Embroidery is durable, versatile, and offers a unique, professional finish that instantly elevates any garment. It is an ideal alternative to printing, especially for uniforms and workwear intended for industrial settings, or for bespoke promotional wear where you want to add a personal, premium touch. Thanks to modern digital techniques, WodiPrints is able to digitise your artwork and keep it on file for repeat orders whenever you need them.
The cost of embroidery is based on the number of stitches in the design the denser and larger the design, the higher the cost. Changing thread colours does not affect the price.
Cost Considerations
The cost of embroidery is determined by stitch count. Embroidering a large, dense logo will cost more than embroidering simple text or script. Changing the colour of thread or stitch does not increase the price.
Design Considerations for Embroidery
If you are supplying your own artwork, please follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible result:
- Colours: spot colours
- Pantone colour matching: yes
- Artwork type: vector graphics
- File formats: .ai, .eps, .pdf
- Ensure artwork is at least 100% of the intended embroidery area
- Convert all text to outlines as we may not have your font on file
- Avoid complex gradients and shadows as these cannot be embroidered
- Embroidery works best with bold, solid logos anything too detailed may be better suited to screen printing
Advantages of Embroidery
- Premium, professional appearance
Embroidery creates a textured, high-end finish that immediately elevates the look and feel of any garment.
- Exceptional durability
Because the design is stitched directly into the fabric, embroidery will not crack, peel, or fade the way some print methods can over time.
- Ideal for workwear and uniforms
Embroidery is particularly well suited to clothing worn regularly and washed frequently, making it a popular choice for branded workwear and corporate uniforms.
- Creates texture and depth
The stitched finish gives logos and branding a three-dimensional appearance that stands out without being overly bold.
- Excellent for smaller branding areas
Left chest logos, sleeve branding, and cap embroidery often look cleaner and more refined when embroidered rather than printed.
- Consistent, professional results
Once your artwork has been digitised, embroidery can be reproduced consistently across repeat orders and multiple garment styles.
Things to Consider with Embroidery
- Not ideal for highly detailed artwork
Intricate illustrations and fine details can be difficult to reproduce accurately with thread.
- Gradients and photographic designs are not possible
Unlike digital printing, embroidery cannot recreate photographic imagery, shadows, or smooth colour transitions.
- Cost increases with stitch count
Larger and denser designs require more thread and production time, which can increase costs compared to simpler logos.
- Less suitable for lightweight fabrics
Embroidery performs best on heavier garments such as polos, hoodies, sweatshirts, and jackets. Very lightweight or highly stretchy fabrics may be better suited to printing.
- Large embroidered designs can feel heavier
Chest logos and smaller branding areas work beautifully, but very large embroidered graphics can add weight and stiffness to a garment.
Embroidery vs Screen Printing
Both embroidery and screen printing are durable branding methods, but they create very different finishes. Embroidery offers a premium, textured appearance particularly popular for uniforms, hospitality clothing, and corporate apparel. Screen printing is generally better suited to larger graphics, bold designs, and high-volume orders.
| Feature | Embroidery | Screen Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Textured & premium | Smooth printed finish |
| Small Logos and Text | Excellent | Good |
| Large Graphics | Limited | Excellent |
| Photographs | Not suitable | Limited |
| Workwear & Uniforms | Excellent | Very good |
| Brand Perception | Premium & professional | Bold & versatile |
Is Embroidery Right for Your Project?
If you are looking for a premium finish that communicates quality, professionalism, and longevity, embroidery is often the best choice. It is particularly popular for uniforms, hospitality wear, corporate clothing, and premium merchandise where durability and presentation matter most.
Embroidery Frequently Asked Questions
What is embroidery on clothing?
Embroidery is the process of stitching a design directly into fabric using coloured threads. Unlike print, it creates texture, depth, and a premium tactile finish. It is widely used for work uniforms, luxury hospitality wear, fashion brands, and premium promotional garments.
Is embroidery more durable than printing?
Yes. Because the design is stitched into the fabric rather than applied to the surface, embroidery does not fade, peel, or crack. For workwear and corporate clothing, embroidery is often the preferred option due to its longevity and elevated appearance.
How much does custom embroidery cost?
Pricing is based on stitch count, which reflects design complexity. There is also a digitising fee to convert your logo into a stitch-ready format, which WodiPrints will determine once you send through your artwork file.
What garments are best for embroidery?
Embroidery performs best on thicker fabrics and garments such as polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets, caps, and heavyweight garments. It is less suited to highly stretchy fabrics.
Is embroidery suitable for corporate uniforms and branded workwear?
Absolutely. For businesses investing in branded workwear, embroidery offers an elevated feel that is built to last. Whether it is for front-of-house staff, corporate teams, or hospitality settings, embroidered branding communicates stability, detail, and confidence.
Does embroidery look more premium than print?
In many cases, yes. The dimensional stitching naturally creates a more refined aesthetic. For brands and businesses looking for a timeless finish rather than a trend-led bold look, embroidery offers understated luxury.
If you are ready to get started or have questions, get in touch with the WodiPrints team by emailing hello@wodiprints.co.uk or call +44 20 7946 3582.