Embroidery Service · Since 1998 · Up to 15 Colors
Custom Embroidery Service for Fashion Brands
Embroidery adds a premium, tactile quality to garments that printing cannot match. Stitched logos, designs, and patches signal craftsmanship and quality. SDF Clothing's embroidery service offers logo embroidery, custom patches, 3D puff effects, and applique work — with computerized precision on knit and woven garments.
Why Choose Embroidery Over Printing?
Embroidery and printing serve different purposes. Print works best for large designs and photographic effects. Embroidery works best for logos, monograms, and small detailed graphics.
Embroidery advantages:
- ✓ Premium tactile feel (raised stitching)
- ✓ Extreme durability (lasts the life of the garment)
- ✓ High perceived value
- ✓ No fabric color showing through
- ✓ Works on any fabric color including dark
- ✓ Resistant to washing and abrasion
- ✓ Three-dimensional appearance
Print advantages:
- ✗ Lower cost for large designs
- ✗ Photographic quality possible
- ✗ Faster production
- ✗ Better for very small details
- ✗ More color flexibility
For brand logos, monograms, and small graphics: embroidery. For large graphics, photos, and complex multi-color designs: printing.
Types of Embroidery We Offer
Standard Logo Embroidery
The most common embroidery technique. Computerized embroidery machines stitch your logo or design directly onto the garment. Up to 15 thread colors per design.
Best for: Brand logos on left chest, sleeves, or back. Monograms and initials. Small detailed graphics. Caps, polo shirts, jackets, and uniforms.
3D Puff Embroidery
Foam padding placed under stitching creates a raised, three-dimensional look. Common on caps and headwear for premium positioning.
Best for: Bold logos on caps and beanies. Large initials with dramatic depth. Premium streetwear positioning.
Patch Embroidery
Embroidered patches produced separately and applied to garments. Includes flat patches, 3D puff patches, leather patches, and PVC rubber patches.
Patch types:
- • Iron-on patches (heat-applied)
- • Sew-on patches (stitched to garment)
- • Velcro-back patches (removable)
- • Leather and faux-leather patches
- • PVC rubber patches for outdoor and waterproof apparel
- • Chenille patches for vintage varsity look
Applique Embroidery
Fabric pieces stitched onto the base garment to create dimension and color contrast. Can combine with embroidery stitching around the edges.
Best for: Bold graphic designs. Vintage sportswear aesthetics. Multi-fabric design effects. Large logos with multiple colors.
Specialty Embroidery Techniques
- • Tatami fill embroidery for solid color blocks
- • Satin stitch for smooth borders
- • Running stitch for fine detail lines
- • Cross stitch for traditional patterns
- • Metallic thread embroidery for premium effects
- • Glow-in-the-dark thread for novelty
- • Reflective thread for visibility wear
Embroidery Specifications
Maximum Embroidery Size
- • Front chest: 4" x 4" standard, up to 6" x 6" maximum
- • Full back: up to 12" x 14"
- • Sleeves: 3" x 3" standard
- • Caps: 2.5" x 4" front panel
Custom sizes available based on garment.
Stitch Density
We measure embroidery in stitches. Standard logos use 5,000-15,000 stitches. Larger or more detailed designs may use 30,000-100,000 stitches.
Stitch density affects: Production cost (more stitches = more cost). Production time (more stitches = longer). Final appearance (denser stitching = solid coverage).
Thread and Material Quality
- • Polyester thread for color fastness and durability (standard)
- • Rayon thread for premium sheen and feel (specialty)
- • Metallic threads for luxury positioning
- • All threads tested for colorfastness and chemical safety
Embroidery MOQ and Pricing
Embroidery MOQ
100 pieces per design minimum (same logo, multiple colorways acceptable). Lower quantities possible at higher per-piece cost. Custom patch production: 500 pieces minimum for cost effectiveness.
Embroidery Pricing (per piece)
- • Small logo (under 5,000 stitches), 100 pieces: $0.80-1.50
- • Standard logo (5,000-10,000 stitches), 100 pieces: $1.20-2.00
- • Standard logo (5,000-10,000 stitches), 500 pieces: $0.80-1.40
- • Large embroidery (10,000-30,000 stitches), 100 pieces: $2.50-4.50
- • 3D puff embroidery: 30-50% premium over standard
- • Plus digitizing fee: $15-30 per design (one-time)
Custom Patch Pricing
- • Embroidered patches (3" x 3"), 500 pieces: $0.40-0.80 per patch
- • Leather patches: $0.50-1.20 per patch
- • PVC rubber patches: $0.40-0.90 per patch
Our Embroidery Process
Step 1
Logo or design submission
You send vector artwork (Adobe Illustrator AI or PDF) or high-resolution image. We accept JPG, PNG, or SVG with discussions on conversion needs.
Step 2
Digitizing
Your design is converted into machine-readable embroidery data. The digitizer determines stitch types, directions, and densities for optimal appearance. Digitizing takes 1-3 days.
Step 3
Sample stitch-out
We embroider a sample of your design on a test garment to verify appearance, size, and quality. You approve the sample before bulk production.
Step 4
Bulk embroidery
Approved design loaded onto computerized embroidery machines. Each garment automatically embroidered with consistent quality.
Step 5
Trim and quality check
Loose threads trimmed, stabilizer removed, garment inspected for embroidery quality before moving to next production stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for embroidery?
100 pieces per design minimum. The same logo can be applied to multiple garment colors within the 100-piece minimum.
How many colors can I include in embroidery?
Up to 15 thread colors per design. Most brand logos use 1-5 colors. More colors increase digitizing time but do not significantly increase production cost.
How long does embroidery production take?
Digitizing: 1-3 days. Sample approval: 2-4 days including shipping. Bulk embroidery: 3-7 days for 500-1000 pieces depending on complexity.
Can you embroider on any garment?
Most garments yes. Easier on woven fabrics like polos and shirts. More care needed on stretchy knits like t-shirts and hoodies (we use proper stabilizer). Some delicate fabrics like silk or very thin knits may not be suitable.
Can I supply my own digitized embroidery file?
Yes. Send us your DST or EMB embroidery file. We will run a test stitch-out to verify it works on our machines before bulk production. Saves digitizing fee.
What is the difference between embroidered patches and direct embroidery?
Direct embroidery is stitched onto the garment itself. Patches are embroidered separately then applied to the garment. Patches can be moved or removed (especially Velcro patches). Direct embroidery is permanent. Patches are easier to apply consistently across complex garment surfaces.
Want professional embroidery for your fashion brand? Contact SDF Clothing here with your logo file and garment specifications. We will recommend the best embroidery technique and quote pricing within 48 hours. From 100 pieces minimum.
For complete production strategy, read our complete clothing manufacturers guide.