Beginner’s Guide to Commercial Embroidery

What Is Commercial Embroidery?

Commercial embroidery is the use of computerized embroidery machines to stitch logos, text, and designs onto garments and fabric — often in bulk. It’s used to create:

  • Business uniforms

  • Custom hats and jackets

  • Sports team gear

  • Promotional merch

  • Personalized gifts and more

Unlike home embroidery machines, commercial machines are built for speed, durability, and high-volume work. They handle a wide range of materials and come equipped with multiple needles, allowing automatic color changes and continuous stitching without manual intervention.

Why Start a Commercial Embroidery Business?

  • Low cost-per-unit, high perceived value

  • Scalable production — from one-off custom orders to bulk jobs

  • Diverse customer base — from local businesses to online brands

  • Creative control — design your own products or offer services

Many embroidery businesses start small and expand into apparel lines, promotional services, or fulfillment for other brands.

What Equipment Do You Need?

✅ Essentials:

  • Commercial embroidery machine (single-head or multi-head)

  • Embroidery threads (usually polyester, 40 wt)

  • Bobbins (pre-wound or wound by you)

  • Embroidery needles (size/type depends on the fabric)

  • Hoops and frames (for flat garments, hats, sleeves, etc.)

  • Stabilizers (cut-away, tear-away, wash-away, etc.)

  • Digitized embroidery files (.DST, .EXP)

🔧 Helpful Extras:

  • Thread rack or organizer

  • Maintenance kit (oil, brush, screwdriver)

  • Heat press (for finishing or applying patches)

  • Backup needles, bobbins, and tension tools

What's the difference between machine types?

Single Needle:

  • Small & Compact
  • Needs to change thread frequently
  • Affordable at the cost of working speed
  • Compact, easy to transport

Multi Needle:

  • Versatile, ideal for scaling
  • Higher upfront cost, but faster working speed
  • Do not require thread changes very often

What Is Digitizing (and Why It Matters)?

Digitizing is the process of converting a logo or image into stitch data that your embroidery machine can follow. It controls:

  • Stitch types (fill, satin, run)

  • Density and direction

  • Start and stop points

  • Color changes and trims

You can:

  • Use digitizing software (like Wilcom, Hatch, Chroma)

  • Outsource to a professional digitizer

JPGs or PNGs won’t work directly — you’ll always need a digitized embroidery file (usually .DST).

What Can You Embroider?

Commercial embroidery is highly versatile. You can stitch on:

  • Hats (trucker, dad hats, snapbacks)

  • Polos & button-downs

  • Hoodies & jackets

  • Tote bags, backpacks, and aprons

  • Patches (to sew or heat press)

  • Towels, blankets, and gifts

With the right hoop and stabilizer combo, you can embroider almost any flat or rounded surface.

What does it cost to start?

  • Embroidery Machine ($4500 - $18000)
  • Starter supplies (thread, hoops, stabilizers) ($300 - $800)
  • Digitizing software (optional) ($0-$2000)
  • Accessories & tools ($200 - $1000)

Total: $5000 - $21800

Is Embroidery a Profitable Business?

Yes — embroidery has one of the best ROI profiles in the custom apparel space. Common pricing models:

  • Per 1,000 stitches (e.g., $5–$12)

  • Flat rate per item (e.g., $10–$20 per hat or shirt)

  • Bulk order discounts for B2B customers

With the right setup, it’s possible to earn back your machine cost within a few good orders — especially if you offer services to schools, trades, events, or brands.

Your Next Step

If you're ready to start your embroidery journey, we’re here to help.
✔️ Explore our Product Catalog
✔️ Watch our video tutorials
✔️ Or contact us for a personal walkthrough

You don’t need to be an expert to get started. You just need the right machine — and a little help along the way.