Best-Selling Embroidery Products on EtsyProfit Data + What Sells
BadgeBliss has generated over 147,000 sales selling custom embroidered patches and gifts on Etsy, while StitchCraftCo averages $38,000 per month in embroidery revenue. These aren't outliers—embroidered products represent one of Etsy's fastest-growing handmade categories, with searches for "custom embroidery" up 67% year-over-year.
The Etsy Embroidery Market in 2026
Searching for personalized items
"Custom embroidery" searches
For personalized products
Embroidered items (vs $35 Etsy avg)
Quick Answer: What Embroidered Products Sell Best on Etsy?
Based on 2026 marketplace data and top seller analysis
| Product Type | Avg Price | Profit Margin | Competition | Why It Sells |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Name Patches | $8-$25 | 65-75% | Medium | Personalization premium, uniform/workwear demand, club/team orders |
| Embroidered Baby Gifts | $18-$45 | 60-70% | High | Gift market dominance, emotional purchase, monogram trend |
| Personalized Tote Bags | $22-$55 | 55-68% | Very High | Practical + decorative, bridesmaid/teacher gifts, bulk orders |
| Custom Pet Collars | $15-$40 | 70-80% | Medium | Pet spending boom, safety feature (embroidered name/number), repeat customers |
| Embroidered Hats | $20-$45 | 60-70% | High | Fashion + function, business/team orders, gift appeal |
| Personalized Stockings | $25-$60 | 55-65% | Medium (seasonal) | High-ticket holiday item, family tradition, yearly repeat sales |
| Custom Denim Jackets | $85-$250 | 40-55% | Low-Medium | Statement pieces, bridal market, high AOV boosts revenue |
| Embroidered Handkerchiefs | $12-$35 | 70-80% | Low | Wedding market (MOTB/MOTG gifts), sentimental value, low material cost |
Custom Name Patches
$8-$25
65-75%
Medium
Embroidered Baby Gifts
$18-$45
60-70%
High
Personalized Tote Bags
$22-$55
55-68%
Very High
Custom Pet Collars
$15-$40
70-80%
Medium
Embroidered Hats
$20-$45
60-70%
High
Personalized Stockings
$25-$60
55-65%
Medium (seasonal)
Custom Denim Jackets
$85-$250
40-55%
Low-Medium
Embroidered Handkerchiefs
$12-$35
70-80%
Low
Key Insight: Personalized baby items and pet products dominate sales volume, but custom denim jackets and bridal accessories command the highest individual prices. Successful embroidery sellers focus on 2-3 complementary niches rather than trying to serve everyone.
Profit Margin Reality Check: What You'll Actually Make
Realistic cost breakdown for popular embroidered items
| Product | Blank Cost | Thread | Backing | Total COGS | Typical Price | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name Patch | $1.20 | $0.20 | $0.30 | $1.70 | $12 | 86% |
| Baby Blanket | $8.50 | $0.40 | $0.50 | $9.40 | $32 | 71% |
| Tote Bag | $4.50 | $0.60 | $0.40 | $5.50 | $28 | 80% |
| Pet Collar | $3.20 | $0.30 | $0.20 | $3.70 | $22 | 83% |
| Dad Hat | $6.50 | $0.35 | $0.40 | $7.25 | $28 | 74% |
| Christmas Stocking | $11.00 | $0.50 | $0.50 | $12.00 | $38 | 68% |
| Denim Jacket | $35.00 | $1.50 | $1.50 | $38.00 | $165 | 77% |
| Handkerchief | $2.50 | $0.30 | $0.20 | $3.00 | $18 | 83% |
Name Patch
$1.20
$0.20
$0.30
$1.70
$12
86%
Baby Blanket
$8.50
$0.40
$0.50
$9.40
$32
71%
Tote Bag
$4.50
$0.60
$0.40
$5.50
$28
80%
Pet Collar
$3.20
$0.30
$0.20
$3.70
$22
83%
Dad Hat
$6.50
$0.35
$0.40
$7.25
$28
74%
Christmas Stocking
$11.00
$0.50
$0.50
$12.00
$38
68%
Denim Jacket
$35.00
$1.50
$1.50
$38.00
$165
77%
Handkerchief
$2.50
$0.30
$0.20
$3.00
$18
83%
Important: These margins don't include labor, machine depreciation, or Etsy fees (6.5% transaction + 3% payment processing + $0.20 listing).
