How Much Does Custom Embroidery Cost in Australia? — 2026 Price Guide for Melbourne Businesses
Everything you need to know about custom embroidery pricing in Australia — from left chest logos on polos to bulk workwear orders. Written by ElitePulse, your local embroidery specialist in Narre Warren South, Melbourne.
Custom Embroidery Pricing in Australia — 2026
Here's a clear breakdown of typical embroidery prices across different garment types and placements. All prices are ex GST.
💡 ElitePulse advantage: We offer one of Melbourne's lowest embroidery minimums — just 5 garments. Most large embroidery suppliers require 12–50 minimum. This makes us the perfect choice for small businesses, churches and community groups who need small runs.
What Affects the Cost of Custom Embroidery?
Embroidery pricing isn't one-size-fits-all. Here are the six main factors that determine what you'll pay:
The more stitches in your design the higher the cost. A simple left chest logo typically uses 3,000–8,000 stitches. Complex designs with fine detail or large coverage can exceed 15,000 stitches and cost significantly more.
Embroidery benefits from economies of scale. Pricing per garment drops as quantity increases. Ordering 50 polos costs less per unit than ordering 5 — setup time is the same regardless of quantity.
The garment itself is a major cost component. Budget polos start from $18, premium corporate polos can be $40+. We supply garments from AS Colour, Winning Spirit and Aussie Pacific.
Left chest is the most common and affordable placement. Adding a second placement (e.g. right chest or sleeve) adds cost per placement. Multiple placements on one garment each attract their own fee.
Unlike DTF printing, embroidery colour count affects thread changes and stitching time. Designs with many thread colour changes take longer to embroider and may cost more.
Standard embroidery turnaround is 3–7 business days. Rush orders may attract a premium. Standard orders placed early in the week are typically ready by end of week.
What is Digitising and Do I Have to Pay It Every Time?
Digitising is the one-off process of converting your logo into an embroidery file — essentially programming the embroidery machine to stitch your design correctly. This is a one-time cost that covers the skilled work of translating your artwork into stitch paths, thread colours and sequence.
✅ Good news: You only pay digitising once. Once your logo is digitised, the file is saved permanently and reused on every future order at no extra cost. This means your second and subsequent orders are always cheaper than your first.
At ElitePulse, digitising starts from $40 ex GST for a standard left chest logo. Complex or large designs may cost more. We'll always confirm the digitising cost before proceeding.
Embroidery vs DTF Printing — Which is Cheaper?
This is one of the most common questions we get. Here's an honest comparison:
What Garments Can Be Embroidered?
Almost any structured fabric garment can be embroidered. Here are the most popular options:
Left chest logo — the most popular embroidery combination for businesses
Structured caps with front panel embroidery — great for branding
Safety shirts and hi-vis vests with embroidered logo for tradies
Premium embroidered hoodies for clubs, corporate teams and events
Soft shell and corporate jackets with professional stitched logos
Left chest embroidery on t-shirts — less common but available
Who Orders Custom Embroidery in Melbourne?
Our embroidery customers across Narre Warren, Berwick, Cranbourne, Hallam and Dandenong typically fall into these categories:
How to Order Custom Embroidery — 3 Simple Steps
Send your logo file (AI, PDF, EPS or PNG), garment type, quantity, sizes and colour. Not sure what garment to choose? We'll recommend the best option for your budget and use case.
We convert your logo into an embroidery file and send you a digital mockup showing exactly how it will look stitched on the garment. You approve before we embroider a single item.
Once approved we embroider your garments with care and quality control. Standard turnaround 3–7 business days. Pick up locally in Narre Warren South or ship Australia-wide.
Frequently Asked Questions — Custom Embroidery Pricing
How much does embroidery cost per item in Australia?
Embroidery per placement typically costs $14–$25 in Australia depending on stitch count and supplier. At ElitePulse we charge from $14 per placement — one of the most competitive rates in Melbourne. Full garment pricing (garment + embroidery) starts from $35 for a polo shirt.
Is there a minimum order for embroidery?
At ElitePulse our minimum is just 5 garments — significantly lower than most embroidery suppliers who require 12–50 minimum. This makes us ideal for small businesses, churches and community groups who need small quantities.
Do I pay digitising every time I order?
No — digitising is a one-off cost paid on your first order only. Your embroidery file is saved permanently and reused on every future order at no extra charge. Repeat orders are always cheaper than the first.
What file do I need for embroidery?
Send us your logo in AI, PDF, EPS or high-resolution PNG format. Don't have the right file? Send what you have — even a photo of your logo — and we'll work with it and get it digitised for embroidery.
How long does embroidery take?
Standard turnaround is 3–7 business days after artwork approval, depending on quantity and garment availability. For urgent orders contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate your deadline.
Can I get embroidery and DTF printing on the same garment?
Yes — this is a popular combination. Many customers choose embroidery on the left chest for a premium look and DTF printing on the full back for a detailed design or artwork. Both are priced separately and quoted together.
Do you supply the garments or do I need to bring my own?
Both options are available. We supply a wide range of garments from AS Colour, Winning Spirit and Aussie Pacific — or you can supply your own garments if you have a preferred brand. Contact us to discuss options.
Is embroidery durable? Will it last through regular washing?
Yes — embroidery is one of the most durable decoration methods available. Unlike printed designs, embroidery stitching is part of the fabric itself and will last the full life of the garment with normal care. No cracking, peeling or fading.
Local Embroidery Service — Melbourne's South-East
ElitePulse is based in Narre Warren South and provides local embroidery services to businesses, tradies, churches, sporting clubs and community groups across all of Melbourne's south-east. Local pickup available. Australia-wide shipping on all orders.
Get a Free Embroidery Quote Today
Send us your logo, garment type and quantity — we'll reply with a free digitised mockup and clear pricing. No commitment required. Minimum just 5 garments.
