EMBROIDERY SERVICES
Custom Embroidery
Services
for Sportswear Brands
Professional embroidery services using 12-head Tajima computerized systems. From simple logo
embroidery to complex 3D puff designs, metallic threading, and custom patches — we deliver
luxury-grade branding that commands premium retail pricing for your sportswear collection.
Premium Branding That Elevates Your Products
Embroidery is the gold standard for high-end sportswear branding. While printing can fade, crack, or
peel over time, embroidery creates permanent, three-dimensional logos that last as
long as the garment itself. The raised, textured appearance of embroidered logos signals quality and
craftsmanship — instantly communicating to customers that your brand is premium, professional, and
built to last.
Major athletic brands (Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Lululemon) exclusively use embroidery for their
logos on premium products because it conveys luxury and durability. Embroidered garments command
30-50% higher retail prices compared to printed equivalents — customers recognize and pay for the
superior quality and longevity that embroidery provides.
Embroidery vs. Printing
Perfect For:
- ✓ Logo placement on premium hoodies, jackets, and polo shirts
- ✓ Team uniforms and corporate sportswear with professional branding
- ✓ Custom patches for varsity jackets, track suits, and outerwear
- ✓ Luxury activewear brands targeting high-end retail markets
- ✓ Golf apparel, tennis wear, and upscale country club merchandise
- ✓ Promotional products for corporate clients and premium giveaways
Advanced Embroidery Technology & Techniques
12-Head Tajima Systems
Industry-leading Tajima computerized embroidery machines with 12 heads running simultaneously.
Precision stitching up to 1,000 stitches per minute per head. Can embroider 12 garments at once
for efficient bulk production.
15-Needle Color System
Each head equipped with 15 needles allowing automatic color changes without manual intervention.
Perfect for complex multi-color designs, gradients, and detailed logos requiring 5+ thread colors.
Digitizing & Design Service
In-house digitizing team converts your logo files (AI, EPS, PNG, JPG) into embroidery stitch files.
We optimize stitch density, underlay, and path direction for clean, professional results on any fabric type.
3D Puff Embroidery
Raised, three-dimensional embroidery using foam backing that creates bold, eye-catching logos.
Popular for streetwear brands, sports caps, hoodies, and jackets. Adds depth and premium feel.
Specialty Thread Options
Metallic threads (gold, silver), reflective threads for visibility, glow-in-the-dark threads,
variegated multi-color threads, and premium polyester threads in 500+ color options from
major thread manufacturers (Madeira, Isacord).
Custom Patches & Appliqués
Woven patches, embroidered patches, chenille patches for varsity jackets, leather patches,
and appliqué work. Can be sewn directly onto garments or provided with iron-on/Velcro backing.
Complete Range of Embroidery Styles
Flat/Standard Embroidery
Traditional embroidery style where thread is stitched directly into fabric creating smooth,
flat designs. Perfect for logos, text, simple graphics, and classic branding. The most
versatile and commonly used embroidery method for sportswear.
✓ Text & names
✓ Simple graphics
✓ Starting at $2/piece
3D Puff Embroidery
Foam backing is placed under embroidery thread, creating raised, three-dimensional effect
that stands 3-4mm above fabric surface. Creates bold, eye-catching logos popular in streetwear,
caps, and premium hoodies. Adds texture and luxury appeal.
✓ Hoodies
✓ Bold logos
✓ Starting at $4/piece
Metallic Thread Embroidery
Shiny metallic threads (gold, silver, copper, rose gold) that catch light and add luxury
sparkle to designs. Perfect for premium brands, special edition collections, and high-end
retail products. Creates upscale appearance that justifies premium pricing.
✓ Special editions
✓ Premium look
✓ Starting at $3.50/piece
Chenille Embroidery (Varsity Style)
Thick, fuzzy, raised embroidery using chenille yarn creating soft, plush texture. Traditional
varsity jacket style popular in collegiate and retro athletic apparel. Creates vintage,
nostalgic aesthetic associated with American sports culture.
✓ Patches
✓ Retro style
✓ Custom quote
Reflective & Glow-in-the-Dark
Safety-enhancing embroidery using reflective threads that shine bright when hit by light
(headlights, flashlights), and glow-in-the-dark threads that emit light in darkness.
Essential for running gear, cycling apparel, and outdoor sportswear.
✓ Cycling gear
✓ Safety wear
✓ Starting at $4/piece
Appliqué Embroidery
Fabric pieces are cut and sewn onto garments, then embroidery is added around edges creating
layered, textured designs. Reduces stitch count for large areas (more cost-effective), adds
color variety, and creates unique visual depth.
✓ Patches
✓ Layered look
✓ Starting at $5/piece
Where We Embroider Your Logos
Left Chest
Classic logo placement. Professional, subtle. 2-4 inch logos. Perfect for polo shirts,
hoodies, jackets, uniform shirts.
Center Chest
Bold, statement placement. Larger designs (6-10 inches). Team names, brand logos,
event graphics. Popular for crewnecks and t-shirts.