After-Fee Reality (Example: $28 embroidered tote bag)
- • Sale price: $28.00
- • Etsy fees: -$2.84 (10.1%)
- • Material cost: -$5.50
- • Net profit: $19.66 (70% margin)
- • Labor time: 20 minutes
- • Effective hourly rate: $59/hour
Key insight: Higher-ticket items (jackets, stocking sets) generate more profit per hour despite lower margins.
Top 8 Best-Selling Embroidery Products on Etsy
Deep dive into what's selling and how to succeed in each category
Custom Name Patches — High Margins, Low Material Cost
Why it sells: Versatile application (jackets, backpacks, uniforms), low material cost, perfect for bulk orders. Sports teams, businesses, and clubs order in volume.
What's selling:
- •Name patches — Individual names for uniforms, workwear, team gear
- •Logo patches — Business branding, club emblems, band merchandise
- •Military/tactical patches — Morale patches, rank insignia, unit identification
- •Iron-on patches — DIY application appeals to craft customers
- •Sew-on patches — Professional finish for apparel makers
Winning Strategies:
- •Bulk pricing tiers: 5-pack, 10-pack, 25-pack with 15-30% discount
- •Shape variety: Standard rectangle, circle, shield, custom die-cut (+$3-$5)
- •Backing options: Iron-on, sew-on, Velcro, adhesive
- •Mock-up service: Send digital preview before production
- •Rush orders: Offer 24-48 hour turnaround for 50% upcharge
Embroidered Baby Gifts — Emotional Purchases, Premium Pricing
Why it sells: Baby showers, birth announcements, first birthday gifts. Monogrammed baby items carry sentimental value and perceived luxury. Parents/grandparents pay premium for personalization.
What's selling:
- •Personalized baby blankets — Name + birth date embroidery, fleece or muslin
- •Monogrammed bibs — Classic gift, practical + decorative, sets sell well
- •Embroidered burp cloths — Useful gift, affordable entry point, bundle opportunity
- •Custom baby robes — Luxury gift, photo-worthy, grandparent favorite
- •Personalized loveys — Security blankets with name, trendy gift item
Winning Strategies:
- •Gift sets: Blanket + bib + burp cloth bundle for $55-$75 (20% discount vs. individual)
- •Font variety: Offer 6-10 embroidery font options in listings
- •Color matching: Coordinate thread color to item for cohesive look
- •Gift packaging: Include tissue, ribbon, gift tag for +$5 (huge perceived value)
- •Gender-neutral options: Expand market with neutral colors/designs
Personalized Tote Bags — Practical Meets Decorative
Why it sells: Functional gift for teachers, bridesmaids, coworkers, mom groups. Bulk orders common. Reusable bag trend aligns with sustainability values.
What's selling:
- •Canvas tote bags — Classic style, durable, holds embroidery well
- •Teacher tote bags — "Best Teacher" + name, end-of-year gift staple
- •Bridesmaid tote bags — Wedding party gifts, names + role/date
- •Beach/pool totes — Larger size, summer/vacation theme
- •Grocery/market totes — Eco-friendly angle, monogram elegance
Winning Strategies:
- •Bulk discounts: 5+ totes get 20% off (capture wedding party orders)
- •Size options: Standard (14x16), large (18x20), jumbo (20x24)
- •Pocket upgrades: Interior pockets add $8-$12 to price
- •Color variety: Offer 8-12 bag colors to match preferences
- •Design add-ons: Icons, dates, phrases alongside names (+$5-$10)
Custom Pet Collars — Pet Spending Boom Meets Safety
Why it sells: U.S. pet owners spend $147 billion annually on pets. Embroidered collars offer safety feature (name/number directly on collar) plus personalization appeal. Dog owners buy multiple collars.
What's selling:
- •Personalized dog collars — Name + phone number embroidered on collar
- •Matching leash sets — Collar + leash coordination, upsell opportunity
- •Cat collars — Smaller market but less competition
- •Martingale collars — Training collar style, growing popularity
- •Puppy collars — Smaller sizes, new pet gift market
Winning Strategies:
- •Size range: XS to XXL (accommodate all breeds)
- •Safety features: Breakaway buckles for cats, reflective thread options
- •Webbing quality: Heavy-duty nylon or biothane (justify premium pricing)
- •Hardware upgrades: Metal vs. plastic buckles, D-ring quality
- •Set pricing: Collar + leash bundle at $45-$70
Embroidered Hats — Fashion Meets Function
Why it sells: Businesses order branded hats, individuals want personalized fashion items, teams need uniform headwear. Hats are wearable advertising.
