Custom Logo Embroidery for Businesses
Malidana is a custom embroidery and printing company based near Philadelphia, PA, providing professional logo embroidery for businesses across the United States.
What is custom embroidery?
Custom embroidery is a decoration method where a design, logo, or text is stitched directly into fabric using a commercial embroidery machine. Unlike printing, embroidery creates a textured, raised finish that looks professional and lasts for years — even after hundreds of washes.
The process begins with digitizing: converting your logo or artwork into a stitch file that the embroidery machine can read. Each color in the design is assigned a thread, and the machine stitches the design directly into the garment. The result is a clean, durable finish that won't crack, peel, or fade over time.
Embroidery is widely used for business uniforms, corporate apparel, team gear, and branded merchandise. It's the preferred decoration method when a professional, premium look is important — especially on polos, jackets, hats, and workwear.
Embroidery methods we offer
Flat Embroidery
The design is stitched flat against the fabric. Clean and professional. Ideal for logos, text, and detailed designs on most garment types. This is what most business orders use.
Puff / 3D Embroidery
Stitched over a foam insert for a raised, three-dimensional effect. Most commonly used on hats and caps. Works best with simple, bold designs — fine details are not suitable.
Appliqué Embroidery
A piece of fabric is cut to shape and stitched onto the garment with embroidered borders. Creates a layered look. Often used for large logos and varsity-style lettering.
What is stitch count and why does it matter?
Stitch count is the total number of stitches in an embroidered design. It directly affects production time, durability, and pricing. For most business logos placed on the left chest, stitch counts fall between 5,000 and 10,000 stitches.
| Design Type | Stitch Count |
|---|---|
| Simple text or small logo | 2,000 – 5,000 stitches |
| Medium logo with moderate detail | 5,000 – 10,000 stitches |
| Large or detailed logo | 10,000 – 15,000 stitches |
| Full chest or back design | 15,000 – 30,000+ stitches |
Stitch count is determined during the digitizing process, before production begins. Our team reviews every design and provides stitch count details with your order.
What is digitizing?
Digitizing is the process of converting a logo or image into a machine-readable embroidery file. This file tells the embroidery machine exactly where to place each stitch, in what order, and with which thread color.
A skilled digitizer doesn't just trace the image — they adjust stitch types, stitch direction, density, and underlay to ensure the design looks clean on the specific fabric being used. A logo that looks great on a polo may need adjustments for a thick jacket or a structured cap.
At Malidana, digitizing is handled on a case-by-case basis. For many orders, digitizing is included. For complex or highly detailed logos, there may be a one-time digitizing fee. Once your logo is digitized, the file is saved and reused for all future orders at no additional cost.
Common items we embroider
We embroider on a wide range of apparel and accessories for businesses:
- Polo shirts and uniform tops
- Hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts
- Jackets, vests, and softshell outerwear
- Hats, caps, and beanies
- T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts
- Quarter-zip and full-zip pullovers
- Bags, aprons, and towels
- Your own garments (bring-your-own)
We source blank apparel from trusted brands including Gildan, Port Authority, Sport-Tek, Carhartt, Bella+Canvas, Comfort Colors, Richardson, and others.
Popular embroidery placements
Multiple placements can be combined in a single order — for example, left chest logo + right sleeve text + back design.
Who uses custom embroidery?
We regularly produce embroidered apparel for:
Whether you need 6 embroidered polos for your restaurant staff or 500 jackets for a construction company, we handle orders of all sizes with the same level of quality.
How to order custom embroidery
Choose your garments
Browse our catalog or tell us what you need. We'll help you pick the right blanks for your use case and budget.
Upload your logo
We accept AI, PDF, SVG, EPS, and high-resolution PNG files. If you only have a low-quality file, we can often work with it.
Select placement and quantity
Choose where you want the logo (left chest, hat front, sleeve, etc.) and enter your sizes and quantities.
Digitizing and approval
We digitize your logo for embroidery (if not already on file) and begin production after your confirmation.
Production and shipping
Typical turnaround is 3–10 business days. We ship nationwide across all 50 states, with local pickup available near Philadelphia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does custom embroidery cost per piece?
Pricing depends on the garment, stitch count, number of embroidery placements, and order quantity. As a general range, embroidery on a standard polo or t-shirt starts around $8–$15 per piece for single-placement orders. Hoodies and jackets are typically higher due to garment cost. Volume discounts apply on larger orders. Contact us for an exact quote.
Is there a minimum order for custom embroidery?
No. We accept orders of any size, from a single piece to 1,000+ units. However, per-unit pricing is lower on larger orders due to production efficiency.
What is the turnaround time for embroidery orders?
Most orders are completed in 3–10 business days after artwork approval. Rush orders may be available depending on current production capacity — contact us to discuss.
What logo file format do you need?
We prefer vector files (AI, PDF, SVG, EPS) for the best embroidery quality. High-resolution PNG files also work. If you only have a JPEG or low-quality image, send it to us — we can often work with it or recreate it.
Is digitizing included in the price?
It depends on the order. For many orders, digitizing is included. For highly detailed or complex logos, a one-time digitizing fee may apply. Once digitized, your file is saved permanently and reused on all future orders at no extra cost.
What is the difference between embroidery and DTF printing?
Embroidery stitches the design into the fabric, creating a raised, textured, premium look that's extremely durable. DTF (Direct to Film) printing transfers a full-color image onto the fabric surface — it's better for complex artwork, gradients, and photographic designs. Embroidery is typically preferred for business logos, uniforms, and workwear. DTF is better for large full-color graphics and promotional apparel.
Can you embroider on items I provide?
Yes. You can send us your own garments and we'll embroider them. Please contact us first to confirm the items are suitable for machine embroidery.
What is puff (3D) embroidery?
Puff embroidery uses a foam insert under the stitching to create a raised, three-dimensional effect. It's most commonly used on hats and caps. It works best with bold, simple designs — small text and fine details are not recommended for puff embroidery.
How durable is embroidery?
Very durable. Embroidery is stitched directly into the fabric, so it won't crack, peel, or fade. Properly embroidered items can last for years of regular wear and washing. We recommend washing embroidered garments inside-out on a gentle cycle.
What thread colors are available?
We offer a wide range of thread colors, including standard Madeira and Isacord thread palettes. For most logos, we can match your brand colors closely. If an exact PMS color match is critical, let us know and we'll work with you to find the closest available thread.
What is the maximum embroidery size?
Maximum embroidery area depends on the garment and placement. For left chest, the standard area is about 3.5" × 3.5". For full back designs, we can embroider up to approximately 12" × 12" on most garments. Hat front panels are typically limited to about 2.25" × 4".
Do you offer embroidery for personal or one-off orders?
Yes. While most of our work is for businesses, we also accept personal orders — gifts, custom jackets, single hats, and more. No minimum order required.