[2025] How to Start an Embroidery Business

Starting your own embroidery business from home is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a real opportunity to build a flexible, self-directed lifestyle. With so many factors affecting our everyday lives, home-based businesses are on the rise, and embroidery offers a perfect blend of artistry and profitability. Whether you’re looking for a full-time income or a side hustle, learning how to start an embroidery business can give you the freedom to work on your own terms, from the comfort of your own space.

If you've ever asked yourself, "How do I start an embroidery business?" you're in the right place. This guide walks you through the essentials of launching your own embroidery business, from setting up your space to finding your first customers—all while maintaining the control and flexibility that makes working for yourself so rewarding.

The Perks of Starting an Embroidery Business from Home

One of the biggest advantages of starting an embroidery business is how accessible it can be. You don’t need a commercial space or a massive warehouse when you’re starting out. You can set up your business in a spare room, a small studio, or even your kitchen table.

And best of all—you’re in charge of your own time. This business lets you:

• Work at your own pace, whether in the mornings or late nights.
  

• Balance business with your personal life or another job.
  

• Take control of your creative direction and growth.
  

• Avoid commuting and enjoy your own space.

The flexibility of working from home means you can build something sustainable while still enjoying your independence and creativity.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

To start an embroidery business, you’ll need a few core tools and supplies. The most important investment will be your embroidery machine. A single-needle machine is great for beginners and small orders, while multi-needle machines are better for higher output or handling more colors.

Other essentials include:

• A selection of embroidery threads in various colors
  

• Stabilizers (tear-away, cut-away, or water-soluble, depending on the fabric)
  

• Hoops in multiple sizes
  

• Scissors and snips for finishing
  

• Blanks (t-shirts, hats, onesies, tote bags, etc.)

Digitizing software is also key if you plan to create your own designs. While you can outsource digitizing at first, learning it yourself gives you more control over your creative process—and saves money in the long run.

Creating a Functional Workspace

Your workspace doesn’t need to be elaborate, but it should be clean, organized, and functional. An ideal area is a well-lit area with enough surface space for your embroidery machine, laptop, and supplies. Consider using shelving or pegboards to keep tools and threads organized and within reach.

Think through your workflow and storage needs. You’ll be handling both creative and operational tasks like customer communication, design prep, and shipping. Having a dedicated work area—even if it’s just a corner of your home—helps keep you focused and productive.

Building Your Brand and Finding Customers

Your next step is bringing your business to the world. Start by choosing a name that reflects your style and market. It should be memorable, easy to spell, and ideally connected to your niche (whether that’s baby clothing, wedding gifts, or personalized workwear).

Once you’ve got your branding in place, set up your online presence. Many home-based embroidery businesses find success on platforms like:

• Etsy
  

• Shopify
  

• Facebook Marketplace
  

• Instagram and TikTok
  

Make sure to photograph your products in good lighting with clean backgrounds. Engaging images and short video clips of your machine in action can boost interest and trust.

And remember—word of mouth is still one of the best marketing tools. Your first customers may come from your personal network, so don’t hesitate to share your new venture with friends, family, and local community groups.

How to Price Your Embroidery Work

Pricing your embroidery products can be tricky when you're starting out. You want to stay competitive, but you also need to ensure you’re covering your costs and getting paid for your time.

When setting your prices, consider:

• Cost of materials (thread, stabilizer, blanks)
  

• Time spent designing, hooping, and finishing
  

• Equipment wear and maintenance
  

• Packaging and shipping supplies
  

• Desired profit margin
  

It helps to research what other embroidery shops are charging for similar items. Don't undercharge just to get your first sales—it can be hard to raise your prices later. Value your work from the start.

Scaling Up and Adding Value

Once you’ve gotten a few orders under your belt, think about how you can grow. Many home embroiderers expand by offering more personalization options, faster turnaround times, or bundled gift sets.

As demand increases, you might consider:

• Investing in a multi-needle embroidery machine
  

• Offering custom digitizing as a paid add-on
  

• Selling seasonal collections (think holiday gifts, wedding sets, etc.)
  

• Partnering with local businesses for bulk orders
  

Remember, you don’t have to grow overnight. One of the great things about owning your embroidery business is that you get to decide when and how to scale.

Your Business, Your Schedule

The best part about starting your own embroidery business from home? You’re the boss. There are no office hours to follow, no permission to ask for days off, and no commute cutting into your day.

Whether you’re juggling parenthood, a day job, or school, this is a business that flexes with your life. You can embroider while the kids nap, work on designs in the evening, or ship orders on weekends. It’s your rhythm, your rules.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been thinking about starting an embroidery business but weren’t sure how—consider this your green light. You don’t need a storefront or a staff. You just need a machine, a little space, and the motivation to bring your vision to life.

Starting an embroidery business gives you creative freedom and financial potential—all without giving up your personal freedom. Every stitch you make moves you closer to a business that works around your life, not the other way around.