Is There a Charge for More Colors with Embroidery?
One of the most common questions we get at Sure Shot Screen Printing is:
“Does embroidery cost more if I use more colors?”
If you’re used to screen printing, that’s a totally fair question — but embroidery works a little differently. Let’s break it down.
The Short Answer: Not Really
Unlike screen printing, embroidery is not priced by the number of colors in your design. Adding extra thread colors does not automatically increase your cost.
How Embroidery Is Actually Priced
Embroidery pricing is based on stitch count, not color count.
That means your cost is determined by:
- The size of the design
- The complexity of the artwork
- The total number of stitches required to sew it
For example, a logo stitched on a hat is typically priced within a certain stitch range. Whether that logo uses two colors or ten colors, the price stays the same as long as the stitch count stays within that range.
Stitch Ranges Explained
Most embroidery pricing falls into tiers, such as:
- 5,000–10,000 stitches
- 10,001–15,000 stitches
- Larger or more detailed designs beyond that
If a design becomes larger or more intricate, it may move into a higher stitch tier — that’s when pricing changes, not because of color.
What This Means for Your Design
The good news?
You don’t need to simplify your logo just to save money on colors.
That means you can:
- Keep your full brand colors
- Use gradients or detailed artwork (within reason)
- Stay consistent across hats, polos, jackets, and bags
We’ll always let you know upfront if a design needs adjustment due to size or stitch complexity.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re planning an embroidery project and want help understanding what will work best (and what will fit your budget), we’re happy to help.
👉 Visit Sure Shot Screen Printing and reach out — we’ll walk you through options and make sure your embroidery looks sharp and professional.
