How do I start an embroidery business on Shopify?
Embroidery is one of the higher-margin personalization niches. 40-60% margins on B2B work. Setup: (1) buy a single-head embroidery machine ($3-$8k) or partner with local embroidery shop, (2) install Shopify + Print It My Way Pro ($13.99/mo, for file upload + conditional), (3) configure stitch-file (DST/EXP) upload + raster upload with digitization fee, (4) add thread color swatches (Madeira / Robison-Anton), (5) target corporate uniforms + wedding + team apparel.
Step-by-step setup
- Set up embroidery equipment or partner. Single-head machine $3-8k, or find local partner.
- Install Shopify + Print It My Way. Pro tier for file upload + conditional.
- Configure stitch-file upload (DST/EXP). Plus raster upload with digitization fee.
- Add thread color swatches. Madeira / Robison-Anton color library.
- Launch with corporate uniform packages. Higher-margin B2B.
Best embroidery products
- Polo shirts + corporate uniforms: B2B ($25-$45 base + $8 embroidery)
- Baseball caps: team + corporate ($15-$25 + $6 embroidery)
- Fleece jackets: corporate outerwear ($45-$85)
- Aprons: kitchen + business ($20-$45)
- Bags + backpacks: corporate + school ($25-$65)
- Wedding items: bridal robes, ring-bearer accessories ($25-$65)
- Baby items: blankets, bibs, hats ($15-$45)
Embroidery-specific fields
- Stitch-file upload (DST, EXP formats)
- Standard image upload with $15-$40 digitization fee
- Text embroidery with 15-25 char limit
- Font picker (embroidery-specific. Block, Athletic, Script)
- Thread color swatches (Madeira color library)
- Placement dropdown (left chest, right chest, back, sleeve)
- Per-color pricing (1-2 colors included, +$1-$3 per additional)
Digitization pricing
Digitization converts raster images to embroidery stitch files. Typical fees:
- Simple text logo, $15-$25 one-time
- Basic logo (2-3 colors), $25-$40
- Complex logo (5+ colors, gradients), $40-$85
Waive digitization for repeat customers reusing the same design (conditional logic).
B2B focus
Corporate uniforms drive higher-margin recurring revenue. Target:
- Local businesses (restaurants, gyms, medical offices)
- Wedding parties (matching bridal robes)
- Sports teams (jerseys, warm-ups, caps)
- Schools (uniform embroidery, spirit wear)
Launch embroidery business
Print It My Way Pro at $13.99/mo unlocks file upload + digitization workflow.
Install Print It My Way. Free Best embroidery options →Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own embroidery machine?
Not required. Many businesses partner with local embroidery shops for fulfillment. Own machine gives higher margin at scale.
What's a typical digitization fee?
$15-$25 for simple text. $25-$40 for basic logos. $40-$85 for complex multi-color designs.
Can customers upload DST files?
Yes. Print It My Way accepts DST, EXP, and standard image formats.
How do I price multi-color embroidery?
1-2 colors included in base price. +$1-$3 per additional color.
What's the margin on B2B embroidery?
40-60% typical. Higher on custom uniform packages for recurring clients.
Sources & further reading
Primary sources referenced in this article. We link to official platform documentation and standards bodies rather than secondary summaries so you can verify claims directly.