Quick answer
Most embroidery orders are one of two things: a name or short text, or a logo. Text orders need a character limit, a few stitch-friendly fonts and thread color swatches, and those work on the Free and Basic plans. Logo orders need a file upload and a way to charge for digitizing, which needs the Pro plan because file upload and conditional logic start there. Every choice is saved on the order as line-item properties, so your machine operator or fulfillment partner can read it.
Embroidery-specific features
- Logo or stitch-file upload on Pro. Accept image files, and stitch files such as DST or EXP from customers who already have them.
- Digitizing fee by choice. Ask "Is your file ready to stitch?" and show a $15 to $40 digitizing fee only when the answer is No.
- Thread color swatches. Photograph your thread chart (Madeira, Robison-Anton or whatever you stock) and upload each color as an image swatch.
- Per-color pricing. Include one or two colors and add $1 to $3 for each extra color.
- Placement dropdown: left chest, right chest, back, sleeve, each with its own optional fee.
- Text embroidery with a 15 to 25 character limit and a short list of embroidery-safe fonts like block, athletic and a bold script.
Who this setup is for
We mostly see three embroidery businesses. Home-based shops with one or two machines selling named gifts like baby blankets, towels and hats. Uniform and team suppliers who take logos and sometimes names. And print-on-demand stores that send embroidered products to a partner like Printful.
All three run into the same problem: a customer uploads a blurry JPG and expects it stitched perfectly. The product page has to explain what you need and charge for the extra work. Our guide to embroidery digitization costs and design limits explains why detail and small text get lost in thread.
How to set it up, step by step
- Create the product with garment size and color as Shopify variants.
- Add a radio field "What would you like stitched?" with two options: Text, or Logo.
- For Text, add a text field with a 20 character limit and a font picker restricted to three embroidery fonts. Use a rule to show these only when Text is picked.
- For Logo, add a file upload and a second question: "Is your file ready to stitch (DST or EXP)?" If No, show a digitizing fee option.
- Add thread color swatches from photos of your thread chart.
- Add a placement dropdown with the fee on each option, for example left chest included, back +$8.
- Place a test order and check every choice and the uploaded file appear on the order.
For more on field order and wording, see our setup guide for embroidered product options.
Pricing guidance
Typical ranges we see in embroidery stores. Your machine time and thread costs set the real numbers.
| Charge | Typical amount | How to set it |
|---|---|---|
| Name or short text | +$6 to $10 | Add-on fee on the text field |
| Digitizing a new logo | $15 to $40, one time | Fee shown only when needed |
| Extra thread colors | +$1 to $3 each | Fee per swatch option |
| Back or large placement | +$5 to $10 | Fee per placement option |
The app adds no per-sale fee. Plans are Free, Basic $7.99/month, Pro $13.99/month and Unlimited $24.99/month.
A worked example: a cafe ordering staff polos
A cafe owner wants their logo on the left chest of 12 polos in two sizes. They pick Logo, upload a PNG and answer No to "ready to stitch", so the $25 digitizing fee is added once. They choose two thread colors from the swatches and add the polos to the cart by size. You get the file, colors and placement on the order, and you digitize once for all 12.
If they come back next month, you already have the stitch file. Tell repeat customers to mention their earlier order number in an optional notes field, and refund or skip the fee by hand.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thin script fonts. They stitch poorly at small sizes. Keep text fonts bold.
- Screen color swatches. Flat hex colors don't look like thread. Photos of real thread set better expectations.
- Hiding the digitizing fee until after checkout. Show it on the product page so no one is surprised.
- Long names on caps. A cap front holds less than a chest. Set limits per product; our hat and cap personalizer guide covers cap-specific sizes.
When this approach is not the right fit
If you mostly take large corporate orders with many names and sizes, a quote form often works better than a product page. And if customers need to place and resize artwork freely, you need a full design canvas. Starting from scratch? Read how to start an embroidery business on Shopify.
See the embroidery personalizer comparison for a side-by-side look at apps.
Frequently asked questions
Best Shopify app for embroidery businesses?
PIMW Product Personalizer on the Pro plan ($13.99/month) covers logo and stitch-file upload, a digitizing fee shown only when needed, thread color swatches and placement choices. Text-only embroidery with names and initials works on the lower plans.
How to accept DST and EXP embroidery files on Shopify?
Add a file upload field on the Pro plan and list the formats you accept, such as DST, EXP, PNG and SVG, in the field's help text. Uploaded files are stored with the order so you can download them when you stitch.
Which Shopify personalizer supports Madeira thread color library?
PIMW Product Personalizer doesn't ship a built-in thread library, but you can photograph your Madeira or Robison-Anton chart and upload each color as an image swatch with its label. Customers see real thread instead of a flat screen color.
How to charge digitization fee on Shopify embroidery products?
Ask "Is your file ready to stitch?" and use conditional logic (Pro plan) to show a digitizing fee option only when the customer answers No. The fee appears as its own line in the cart.
Which Shopify personalizer handles per-color embroidery pricing?
Include one or two thread colors in the base price and add a fee to each extra color option, typically $1 to $3. The fees show as separate cart lines, so the total is clear before checkout.
How to add embroidery placement options to Shopify?
Add a dropdown or radio field with placements like left chest (included), right chest (+$5), back (+$8) and sleeve (+$5). Each fee is set on the option itself.
Which Shopify personalizer supports embroidered baby products?
Name embroidery for onesies, bibs, blankets and hats only needs a text field, a font picker and thread color swatches, which work on the lower plans. Keep baby names to around 12 characters for small items.
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