How shops price embroidery
Embroidery is charged per thousand stitches. In Europe in 2026, shops charge €0.80 to €1.50 net per 1,000 stitches in small runs, decreasing above 50 pieces, with a minimum per piece (often €3 to €5). On top come colour changes (each stop costs time on a single-needle machine), supplies per piece (stabiliser, thread, twill for a patch) and the setup of the order: digitizing the logo (€15 to €40 once, reused afterwards), machine setup, test. Everything is divided by quantity, then margin and VAT are applied.
The calculator above reproduces that reasoning. The “machine time” line estimates run time per piece at 700 stitches a minute (a machine set to 800 rpm with its slowdowns), plus 30 seconds per colour change and 90 seconds of handling: that time caps what you can produce in a day, and therefore the floor price you must hold.
Stitch count before the quote
The calculation needs the stitch count, known only after digitizing. That is why the quote built into the Broderly studio reads the stitch count of the open design, applies your saved rates and prints the quote on the run sheet. To estimate before digitizing: an 8 cm flat-colour logo is 6,000 to 10,000 stitches; 3 cm high text over 15 cm, 3,000 to 5,000; an 8 cm patch with background, 12,000 to 16,000.
Frequently asked questions
What price per 1,000 stitches in 2026?
€0.80 to €1.50 net in small runs in Europe, €0.60 to €1 in large runs, with a minimum per piece. Multi-head shops go lower on volume; home embroiderers often charge per piece rather than per stitch.
Should I charge for digitizing?
Yes, once per logo: €15 to €40 depending on complexity, or waived above a certain quantity. The file is reused for every later order from the same customer.
Go further
The studio is free to draw, open and check designs. Your first machine file takes five minutes.
Updated 2026-09-24.