General Info
Design Studio
Decoration
What is embroidery and how does it work?
Embroidery is the classic craft of stitching a design onto fabric — but these days, it’s all done with precision machines instead of needle and thread by hand. We start by turning your artwork into a digital file that tells the machine exactly how and where to stitch. Embroidery works best with simple designs, bold lines, and low colour counts. Things like photos, fine detail, or tiny text don’t translate well — but if that’s the case, we’ll reach out with suggestions or alternative print methods that’ll work better for your design.
Once your order is placed and we’ve checked the artwork, the first step is “digitising” your design — this just means we’re creating that special file to guide the embroidery machine. From there, it gets stitched straight onto your item. Most embroidered logos use between 5,000 and 10,000 stitches… not bad for something that looks so simple on the outside!
There’s a one-off set up fee which covers the digitising and machine setup time. Since it takes a little more work to get things going, embroidery is more cost-effective for larger orders. That’s why we have a minimum of 10 items per logo. If you’d like to use multiple artworks in one order, each one will need its own setup.
Embroidery FAQs
Are there set up costs for embroidery?
Yes, there are setup costs if you're using multiple artworks. Each design needs its own setup, which is usually $60 + GST per artwork.
What's the minimum order for embroidery?
Our typical minimum for embroidery is 10 items per artwork setup. They don’t all have to be the same — you can mix things up with, say, 4 beanies, 4 caps, a hoodie and a bag. As long as the artwork is the same across all items, you’re good to go!
If you’re looking to do fewer than 10 items, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to chat it through with you.
What's the turnaround time for embroidery?
Our turnaround time is 7–10 business days for production, plus shipping. This estimate starts once your order is paid for and we have all the necessary details—including artwork, garment selections, and sizes. Need your order by a specific date? Let us know at checkout, and we’ll do our best to make it happen!
What's the maximum size for embroidery?
The max embroidery size is 250mm wide, but that doesn’t suit every design. Big solid backgrounds don’t translate well – simple logos and text work best. For caps, bucket hats and beanies, embroidery sizes are usually smaller, kind of like a small chest print – somewhere between 50mm and 120mm. Just keep in mind that the smaller the area, the less detail we can get in..
Can you match my brand colours?
We can usually get very close! Every now and then there might be a colour that’s a bit tricky to match perfectly, but it’s not often a problem. Either way, we’ll always do our best to get as close as we can.
Can I provide my own garments?
In most cases, yes! We can embroider on a wide range of items. If it’s something a bit unusual, we may need to check it out first and review the artwork to make sure it works with our machines. If there’s any issue, we’ll let you know.
If you’re thinking of bringing your own items, take a quick look at our BYO info page to be across the risks. It’s usually all good – but hey, we’re only human!
What products can I embroider on?
We can embroider on a wide range of products and materials including cotton, linen, knitwear, felt, denim and more. Just keep in mind we’ll need to check the artwork first. If we think there might be an issue, we’ll always let you know!
How long does embroidery last?
Embroidery is by far one of the most durable decoration methods — it’ll likely outlast the garment itself!
What are the artwork requirements for embroidery?
EPS or PDF files are ideal, but a high-res JPG can sometimes work too. If you're unsure, feel free to reach out — we're always happy to check your artwork and offer advice.
Our top tip for a great embroidery result? Keep it simple! Bold lines, clean shapes, and fewer colours will always look best. Try to avoid fine details, thin lines, and complex designs, and don’t forget to consider the garment type, weight, and fabric when planning your design.
