Custom apparel is one of the easiest ways to make your team or brand stand out, but when it’s time to choose how to decorate your gear, the decision often comes down to two options: embroidery or screen printing.  

Both can look sharp, both can showcase your logo, but the materials, pricing, and purpose behind each method are a little different. Some designs need the polish of clean stitching. Others call for big, bold prints.

If you're trying to figure out what works best for your project (or you’ve been asking how much does embroidery cost) this guide breaks it all down in simple terms. We’ll walk you through the differences, what affects pricing, and when each option makes the most sense.

 

What’s the Difference Between Embroidery and Screen Printing?

Embroidery and screen printing are two popular ways to customize shirts, hats, jackets, and more. They both make your logo or design stand out, but they do it in different ways:

-Embroidery uses thread to stitch the design directly into the fabric. It creates a raised, textured look that feels strong and lasts through wear and washing. You’ll often see embroidery on hats, polos, uniforms (such as medical scrubs), and bags.
-Screen printing uses ink that’s pressed onto the fabric through a mesh screen. This method works well for large designs, bold colors, and soft t-shirts. It lies flat on the surface and can be done quickly in big batches.

Each method has its place. The best one for your project depends on what you’re decorating, how detailed the design is, and how many pieces you need.

 

How We Price Embroidery at Oak and Twine

Embroidery doesn’t have to be complicated, and we work hard to keep it that way. At Oak and Twine, we use a pricing model that’s transparent, consistent, and easy to plan around.

Here’s how it works:
Our base rate starts at $11 per piece for designs up to 5,000 stitches. This covers the materials, machine time, labor, and expert craftsmanship that goes into each embroidered item. Larger or more detailed designs (those with higher stitch counts) may increase the price slightly, but the total always reflects the time and thread it actually takes to bring your design to life.

In addition to that base rate, we charge a one-time $30 digitizing fee. This step is required to convert your logo or artwork into a format our embroidery machines can read. Once your design is digitized, it's saved in our system and can be reused in future orders at no extra cost.

We also offer flexible pricing based on volume. The more you order, the lower your per-item cost becomes. This helps small businesses and local teams place affordable bulk orders without sacrificing quality. And because our minimum is just 8 pieces, you don’t need to be a large company to access professional-grade embroidery.
We work closely with every client to make sure you get the most value for your order. That includes helping you decide the best stitch count for your design, recommending the right garment for your needs, and offering a realistic timeline based on your project size.

No two embroidery projects are exactly alike, but with us, you’ll always know what to expect before production begins. You’ll speak with a real person (never a bot!), and if you’re local to Chattanooga, you’re welcome to stop by our showroom to see samples, discuss your design, and be part of the process from start to finish.
Want to know exactly what your project would cost? Just send us your logo and we’ll give you a fast, no-pressure quote.

 

How Much Does Screen Printing Cost?

Screen printing prices can vary depending on your design, order size, and the type of garment you're printing on. The biggest factor is how many colors are in your design. Each color requires its own screen, which adds setup time and cost.

Here’s what affects the price at Oak and Twine:
-Color count. A one-color print starts at $2.50 per piece, and we can print up to 15 colors depending on your artwork.
-Order volume. Our minimum is 48 garments. Larger quantities help reduce the price per piece.
-Garment type and placement. We offer screen printing on t-shirts, fleece, jackets, and more. You can place your design on sleeves, left chest, center chest, or back.
-Design complexity. More detailed designs may require adjustments or extra time for setup, especially with multicolor prints.

Screen printing is a great choice when you need bold designs on a large number of garments. It’s ideal for event tees, branded apparel, and merchandise that’s meant to be worn, seen, and shared. If your artwork is color-heavy or simple in layout, this method keeps your order cost-effective without sacrificing visual impact.

When to Choose Embroidery

Embroidery is the go-to for gear that needs to look polished, feel durable, and hold up through repeated wear. If you’re ordering for a professional team, an upscale giveaway, or anything that gets daily use, embroidery makes a strong impression and stays intact over time.

Choose embroidery when:
-You're decorating hats, polos, jackets, or uniforms
-Your logo needs to stand out and last
-You want a clean, elevated look that signals quality
-You're working with thicker materials or structured pieces
-You need a logo in a classic placement, like a left chest or front cap panel

This method works especially well for smaller designs where detail and texture matter. Embroidery also adds depth to your branding, which makes it a popular pick for companies, schools, and event teams.

 

When to Choose Screen Printing

Screen printing shines when you want big, bold graphics in large quantities. It's ideal for casual pieces like cotton tees or sweats, especially when you’re handing out shirts at an event or outfitting a group on a budget.

Go with screen printing if:
-You want to print large or full-front designs
-Your project involves bright colors or layered artwork
-You're ordering a high volume of items
-You're printing on light fabric like cotton, blends, or jersey
-You want the most cost-effective option for your batch

This method moves fast in production, and the price per piece drops significantly as your order size goes up. Just keep in mind it’s not built for heavy-duty fabrics or long-term durability like embroidery is.

 

What's Right for Your Project?

Start by thinking about how the item will be used. Will it be worn every week as part of a uniform? Embroidery is your best bet. Is it a one-time giveaway shirt for a festival or conference? Screen printing probably makes more sense.

Embroidery is the right choice if you want:
-Long-lasting logos
-A more professional, finished look
-High-quality branding on outerwear, polos, or structured caps

Screen printing works better if you need:
-Large, colorful designs
-Fast turnaround on a bulk order
-Something lightweight and cost-friendly

If you’re running a full campaign, you don’t have to pick just one. Many of our clients use embroidery for hats and polos, and screen printing for shirts and hoodies. Both can work together to give your brand full coverage across different gear. 

 

Ready to Get Started?

If you're still weighing your options between embroidery and screen printing, we’re here to help. At Oak and Twine, we make the process easy. Just send us your design and project details, and we’ll walk you through the best approach for your needs and budget. 

Prefer to chat in person? Come by our Chattanooga showroom to see samples and get expert guidance.

Get in touch today for a fast, custom quote and friendly service from a team who cares about your brand as much as you do.