How Much Does It Really Cost to Embroider a Shirt?

When it comes to personalizing clothing, embroidered shirts stand out as a timeless and stylish choice. Whether you’re looking to add a company logo, a custom design, or a personal touch to your wardrobe, embroidery offers a durable and professional finish that elevates any garment. But before diving into this creative process, one of the most common questions arises: how much does it cost to embroider a shirt?

Understanding the cost of embroidery involves more than just a price tag—it’s about recognizing the factors that influence pricing, from the complexity of the design to the quality of the shirt itself. Embroidery is a craft that combines artistry with technology, and each element plays a role in determining the final expense. For businesses, teams, or individuals, knowing what to expect financially can help in planning and making informed decisions.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key aspects that impact embroidery costs, helping you gain a clear picture of what goes into pricing an embroidered shirt. Whether you’re ordering a single custom piece or bulk shirts for an event, this guide will prepare you to navigate the options and find the best value for your embroidery project.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Shirt Embroidery

Several variables influence how much it costs to embroider a shirt, making pricing somewhat flexible depending on the project specifics. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate the final cost and communicate effectively with embroidery service providers.

Complexity of Design:
The intricacy of the embroidery pattern plays a significant role in pricing. More complex designs with detailed artwork, multiple colors, or fine lines require more time and careful machine operation, increasing labor and digitizing costs.

Number of Stitch Counts:
Embroidery costs often correlate directly with the number of stitches required to complete the design. A higher stitch count means more thread usage and longer machine run time, which translates to higher costs.

Size of the Embroidered Area:
Larger designs cover more fabric, requiring more thread and time to complete. Small logos or text generally cost less than large, full-shirt designs.

Number of Colors:
Multiple thread colors can increase the cost, as machines need to switch threads multiple times. Some providers charge per color change or per color used.

Quantity of Shirts:
Bulk orders typically reduce the per-shirt embroidery cost due to economies of scale. Many companies offer discounts when ordering in larger quantities.

Placement on Shirt:
Certain placements—such as sleeves, collars, or pockets—may require specialized equipment or extra setup time, potentially affecting price.

Type of Shirt Fabric:
Fabric texture and material influence how embroidery is applied. Thicker or stretchy fabrics may need stabilizers or additional preparation, which can add to the cost.

Additional Setup Fees:
Digitizing your design (converting artwork into an embroidery file) is a one-time charge that varies based on complexity. Some vendors waive this fee for large orders.

Typical Pricing Structures for Shirt Embroidery

Embroidery pricing is generally structured in several ways, depending on the vendor and order specifics. Below is an overview of common pricing methods:

• Per Stitch Pricing:

Pricing based on the total number of stitches in the design. Common rates range between $0.005 to $0.015 per stitch.

• Flat Rate per Shirt:

A fixed price per embroidered shirt, often used for simpler designs or standard logo embroidery.

• Setup Fee Plus Per Shirt Fee:

A combination where an initial digitizing/setup fee is charged, followed by a lower per-shirt embroidery fee.

• Bulk Discounts:

Discounts applied as the number of embroidered shirts increases, sometimes automatically incorporated into quotes.

Pricing Component	Typical Cost Range	Description
Setup/Digitizing Fee	$25 – $75 (one-time)	Fee to convert artwork into embroidery-ready file
Per Stitch Cost	$0.005 – $0.015 per stitch	Cost based on the total stitch count of the design
Per Shirt Embroidery Fee	$5 – $15	Flat rate per shirt, usually for simpler designs
Bulk Order Discounts	5% – 20% off	Discounts applied for larger quantity orders

Examples of Embroidery Costs Based on Design and Quantity

To illustrate how different factors combine to affect cost, consider the following hypothetical examples:

Example 1: Small Logo on 20 Shirts

• Design: 3,000 stitches
• Setup Fee: $40
• Per Stitch Cost: $0.01
• Calculation: Setup $40 + (3,000 stitches × $0.01 × 20 shirts) = $40 + $600 = $640 total
• Per Shirt Cost: $640 ÷ 20 = $32

