In branded workwear, the stitch count or thread count is the number of stitches it takes to embroider it.
That number shapes how your logo looks and what you pay. This guide explains what it is, why it varies and how to keep it under control.
Thread count vs Stitch count
On bedding, thread count is the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric. On embroidered workwear, it refers to your logo: the total number of stitches the machine sews to create it. Most embroiderers call this the stitch count, so that’s the term we’ll use here.
Before we can stitch your logo, we digitise it. Digitising means turning your artwork into a stitch file: a set of instructions that tells the machine where each stitch goes, in what order and in which colour. Your stitch count comes from that file. You can read more about this step in our guide to how we embroider a logo onto workwear.
Same size logo, different stitch counts?
Size plays a part, but it isn’t the whole story. What matters most is how much of the design is filled in with thread.
Filled areas vs outlines
A logo made of text or thin outlines needs few stitches. A solid block of colour needs far more, because the machine has to cover the whole area. Two logos that measure the same across can differ by thousands of stitches.
Detail and colour changes
Crests, fine lettering and shading all add stitches. Each extra colour also means a thread change, which adds machine time.
Typical stitch counts by logo type
These ranges give a rough idea of where most logos fall:
| Logo type | Typical stitch count |
|---|---|
| Small text-only logo | 2,000 to 5,000 |
| Standard left chest logo | 5,000 to 10,000 |
| Detailed crest or illustrated logo | 10,000 to 20,000 |
| Large detailed back logo | 20,000 to 60,000+ |
Your exact count depends on your design. We work it out when we digitise your logo, before anything goes into production.
Left chest, sleeve and cap logos
Left chest is the most common spot for a company logo. Sleeve and cap logos tend to be smaller, so their stitch counts are often lower.
Back logos
A large back design can run to tens of thousands of stitches. For big, detailed designs, printing can be the better choice. We’re happy to advise which suits your artwork.
High stitch counts at affordable rates
The more stitches your logo has, the longer the machine runs, and machine time is what drives the cost.
| Stitch Count | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Up to 7,000 stitches | Designs with up to 7,000 stitches in one position are charged at our base rate. |
| Above 7,000 stitches | We add 20p for every extra 1,000 stitches. |
| Setup | There’s a setup charge of £15 + VAT for each design with up to 7,000 stitches. This includes digitising your logo. |
For example: a logo with 9,000 stitches is 2,000 over the base, which adds 40p to the cost per garment.
Order size
Our minimum order is 10 garments, and we handle orders up to 10,000. Your quote will reflect the number of garments, the positions you choose and your stitch count.
Stitch density: the number behind the number
Stitch density is how close together the stitches sit. This is different to the number of stitches, but just as important.
- Too sparse: the fabric shows through the thread and colours look patchy.
- Too dense on thin fabric: the fabric can pucker, which means it bunches up around the logo.
A backing helps here. Backing is a layer of support material placed behind the fabric so it can hold the stitching flat. We choose the backing and density to suit each garment.
If one quote is much lower than the rest, ask about density. A lower price can mean fewer stitches packed into the same space, which changes how the logo looks.
How to keep your stitch count down
A few small changes to your artwork can lower your stitch count without changing how people see your brand.
Simplify the detail
Fine lines and small shapes that you can’t see at chest size can go.
Drop the small print
Taglines and tiny text are hard to read once stitched.
Cut back large fills
Outlining a shape, or letting the garment colour show through, can save thousands of stitches.
Use fewer colours
Each colour adds a thread change.
Choose the right size
A left chest logo doesn’t need to be large to be seen.
What to ask your supplier
Before you place an order, it’s worth asking:
- What is the stitch count of my logo?
- Is the setup charge a one-off for this design?
- What density and backing will you use on this garment?
- Can I see a proof before production starts?
We send every customer a proof to approve before we start. You can find more answers on our frequently asked questions page.
Get a quote for workwear logos with a high stitch count
Send us your logo and we’ll tell you the stitch count and what it means for your order. Get a quote or read more about our embroidery services.