Full Back
Maximum impact. Large designs up to 12 inches wide. Team rosters, event details,
large graphics. Statement piece embroidery.
Sleeves
Left or right sleeve placement. Vertical or horizontal orientation. Secondary branding,
sponsors, numbers. 2-3 inch designs.
Caps & Hats
Front panel, side panels, back. 3D puff embroidery most popular for caps.
2-3.5 inch logos. Perfect for merchandising.
Custom Locations
Hood embroidery, collar embroidery, pocket embroidery, cuffs, hem — we can embroider
almost anywhere on a garment. Just ask!
Transparent Embroidery Costs
Starting Prices Per Piece
* Pricing based on stitch count and complexity. Exact quote provided after logo digitizing.
🎯 Minimum Order Quantity
50 pieces
Per design/logo. Can mix garment styles (hoodies, t-shirts, etc.) as long as same logo is
embroidered. Lower MOQs considered for sampling or testing — contact us to discuss.
💰 One-Time Setup Costs
- • Digitizing fee: $25-50 per logo
- • Reusable for future orders
- • Free digitizing for orders 200+ pieces
- • Send existing DST files = no fee
⏱️ Production Timeline
Digitizing: 2-3 days
Sample: 5-7 days after digitizing approval
Bulk: 15-20 days after sample approval
Rush: 10-day service available (+25% fee)
💡 How to Reduce Embroidery Costs
Increase Quantity
500+ pieces = 20-30% discount
Simplify Design
Fewer stitches = lower cost
Fewer Colors
2-3 colors ideal for most logos
Smaller Size
3-4 inch logos are cost-effective
Embroidery Services Questions Answered
What file format do you need for embroidery digitizing?
We accept: Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG) — best quality, ideal for clean digitizing.
High-resolution images (PNG, JPG) — minimum 300 DPI, must be high quality with clear
edges. Already have embroidery files? Send DST, PES, or EXP files and we’ll use them
directly (no digitizing fee). Don’t have professional files? Send us a photo of your logo and our
team can recreate it for digitizing ($35-50 depending on complexity). Logo must have clean lines —
blurry photos or low-resolution images require recreation which adds cost.
How is embroidery pricing calculated?
Embroidery cost is based on stitch count — the total number of stitches required
to create your design. Simple text or small logos: 2,000-5,000 stitches ($2-3). Medium logos with
details: 5,000-15,000 stitches ($4-6). Large complex designs: 15,000-30,000+ stitches ($8-15).
After digitizing your logo, we provide exact stitch count and per-piece cost. Factors affecting
price: design size (bigger = more stitches), detail complexity (intricate designs = more stitches),
number of colors (each color change adds time), and specialty techniques (3D puff, metallic threads
cost extra).
Can embroidery be done on any fabric type?
Embroidery works on most fabrics, but results vary: Best fabrics: Cotton twill,
denim, canvas, fleece, oxford cloth, polo knit — stable fabrics that hold stitches perfectly.
Good fabrics: Cotton jersey, polyester blends, nylon, lightweight fleece — require
proper backing but work well. Challenging fabrics: Thin t-shirt material, mesh,
stretch fabrics, satin — need special stabilizer and expert digitizing to prevent puckering.
Not recommended: Very thin silk, delicate lace, ultra-stretch Lycra — fabric damage
risk. We always provide recommendations based on your garment type to ensure best results.
How do I care for embroidered garments to maintain quality?
Embroidery is extremely durable, but proper care extends lifespan: Washing: Machine
wash cold or warm (not hot), turn garments inside-out to protect embroidery surface, use mild
detergent (harsh chemicals can fade thread colors). Drying: Tumble dry low heat or
air dry (high heat can cause thread to shrink or fade). Ironing: Never iron directly
on embroidery — iron inside-out or place towel over embroidery when ironing. Storage:
Hang or fold normally — embroidery won’t crack or peel like prints. With basic care, embroidered
logos last the entire life of the garment without visible deterioration.
Can you match exact Pantone colors with embroidery thread?
We get very close, but perfect Pantone matching is difficult with thread. Here’s why: Thread has
texture and sheen that changes color appearance depending on lighting and viewing angle. Polyester
threads (most common) have slight sheen vs. flat Pantone swatches. We use Madeira and Isacord thread
color charts (500+ colors) and match to closest available thread. For critical brand colors, we
create test samples so you can approve thread colors under different lighting before bulk production.
Pro tip: Most clients find thread colors within 90-95% match acceptable once they see samples. If
absolutely perfect color match is critical, consider printed logos instead of embroidery.
Ready to Add Professional Embroidery to Your Products?
Send us your logo files for free digitizing quote. We’ll provide stitch count, per-piece pricing,
and timeline within 24 hours. Free embroidery sample available for orders 100+ pieces.
📧 Email: embroidery@unidasports.com | 🧵 12-Head Tajima Systems | ✨ 15 Thread Colors Per Head