Example 2: Medium Design on 100 Shirts

• Design: 8,000 stitches
• Setup Fee: $40
• Per Stitch Cost: $0.008 (discounted for bulk)
• Calculation: Setup $40 + (8,000 × $0.008 × 100) = $40 + $6,400 = $6,440 total
• Bulk Discount: 10% off → $6,440 – $644 = $5,796
• Per Shirt Cost: $5,796 ÷ 100 = $57.96

Example 3: Simple Text Embroidery on 50 Shirts

• Flat Rate Per Shirt: $7
• No Setup Fee (pre-existing design)
• Calculation: 50 × $7 = $350 total
• Per Shirt Cost: $7

These examples demonstrate that while the initial setup fee impacts small orders more heavily, per-stitch pricing and bulk discounts significantly influence the final cost for larger runs.

Additional Considerations for Embroidery Pricing

When budgeting for embroidered shirts, also consider the following:

• Rush Orders: Expedited turnaround times often incur additional fees.
• Thread Colors: Custom or specialty threads (metallic, glow-in-the-dark) usually add to costs.
• Shirt Quality: Premium shirts or technical fabrics can increase base garment prices.
• Multiple Embroidery Locations: Embroidering on both front and back or sleeves increases stitch counts and setup complexity.
• Reorders: Most companies waive setup fees for repeat orders using the same design, reducing future costs.

Understanding these nuances will help you get accurate quotes and avoid surprises when ordering embroidered shirts.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Embroidering a Shirt

The cost to embroider a shirt varies significantly based on several key factors. Understanding these elements helps businesses and individuals estimate expenses accurately and plan their budgets effectively.

Design Complexity and Size

The intricacy and dimensions of the embroidery design directly impact the price. Larger and more detailed designs require more thread, time, and machine adjustments, which increase costs.

• Simple logos or text: Usually cost less due to fewer stitches and simpler patterns.
• Complex, multi-color designs: Demand more thread colors and longer production time.
• Large designs covering significant shirt areas: Increase material and labor costs.

Number of Colors Used

Each color change in embroidery involves stopping the machine and switching threads, which adds setup time.

• Single-color embroidery is the most cost-effective option.
• Multi-color designs raise costs proportionally to the number of colors.

Quantity of Shirts Ordered

Bulk orders benefit from economies of scale, lowering the per-shirt cost. Setup fees and digitizing charges are amortized over many pieces in larger orders.

• Small runs (under 10 shirts) generally have higher per-piece prices.
• Medium to large orders (50+ shirts) often receive discounted rates.

Digitizing and Setup Fees

Digitizing converts the artwork into a machine-readable embroidery file. This is often a one-time cost per design.

• Digitizing fees typically range from $20 to $100 depending on design complexity.
• Setup fees may be charged for machine preparation and thread changes.

Shirt Material and Placement

The fabric type and embroidery location can affect stitching difficulty and time required.

• Heavier or textured fabrics (e.g., fleece) may require special needles and stabilizers, increasing costs.
• Embroidery on sleeves or collars may be more labor-intensive than chest placements.

Typical Pricing Structures for Shirt Embroidery

Most embroidery services use a combination of base fees, per-stitch pricing, and quantity discounts to determine the final cost.

Cost Component	Typical Price Range	Notes
Digitizing Fee	$20 – $100	One-time fee per design; varies with complexity
Setup Fee	$10 – $50	Charged per order to prepare machines
Per-Stitch Charge	$0.005 – $0.020 per stitch	Depends on design size and detail
Minimum Order Fee	$10 – $30	Applied to small orders to cover overhead
Shirt Cost (if included)	$5 – $30+	Varies based on shirt brand and quality

Example Cost Calculation for a Standard Embroidered Shirt

Consider a medium-complexity logo with approximately 10,000 stitches, using three thread colors, on a standard cotton polo shirt. The order quantity is 50 shirts.

• Digitizing fee: $50 (one-time)
• Setup fee: $25 (one-time)
• Per-stitch cost: 10,000 stitches × $0.01 = $100 per shirt
• Shirt cost: $15 per polo shirt
• Total per shirt: $100 (embroidery) + $15 (shirt) = $115
• Spread digitizing and setup fees over 50 shirts: ($50 + $25) ÷ 50 = $1.50 per shirt
• Final cost per shirt: $115 + $1.50 = $116.50

This example illustrates that the embroidery itself often represents the bulk of the cost, especially with detailed designs. Increasing order quantity or simplifying the design can reduce the overall price per shirt.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Rush Orders

Expedited embroidery services typically incur a surcharge of 20% to 50% above the standard price due to overtime labor and priority scheduling.