What's selling:
- •Dad hats — Unstructured, curved brim, casual style dominates
- •Trucker hats — Mesh back, foam front, retro appeal
- •Beanies — Winter market, simple personalization, gift appeal
- •Snapback hats — Flat brim, structured, streetwear aesthetic
- •Bucket hats — Trend resurgence, Y2K nostalgia, festival fashion
Winning Strategies:
- •Text + icon combos: Name plus small graphic (coffee cup, mountains, pet)
- •Bulk orders: Team/business pricing at 12+ units (15-25% discount)
- •Font variety: Offer modern, script, block, collegiate styles
- •Thread color: Match or contrast with hat color strategically
- •Seasonal designs: Pumpkin spice for fall, beach vibes for summer
Personalized Christmas Stockings — Seasonal High-Ticket Items
Why it sells: Family tradition, yearly repeat customers, high perceived value. Parents buy one per child plus pets. Multi-generational appeal.
What's selling:
- •Classic velvet stockings — Traditional style, name embroidery
- •Cable knit stockings — Cozy texture, modern farmhouse aesthetic
- •Burlap stockings — Rustic style, popular in Southern U.S.
- •Personalized pet stockings — Paw prints + pet name, growing category
- •Family stocking sets — 4-6 stockings with coordinating designs
Winning Strategies:
- •Early bird pricing: 20% off orders placed before October 1
- •Family sets: Bulk pricing for 4+ stockings (15% discount)
- •Cuff customization: Icons, dates, or phrases on cuff (+$8-$12)
- •Size options: Children's (12"), standard (18"), oversized (24")
- •Memory marketing: Email past customers in September for reorders
Custom Denim Jackets — Statement Pieces, High AOV
Why it sells: Bridal market (bride, bridesmaid jackets), bachelorette parties, birthday statements, concert/festival fashion. Social media shareability drives demand.
What's selling:
- •Bridal denim jackets — "Bride," "Mrs. [Name]," wedding date on back
- •Bridesmaid jackets — Matching designs with names/roles
- •Birthday jackets — Age + name celebrations, milestone birthdays
- •Band/music jackets — Lyrics, artist names, concert memorials
- •Business branding — Salon/boutique staff uniforms
Winning Strategies:
- •Jacket sourcing: Offer provided jacket embroidery ($45-$85) or full jacket + embroidery
- •Back panel focus: Large designs on back yoke (10x10" or 12x14" fields)
- •Design packages: Simple name ($85), name + design ($125), full custom ($200+)
- •Rush orders: Weddings need fast turnaround—charge 50% premium
- •Add-on sleeves: Name or date on sleeve cuff (+$20-$35)
Embroidered Handkerchiefs — Low Cost, High Emotion
Why it sells: Wedding market gold. Mother of the Bride/Groom gifts, wedding day accessories, memorial tributes. Low material cost, high sentimental value.
What's selling:
- •Mother of the Bride/Groom hankies — "To the woman who raised me" messaging
- •Wedding day hankies — Bride's something blue, happy tears theme
- •Father of the Bride hankies — "Dad, I'll always be your little girl" messages
- •Memorial handkerchiefs — In memory of loved ones, dates, quotes
- •Groomsmen hankies — Wedding party gifts, initials or dates
Winning Strategies:
- •Pre-designed options: 8-10 message templates customers choose from
- •Custom messages: Offer personalized wording for +$8-$12
- •Presentation: Gift box or organza bag included (+$3-$5 cost)
- •Fabric quality: 100% linen or cotton lawn (justify premium pricing)
- •Color variety: White, ivory, light blue, blush (match wedding colors)
Equipment You Need to Get Started
Choose the right setup for your skill level and budget
Beginner Setup
$500-$2,500Machines:
Brother SE600 ($380) or Janome Memory Craft 400E ($1,200)
Single-needle machines, 4x4" embroidery field, good for patches, small items, hats
Pros:
Low entry cost, learn craft, test market viability
Cons:
Can't handle large orders efficiently, limited to smaller designs
Intermediate Setup
$3,000-$8,000Machines:
Brother PR670E ($4,500) or Janome MB-7 ($7,000)
Multi-needle machines (5-7 needles), 5x7" or larger embroidery field, automated thread color changes, 2-3x faster production
Pros:
Professional output, bulk order capability, larger designs
Cons:
Significant upfront investment, steeper learning curve
When to upgrade:
