# How much to charge for machine embroidery

Source: https://threadandfeed.com/blog/how-much-to-charge-for-machine-embroidery
Published: 2026-10-09
Publisher: Thread & Feed

**Short answer:** Most embroiderers price by stitch count, using a rate per 1,000 stitches with a minimum charge per piece, or by a flat price per piece based on design size and placement. Add a one-time setup or digitizing fee for new logos, charge separately for the blank item, and give volume breaks on larger orders. Build your rate from your real costs and machine time, then check it against local shops.

This page is for home embroiderers and small shops who are starting to take orders and need a pricing method that covers their time and costs. Rates vary widely by region, market and the type of work, so this page does not give you a number to copy. Instead it explains the common pricing models, the costs you must include, and how to work out stitch time on your own machine so your price reflects what each job really takes. It also covers why multi-needle machines change the math.

## The common pricing models

Per-stitch pricing is the most common method because it scales with the work. A dense 10,000 stitch logo takes much longer than a 3,000 stitch name. A minimum charge protects you on very small designs, where hooping and setup take more time than the stitching.

Flat pricing by size class is easier for customers to understand. Many shops use stitch counts behind the scenes to set those size classes, then quote one number.

| Method | How it works | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Per 1,000 stitches | A rate times the stitch count in thousands, with a minimum per piece | Logos and custom designs of varied size |
| Flat per piece | One price by size class, like left chest, full back or cap front | Simple quotes for repeat customers |
| Per item plus embroidery | Blank garment cost plus markup, then embroidery priced separately | Shops that supply the shirts and hats |
| Time based | Machine minutes plus handling minutes times your hourly target | Checking whether the other methods cover your time |

How embroidery is usually priced

## Work out stitch time on your machine

Your machine's speed is the base of any fair price. Divide the stitch count by the stitches per minute you actually run, not the maximum on the box. Many sewists slow down for metallic thread, caps and dense designs.

Then add the time that is not stitching. On a single-needle machine, every color change means stopping, rethreading and restarting. Trims, jump stitches and checking the bobbin add more. Hooping, stabilizer prep, removing the item, trimming threads and pressing can take as long as the stitching on small jobs.

1. Read the stitch count and number of colors from the design screen or your software.
2. Stitch one sample with a timer running from hooping to finished, trimmed item.
3. Divide that time into machine time and handling time.
4. Multiply the total by your target hourly rate to get a labor cost per piece.
5. Compare that labor cost with your per-stitch or flat price. If the price is lower, raise the rate or the minimum.

Note: As a rough check, a design with 8,000 stitches run at 600 stitches per minute needs a little over 13 minutes of stitching alone, before color changes and hooping.

## Costs your price must cover

Machine cost belongs in the price too. A business machine is a large purchase. Embroidery machine listings on Amazon range from about $300 for small single-needle models to about $13,000 for a 6-needle Brother PR680W. See [how much does an embroidery machine cost](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/how-much-does-an-embroidery-machine-cost) for the price classes.

- Thread, bobbin thread and needles used per piece
- Stabilizer and topping, including waste from cutting
- The blank item if you supply it, plus a markup for ordering and handling
- Digitizing, either your own time or a paid digitizer
- Machine wear and service, spread over the pieces you stitch
- Mistakes and test stitch-outs, including ruined garments
- Packaging, shipping supplies and platform or payment fees

## Setup, digitizing and extra charges

A new logo has to be digitized before it can be stitched. Many shops charge a one-time setup or digitizing fee and then keep the file for repeat orders. If you outsource digitizing, pass that cost on. If you digitize yourself, charge for the time it takes, including test stitch-outs and edits.

Common extra charges cover customer-supplied items, which carry risk if a garment is damaged, rush orders, extra placements like a sleeve or back, names on each item in a team order, metallic or specialty thread, and difficult items like caps, bags and thick jackets. Write these into a simple price sheet so customers know them up front.

## Single-needle vs multi-needle and your margin

Machine type has a big effect on what you can charge and still make a profit. A single-needle home machine needs you at the machine for every color change, so your labor time is close to the full stitch time. That limits how many orders you can take and pushes your per-piece cost up.

A multi-needle machine holds several colors, changes them on its own and trims jump stitches, so you can hoop the next item while the current one runs. It also uses tubular hoops and cap frames for finished goods. That lowers labor per piece and makes volume pricing practical. Compare the two in [single-needle vs multi-needle embroidery machine](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/single-needle-vs-multi-needle-embroidery-machine), and see the [best embroidery machines for small business](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-embroidery-machine-for-small-business) and the [best embroidery machines for hats](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-embroidery-machine-for-hats).

[See machines for embroidery businesses](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-embroidery-machine-for-small-business)

## Volume breaks and checking your market

Volume pricing rewards larger orders because setup, digitizing and hooping practice are spread across more pieces. A typical structure lowers the per-piece price at quantity tiers such as 12, 24 and 48 pieces. Keep the minimum high enough that small orders still pay for setup.

Once you know your costs, look at what local shops and online sellers charge for similar work, such as a left chest logo on a polo or a name on a towel. You do not have to match them, but if you are far below the market, you may be underpricing your time. If you are far above, show what makes your work different, such as fast turnaround or custom designs.

Keep records of each job: stitch count, colors, time and materials. After a few months you will know which jobs make money and which do not.

## Frequently asked questions

**What is embroidery pricing per stitch?** It is a rate charged for every 1,000 stitches in a design, usually with a minimum charge per piece. The stitch count comes from the design file.

**Should I charge for digitizing?** Yes. A new logo takes skill and time to digitize and test. Many shops charge a one-time fee and reuse the file on repeat orders.

**How do I price embroidery on customer-supplied items?** Many shops charge more or require a waiver, since a ruined garment cannot easily be replaced. State your policy before you accept the item.

**Does a faster machine mean I can charge less?** It can lower your cost per piece, which gives you room to compete on price or keep a better margin. Speed only helps if the design and thread can run cleanly at that speed.

## Machine guides for this topic

- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-embroidery-machine-for-small-business
- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-embroidery-machine-for-hats
- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-large-hoop-embroidery-machine