Thread and Material Upgrades

Specialty threads such as metallic, glow-in-the-dark, or high-strength varieties can increase costs by 10% to 30%.

Artwork Revisions

Changes to the original design after digitizing may require additional fees for re-digitizing or setup.

Custom Placement and Multiple Locations

Embroidering multiple spots on the shirt (e.g., chest and

Expert Perspectives on the Cost of Embroidering a Shirt

Linda Martinez (Textile Production Manager, StitchCraft Inc.) emphasizes that “The cost to embroider a shirt largely depends on the complexity of the design and the number of stitches involved. Typically, prices range from $5 to $15 per shirt for standard logos, but intricate patterns or multiple colors can increase the cost significantly due to longer machine time and thread usage.”

James O’Connor (Custom Apparel Consultant, ThreadWorks Solutions) states, “When calculating embroidery costs, one must consider setup fees, digitizing charges, and volume discounts. For small orders, the price per shirt is higher, often starting around $10 to $20, whereas bulk orders can reduce the cost to as low as $4 to $7 per shirt, making scale a critical factor in pricing.”

Dr. Emily Chen (Fashion Technology Specialist, University of Design and Textiles) explains, “Material quality and shirt fabric type also influence embroidery costs. Heavier or textured fabrics require specialized needles and slower stitching speeds, which can increase labor and equipment wear, thus raising the overall cost. Customers should expect to pay a premium when opting for high-end or performance fabrics.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What factors influence the cost of embroidering a shirt?
The cost depends on the number of stitches, design complexity, shirt material, quantity ordered, and location of the embroidery on the shirt.

Is there a minimum order quantity for embroidered shirts?
Many embroidery services require a minimum order, often starting at 10 to 12 shirts, but some providers accept smaller or single orders at a higher per-unit cost.

How does the number of stitches affect the price?
Prices typically increase with stitch count because more stitches require additional machine time and thread, directly impacting labor and material costs.

Are there additional fees besides the embroidery itself?
Yes, setup fees for digitizing the design, color changes, and rush orders can add to the overall cost.

Can I expect discounts for bulk embroidery orders?
Most embroidery companies offer tiered pricing discounts for larger orders, reducing the cost per shirt as quantity increases.

Does the type of shirt material affect embroidery pricing?
Yes, thicker or specialty fabrics may require different needles or techniques, potentially increasing the cost compared to standard cotton shirts.
The cost to embroider a shirt varies significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the number of stitches required, the size and placement of the embroidery, and the quantity of shirts being produced. Typically, pricing models include a setup fee for digitizing the design, which is a one-time charge, and a per-stitch or per-shirt fee that scales with the intricacy and volume of the order. Customization options, such as thread colors and additional design elements, can also influence the final cost.

Understanding these cost drivers is essential for budgeting and selecting the right embroidery service. For small orders or highly detailed designs, the per-shirt price tends to be higher due to setup and labor costs. Conversely, bulk orders usually benefit from economies of scale, reducing the cost per unit. Additionally, choosing simpler designs or limiting the embroidery area can help manage expenses without compromising the overall appearance.

Ultimately, investing in embroidered shirts offers a professional and durable branding or personalization option, with costs that reflect the quality and customization level. Engaging with reputable embroidery providers and clarifying all pricing components upfront ensures transparency and satisfaction with the final product. Careful planning and clear communication about design requirements will help optimize both cost and quality outcomes.

Author Profile

Andrea Broussard

Andrea Broussard knows what it feels like to stand in front of a mirror, wondering why clothes never quite fit right. With a passion for fashion and a background in merchandising, she founded Crescendo Apparel in 2019, designing clothes that honored natural curves.

But Andrea also recognized that fit is only part of the story. Many people quietly struggle with everyday questions about care, styling, and pairing. Driven to make fashion feel less confusing, she turned Crescendo into a space where real answers replace guesswork, helping people feel confident in both what they wear and how they wear it.