Embroidery Pricing Calculator — Price by Stitch Count
Price machine embroidery by stitch count: rate per 1,000 stitches with a minimum charge, garment cost and markup, quantity discount and a one-time digitizing fee, with order total and price per piece.
How it works
Embroidery per piece = max(stitches ÷ 1,000 × rate, minimum) × (1 − quantity discount) · Garment price = blank cost × (1 + markup) · Order total = (embroidery + garment) × quantity + digitizing fee
Embroidery shops price by stitch count because stitches drive machine time, thread and wear. A rate per 1,000 stitches — commonly around 0.50 to 1.50 — is multiplied by the design size, with a minimum charge per piece so small logos still cover hooping and handling. A one-time digitizing fee converts the artwork into a stitch file, and quantity discounts reward larger runs. A typical left-chest logo is about 5,000–10,000 stitches; a full back can exceed 30,000.
Worked example
An 8,000-stitch logo at $1.00 per 1,000 stitches costs $8.00 per piece, or $7.20 after a 10% quantity discount. A $6.00 shirt with a 50% markup sells for $9.00, so each piece is $16.20. For 24 pieces that is $388.80, plus a $40 digitizing fee: an order total of $428.80, or $17.87 per piece.
Sources: Patriot Software — How to price a product (cost-plus and markup pricing)
Frequently asked questions
How much do you charge per 1,000 stitches?
Many shops charge roughly 0.50 to 1.50 per 1,000 stitches depending on market, machine and quantity, with lower rates for large runs. Set a minimum per piece so small designs still pay for setup and handling.
How many stitches is a left-chest logo?
Usually 5,000 to 10,000 stitches for a design about 3.5 to 4 inches (9–10 cm) wide. Dense fills, small text and many colour changes add stitches and time.
Should I charge for digitizing?
Yes. Digitizing a logo takes skill and software time, so shops usually charge a one-time fee (often 25–75 for a small logo) and keep the file for repeat orders, or waive it above a certain quantity.
How do I price customer-supplied garments?
Set the garment cost to 0 and consider a higher minimum or a handling fee, because you take the risk of damaging items you cannot replace.
Related calculators
Planning estimate only — real prices, fees and results depend on your own costs, platform terms, local taxes and what your market will pay. Check the numbers against your books before you commit to a price or budget.