How to Start an Embroidery Business

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Embroidered, custom apparel and accessories is a huge business that is easy to start with an embroidery machine and basic business skills. While it can be a little tricky to choose equipment and find the right customers to target, it's possible to start small in your spare time and build a full time embroidery business.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-1.jpg\/aid1306167-v4-728px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Join embroidery and custom apparel associations to get the latest news, trends and ideas for how to start an embroidery business. Attend trade shows to network with suppliers and other embroidery professionals. Read journals and books about custom embroidery.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-2.jpg\/aid1306167-v4-728px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The customers you sell to will determine the type of clothing and accessories you produce, which will help you choose equipment and supplies and help to focus your advertising and marketing activities. The commercial market, creating custom embroidery for uniforms, giveaways and other marketing items, is one type of customer. Private customers look for custom embroidery on gift items and clothing.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-3.jpg\/aid1306167-v4-728px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Most embroidery machines connect to a computer and include software to produce digital designs. Look for a machine that offers a warranty, training and support, since mastering the software can be difficult. Choose a machine that will fit your production goals and the type of material you plan to work on, and software that will produce the results you need. It's possible to start small with a home embroidery machine or embroidering by hand and investing in a larger machine as your orders grow.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-4.jpg\/aid1306167-v4-728px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    File with the IRS to register your company.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-5.jpg\/aid1306167-v4-728px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many embroiderers start at home. You'll need a clean space that is large enough to hold your computer, embroidery machine and supplies. You'll also need some office space for files and administrative tasks. If you choose a storefront or plan to have customers come to your home, find out local zoning requirements that affect traffic and parking.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-6.jpg\/aid1306167-v4-728px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll have to deal with financial aspects like taxes and accounting, and insurance and liability issues to cover your goods and property.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-7.jpg\/aid1306167-v4-728px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The quickest way to get started is with word of mouth advertising. [1]
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-8.jpg\/aid1306167-v4-728px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll have to manage accounting, orders, customer service and marketing. [2]
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-9.jpg\/aid1306167-v4-728px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Create a system for ordering supplies quickly when you need them. Keep your supplies inventoried so that you know when you are running low on items.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-10.jpg\/aid1306167-v4-728px-Start-an-Embroidery-Business-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Contact sporting goods stores and other custom stores in your area to advertise your services. [3]
    11. Advertisement



Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How much does an embroidery machine cost?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the brand and the specifications, but most of them are around $500. There are cheaper ones for $200-$300, and others that sell for thousands, it's just a matter of figuring out what you need in a machine and doing some research.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to Sell Fan Art Legally (and Avoid Copyright Infringement)
      How to
      Start a Soap Making Business
      How to
      Start a Beading Home Business
      How to
      Sell Homemade Soaps
      How to
      Make Money Selling Crafts
      How to
      Get Your Art Into a Gallery
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about sewing, check out our in-depth interview with Kpoene Kofi-Bruce .

      References

      1. ↑ https://bizfluent.com/how-7388943-start-home-embroidery-business.html
      2. ↑ https://designmycostume.com/start-your-own-embroidery-business/
      3. ↑ https://bizfluent.com/how-7388943-start-home-embroidery-business.html
      4. https://www.chholderby.com/tips-tricks-and-help/starting-an-embroidery-business-faq/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 77,329 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement