The Spool - unraveling threads one by one

Guide to Starting an Embroidery Business + Tips from Kt Kreations

By ShirtSpace | Feb 12, 2025 | Updated Feb 13, 2025

Are you hoping to start an embroidery business or expand your current business offerings? We lay it all out in seven steps. Plus, we tapped our customer, Kt Kreations, about her thoughts on embroidery and how she has turned her background in teaching and embroidery into a successful online business.

Hero image credit: Kt Kreations

Guide to Starting an Embroidery Business

Embroidery has been a beloved craft for centuries, and today, it’s a thriving industry with opportunities for entrepreneurs to turn their passion into a profitable business. Whether you specialize in custom embroidery for businesses, sports teams, or personal projects, starting an embroidery business can be an exciting and rewarding venture. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the essentials to get started.

How to Start an Embroidery Business

A purple and blue “grandpa” long sleeve embroidered t-shirts by Kt Kreations. A navy blue Comfort Colors crewneck sweatshirt, embroidered with the word “wifey” on the chest and roman numerals on the sleeve.
Image credits: Kt Kreations

Starting an embroidery business can be daunting. But follow these steps, and you will be servicing customers before you know it! It’s time to make your embroidery business dreams come true!

Step 1: Define Your Embroidery Niche

Before launching your business, consider what type of embroidery services you want to offer. Some popular niches include:

Custom embroidery for businesses and uniforms
Embroidered clothing, hats & bags
Hand-embroidered art pieces and home decor
Promotional merchandise for brands, groups, sports teams
Embroidered patches for apparel and accessories
Embroidery kits to help guide those who are new to embroidery

You can offer more than one of these, but by focusing on a niche, you can tailor your branding and marketing efforts to attract the right customers. Starting with one and then expanding after you have mastered the first is always a good strategy.

Step 2: Gather Your Embroidery Equipment and Supplies

A peg board with tools and supplies needed for embroidery.
Image credit: Kt Kreations

To create high-quality embroidery worked products, you’ll need the right tools. Essential equipment includes:

Embroidery machine – Choose a machine based on the complexity and volume of embroidery designs you plan to produce.
Embroidery threads – Stock up on high-quality threads in a variety of colors to enhance your creations.
Stabilizers and backing – These materials help maintain fabric integrity and improve the embroidery technique.
Digitizing software – This converts designs into embroidery patterns that machines can follow.
Hoops and frames – Necessary for both machine and hand embroidery projects.
Something to stitch – Whether that be a cap, tote bag, hoodie or denim jacket. Heavyweight t-shirts and sweatshirts are super popular among embroidery enthusiasts due to the higher GSM, which holds the stitched design well.
- For a complete collection of embroidery-friendly blanks, check out our Wholesale Clothing for Embroidery shopping page.

Step 3: Learn the Craft and Improve Your Skills

Katie of Kt Kreations stitching a garment using a needle, thread and embroidery hoop.
Image credit: Kt Kreations

While having a passion for embroidery is a great start, mastering different embroidery techniques is essential for producing professional-quality work. Take time to:

Learn different stitch types and applications
Experiment with embroidery designs to understand how they translate onto different fabrics
Stay updated with industry trends and innovations
Become familiar with both hand-stitching and machine embroidery

Step 4: Create a Business Plan

Image credit: Kt Kreations Etsy shop banner

A solid business plan is crucial for long-term success. It should include:

Branding: Business name, color scheme, logo, etc.
Business goals and objectives
Target market analysis
Pricing strategy
Marketing and sales plan
Financial projections
Acquire any appropriate business licenses, certifications or permits

Step 5: Market Your Embroidery Business

Once your business is set up, it’s time to attract customers. Some effective marketing strategies include:

Building a website showcasing your embroidery services and portfolio
Leveraging social media to share behind-the-scenes content and customer testimonials
Offering promotions and discounts to first-time customers
Partnering with local businesses for bulk custom embroidery orders

Step 6: Deliver Quality and Grow Your Business

Customer satisfaction is key to growing a successful embroidery business. Ensure timely delivery, maintain high-quality standards, and offer excellent customer service. As your business grows, consider expanding your offerings, such as customized apparel, providing embroidery classes, or selling embroidery kits with thorough instructions.

Starting an embroidery business requires dedication, creativity, and business acumen, but with the right approach, you can turn your passion into a thriving enterprise. Whether you specialize in machine or hand embroidery, investing in quality materials and honing your embroidery technique will set you apart in the market. Get ready to stitch your way to success!

Step 7: Have a Back-Up Plan

Sometimes things can go wrong with embroidery. Your thread is a tangled mess, your embroidery machine’s alignment is off, or puckering happens. Troubleshooting issues like this will come easier with time and experience, but it’s always good to have a back up plan for when things go awry. Here are some helpful resources to have in your back pocket for when you do have hiccups:

Social media platforms like Pinterest, YouTube and TikTok for how-to’s and tutorials
A mentor with more embroidery experience than yourself to ask questions
An online forum or Facebook group to tap the embroidery community
A handy repairman for technical issues beyond your skill level (if you have an embroidery machine)

Customer Spotlight: Kt Kreations

Kate Westlake of Kt Kreations. Reverse appliqué embroidery that spells the word “TEACH”.
Left: Katie Westlake of Kt Kreations
Right: Reverse appliqué embroidery

Meet Katie Westlake, the stitcher behind Kt Kreations, based in Indianapolis, Indiana. She specialized in hand embroidery, alongside running her embroidery kit business. If that wasn’t enough to keep her busy – she’s also a full-time elementary school teacher! Taking her love for embroidery and combining it with her passion for education, the reverse embroidery kits she sells have been a hit on Etsy.

We want to learn more about her experience with embroidery and pick her brain about starting an embroidery business, so read on to see her oh sew thoughtful insights:

What types of apparel decorating do you do?

I hand stitch a variety of items, including tees, crewnecks, baby blankets, onesies, hoops, and chunky knit sweaters!
How did you get into embroidery, and when did it grow to be more than just a hobby?

I've always been drawn to creativity and wanted a hobby that would let me express that. One night, I picked up a hand embroidery kit and got started. I quickly became intrigued by the variety of stitches, so I kept exploring and learning. I began posting the tees I made for myself on my personal Instagram, and a while later, people started asking for custom orders. That’s when Kt Kreations came to life!
What type of embroidery machine/tools do you use?

Top 5 items I use when hand embroidering:
- Hoop stand
- Hoop
- DMC embroidery needles (sizes 5-10)
- Wash away stabilizer (Stick 'n Stitch by Sulky)
- DMC embroidery thread
Tell us a little bit about your embroidery kit business.

I have three embroidery kits available: Valentines, Floral Letters, and Reverse Appliqué. Each kit is designed to be beginner-friendly and fun, with easy-to-follow instructions that guide you through every step, along with the design pre-printed on a stabilizer. The kits are also customizable, from the text you'd like to include to the materials you prefer. I offer video instructions to make your stitching experience even easier.

Plus, I released a “25 Days of Stitches” series on Instagram that started this past December 1st, where I taught 25 different stitches, one each day! I created these kits because a kit is what first got me started on my embroidery journey, and I wanted to share that experience with others who are looking to dive in!
Tell us more about your thoughts on custom orders.

I love doing custom orders because I get to bring someone’s idea to life! It also pushes me to think outside the box when someone asks for a specific project. It's like solving a fun little puzzle!
Where do you source your designs from? And if you create them from scratch, what softwares or mediums do you use?

When I'm creating my own designs, I use Procreate! I’ve also purchased some designs from other small businesses on Etsy to inspire my projects!
What are your favorite blanks to embroider that we carry at ShirtSpace, and why?

My go-to blanks are:
- Comfort Colors – My favorite two colors are Blue Spruce and Crimson, but they have an awesome range of colors to choose from!
  - Comfort Colors C6014 Adult Heavyweight RS Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
  - Comfort Colors C1717 Adult Heavyweight T-Shirt
  - Comfort Colors 1566 Adult Crewneck Sweatshirt
  - Comfort Colors 3023CL Ladies' Heavyweight Cropped T-Shirt
    
    Comfort Colors Blue Spruce and Crimson.
- I also love using Gildan crews (specifically the Gildan G180 Adult Heavy Blend™ Adult 8 oz., 50/50 Fleece Crew)!
What is a piece of advice you would give to an embroidery beginner?

If I could offer one piece of advice to someone starting out with hand embroidery, it would be to think outside the box! There are endless ways to be creative with embroidery. I always thought I'd just stitch on tees forever, but I've ended up doing so many amazing projects along the way!
Do you have any embroidery fails or mishaps you are willing to share?

Reverse appliquéing is one of my favorite projects to work on. I was working on a custom order and had finished all the stitching. The next step is to carefully cut the tee to reveal the fabric underneath. You really have to take your time with this step. But, of course, I ended up cutting through the fabric and had to start over. I stitched up another tee, and as luck would have it, I did the same thing again! The third time was the charm, though, and I finally got it right! I haven’t cut through the fabric since, but I know it could happen again someday!
What trends do you see emerging in the embroidery world?

I’ve seen a lot of people using felt to add some cool dimension to clothes, but I haven’t tried it myself yet—it's definitely on my bucket list to try it out!
Do you have any pro tips for other embroiderers?

If you're just getting started, try learning a few basic stitches like the back stitch, chain stitch, and lazy daisy. With just these three stitches, you can create a ton of different projects! All of my kits are designed to be beginner-friendly and can be completed using just these three stitches. As you go, you'll be able to learn new stitches and expand your skills over time!
What advice would you give someone who wants to start an embroidery business? And where should they begin?

Don’t hesitate to jump in! My advice is to find something special in your work that showcases your unique embroidery style to others. Start by sharing your work through your favorite social platform!
What’s next for your embroidery business? Are there any exciting goals or projects on the horizon?

I’m currently working on my next kit for all the dog lovers! I can’t wait to help others stitch up the world’s greatest companions—our spoiled pups!

The silhouette of a floppy-eared dog stitched in black thread above the chest pocket on a green t-shirt.
Image credit: Kt Kreations

Now, Stitch Away!

We hope this guide has given you the confidence and inspiration to embark on your embroidery business journey. Hearing success stories from entrepreneurs like you show that with dedication and skill, a thriving business is within reach. Keep experimenting, refining your craft, tapping into your natural talents and interests, and connecting with customers who appreciate your work. The embroidery industry is full of opportunities—it's time to thread your path to success!

Other Blogs We Think You’ll Love:

We take your privacy seriously and will not share or publish your email address.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.