost. A simple one-colour logo will be far less expensive than a multi-coloured, highly detailed design.

2. Number of Colours

Most embroidery shops include up to two colours in their base price. Each additional colour typically adds to the cost, as it requires stopping the machine to change threads.

3. Design Size

Larger designs cover more area and require more stitches. If you’re embroidering a large logo across the back of a jacket, it will be more expensive than a small chest logo.

4. Fabric Type

Certain fabrics, like thick denim or delicate silk, can be more challenging to embroider and may require specialised equipment or techniques, increasing the cost.

5. Quantity Ordered

Ordering in bulk can significantly reduce the cost per item. Many embroidery shops offer tiered pricing, where the cost per item decreases as the order quantity increases.

Example: Aspian Embroidery Pricing

To give you a better idea of what you might pay here at Aspian Embroidery, here’s a look at our current embroidery pricing based on quantity:

• 2+ items: £3.50 per item
• 50+ items: £2.85 per item
• 100+ items: £2.56 per item
• 500+ items: £2.38 per item
• 1,000+ items: £2.24 per item

As you can see, the more items you order, the lower the cost per item. This tiered pricing makes bulk orders a cost-effective option, especially for businesses needing uniforms or promotional merchandise.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the base price of embroidery, there are a few additional costs you might encounter:

1. Digitising Fee

Before your design can be embroidered, it needs to be converted into a digital format that the embroidery machine can read. This process, known as digitising, typically costs between £10 and £50, depending on the complexity of the design. However our in house team at Aspian covers the cost of this and give this to you for FREE! Yes you're right FREE! Saving you a potential huge upfront cost! 

2. Rush Charges

Need your order in a hurry? Expect to pay an additional 10% to 50% of your total order cost for rush processing. Most embroidery orders take about one to two weeks to complete, so plan ahead to avoid these extra fees.

3. Shipping Costs

If you’re ordering online, factor in shipping costs. While some shops offer free shipping for large orders, others may charge a flat fee of £5 to £10.

Tips to Save Money on Embroidery

Embroidery doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to keep your costs down:

• Keep It Simple: Opt for a simple design with fewer colors and stitches.
• Order in Bulk: Take advantage of bulk pricing to reduce the cost per item.
• Be Flexible: Consider less expensive placement options, like a smaller logo on the chest rather than a large one on the back.
• Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple embroidery services to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
• Ask About Discounts: Some shops offer discounts for repeat customers or large orders.

FAQs About Embroidery Costs

1. Can I Provide My Own Garments for Embroidery?

Yes, most embroidery shops allow you to provide your own garments. However, there may be an additional fee, especially for large orders.

2. What Is the Average Turnaround Time for Embroidery Orders?

Most embroidery orders take around one to two weeks to complete, but this can vary depending on the shop’s workload and the size of your order.

3. Are There Minimum Order Quantities?

Many shops have a minimum order quantity, especially for bulk orders. This can range from a single item to a dozen or more. Here at Aspian Embroidery our MOQ starts at 2 items. 

4. What Should I Ask an Embroidery Service Before Ordering?

Before placing an order, ask about their experience, artwork and digitising fees, setup costs, turnaround time, and policies on returns and refunds.

Wrapping It Up

Embroidery pricing can be complex, with various factors influencing the final cost. However, by understanding the basics of how prices are calculated—whether by stitch, inch, or piece—you can make more informed decisions and find the best value for your needs. Whether you're embroidering a single item or placing a large bulk order, there are ways to keep costs down while still getting a high-quality result. So, go ahead and get those custom designs stitched with confidence, knowing you’ve got the inside scoop on embroidery pricing!