embroidery
What is embroidery?
Embroidery is the process of stitching your design directly into fabric using coloured threads. It adds a premium, long-lasting finish—perfect for logos on uniforms, caps, polos, jackets, and more.
What types of items can you embroider?
We can embroider a wide range of garments and accessories including polos, business shirts, jackets, hats, bags, beanies, workwear, and more. If you’re unsure if your item is suitable, just ask our team.
Is embroidery suitable for one shirt?
Yes! Embroidery is a great option for small runs or even one-off items. Keep in mind there may be a setup fee (called digitising), but once that’s done, reorders are easy. Embroidery is charged based on the size of your design and the number of garments—so just like screen printing, the more you do, the cheaper it becomes per item.
What file format do you need for embroidery artwork?
Embroidery requires special stitch files such as .DST or .EMB, which tell the embroidery machine how to sew your design. Most customers don’t have these files—which is totally fine! We’ll take your high-quality artwork (like a vector file or high-res image) and get it digitised by our team into the format we need.
What is digitising?
Digitising is the process of converting your logo or design into a stitch file that our machines can read. It’s a one-time setup and may incur a small fee. We keep your digitised file on record, so if you reorder using the same design, you won’t be charged again.
What is the minimum order for embroidery?
We have no minimum order quantity. You're welcome to order as few items as you like. However, due to setup costs and volume-based pricing, embroidery becomes more cost-effective at 10+ units of the same design.
How durable is embroidery?
Extremely durable. Because it’s stitched into the garment, embroidery can withstand regular wear, frequent washing, and outdoor conditions without cracking or fading.
How many colours can my embroidery design be?
Our machines can stitch designs with up to 12 thread colours. Most logos work well with fewer colours, and we’ll help simplify if needed.
How is the price of embroidery worked out?
Pricing is based on:
- Stitch count (how large and complex your design is)
- Quantity of garments
- Embroidery placement
How should I care for embroidered items?
Wash inside out using cold or warm water. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals and tumble dry on low or hang dry. Iron on the reverse side or avoid the embroidery area altogether.
Can you match thread colours exactly to my brand/design colours?
Yes—we carry a wide range of thread colours and can match most designs very closely, including Pantone shades. Slight variation may occur due to thread texture, but we’ll always aim for the best match.
Can you embroider on thick or specialty fabrics (e.g. leather, wool, denim)?
Sometimes! If the item is listed on our website and embroidery is an option, then yes—we can embroider it. For other materials, we may need to test or review the product to make sure it meets our standards.
What’s the difference between embroidery and printing?
Embroidery is stitched into the garment, creating a textured, premium feel. Printing methods (like screen printing or DTF) apply ink or transfers to the surface. Embroidery is ideal for logos on heavier or more formal garments.
Can you embroider individual names or numbers?
Yes! We can add personal touches like names, initials, or numbers. Great for team uniforms, staff names, or personalised gifts. These are usually charged at a fixed rate per item.
Can I supply my own embroidery file?
Yes—if you already have a .DST or .EMB file, send it through. We’ll check the file for quality to ensure it will produce a clean and accurate result. If any adjustments are needed, we’ll let you know before going ahead.
Is embroidery good for small logos or fine detail?
Generally, yes—but very fine text or small elements might not stitch cleanly at smaller sizes. We’ll review your design and recommend adjustments if needed to ensure a clean, professional result.
| METHOD | BEST FOR | Multi Colour | Fine Detail | Cost on Small Runs | Durability | Feel/Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cut-Only Vinyl | Simple one-colour names, numbers, bold logos on tees or uniforms | ✘ One Colour | ✘ Not suitable | ✘ Not suitable | ✔ Yes | Slightly raised, matte finish |
| DTF | Small orders, photographic images, gradients, multi-colour logo | ✔ Yes | ✔ Excellent | ✔ Very affordable | ✔ Very durable | Smooth, sits on fabric surface |
| Supacolour | Performance Gear, Detail + Durability | ✔ Yes | ✔ Excellent | ✔ Yes (with setup) | ✔ Very durable | Soft touch, stretchable |
| Embroidery | Premium uniforms, polos, jackets, hats, thicker garments | ✔ Up to 12 colours | ! Moderate** | ! Higher per unit | ✔ Extremely durable | Textured, raised thread finish |
| Screen Printing | Bulk runs, bold flat designs, basic branding on tees, hoodies, tote bags | ✔ Limited* | ! Moderate** | ✘ Not ideal | ✔ Extremely durable | Ink sinks into fabric slightly |
| Sublimation | Full garment prints, teamwear, polyester activewear, multi-sponsor gear | ✔ Unlimited | ✔ Photographic | ! Higher for one-offs | ✔ Garment-lifetime | Zero texture, ink becomes fabric |