When you're consistently selling 50+ items/month and turning down orders due to production capacity
Professional Setup
$10,000-$20,000+Machines:
Ricoma EM-1010 ($10,500) or Tajima TMBP-SC ($15,000+)
10+ needle commercial machines, multiple hooping stations, large embroidery fields (9x12"+), business-level production speed
Pros:
High-volume production, minimal thread changes, commercial durability
Cons:
Major investment, requires dedicated space, overkill for hobby sellers
When to invest:
When embroidery is full-time income and you're processing 200+ orders monthly
Pricing Strategy: How to Price Embroidery Services
Cost-Plus Pricing
Formula: (Material Cost + Labor Cost + Overhead) × Desired Margin
Example: Personalized tote bag
• Material cost: $5.50
• Labor: $10.00 (20 min @ $30/hr)
• Overhead: $3.00
• Total cost: $18.50
• Target margin: 40%
• Selling price: $30.83 (round to $32)
Market-Rate Pricing
Research competitor prices for similar quality and turnaround
Market tiers:
Low-end: Economy sellers ($18-$22 tote bags)
Mid-range: Quality sellers with good reviews ($25-$35 totes)
Premium: Fast turnaround, luxury materials ($40-$55 totes)
Recommendation: Position yourself in mid-range initially, move to premium after 50+ five-star reviews
Value-Based Pricing
Charge based on customer value, not just cost
Value-based strategies:
- •Rush orders: 50% premium (need it in 2 days? Pay more)
- •Complex customization: Charge for design time ($25-$50 setup)
- •Bulk orders: Volume discount (10% off 5+, 20% off 10+)
- •Gift packaging: Add $5-$8 for professional presentation
Key principle: Emotional purchases (baby gifts, weddings, memorials) command premium pricing. Practical items (team uniforms, business branding) are more price-sensitive.
Niches with Less Competition (Smart Starting Points)
These embroidery niches have strong demand but fewer sellers
1. Custom Pet Collars
- •Requires cylinder hoop but fewer sellers have equipment
- •Recurring revenue (pets need multiple collars)
- •Cross-sell opportunity (leashes, bandanas, tags)
2. Embroidered Handkerchiefs
- •Delicate fabric requires skill (barrier to entry)
- •High emotional value justifies premium pricing
- •Wedding market evergreen demand
3. Tactical/Morale Patches
- •Military, first responders, outdoor enthusiasts
- •Loyal customer base, repeat orders
- •Requires understanding of tactical culture/symbolism
4. Embroidered Baby Memory Books
- •Fabric book covers with name/date embroidery
- •Higher price point ($45-$85)
- •Combines embroidery with product assembly
5. Custom Denim Jackets (Non-Bridal)
- •Target music fans, birthday celebrations, milestones
- •High average order value ($150-$250)
- •Less saturated than bridal jacket market
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Trying to Serve Everyone
Mistake:
Offering patches, hats, jackets, baby items, pet items, bags, towels...
Fix:
Pick 2-3 complementary niches. Master them. Expand later.
Why it matters:
Scattered shops don't rank well in search. Focused shops become category authorities.
2. Pricing Too Low
Mistake:
Charging $15 for a custom tote bag to compete on price
Fix:
Price at market rate ($28-$35). Compete on quality, turnaround, service.
Why it matters:
Low prices attract price-sensitive, high-maintenance customers. They leave negative reviews over minor issues.
3. Skimping on Materials
Mistake:
Buying cheapest blank products, thin thread, no backing
Fix:
Mid-tier quality materials still have strong margins. Quality justifies premium pricing.
Why it matters:
Poor materials = puckering, thread breaks, items falling apart. Negative reviews kill Etsy shops.
4. No Clear Production Timeline
Mistake:
Accepting unlimited orders without tracking capacity
Fix:
Set realistic production times. Pause listings when at capacity.
Why it matters:
Missed deadlines = refunds + negative reviews. Better to lose a sale than damage reputation.
5. Ignoring Seasonal Planning
Mistake:
Starting Christmas stocking production in November
Fix:
Launch seasonal items 8-12 weeks before holiday.
Why it matters:
Etsy search algorithm favors early seasonal listings. Late launches miss peak demand.
Scaling from $1,000 to $10,000/Month
At $1,000/month (25-30 orders)
Equipment:
Single-needle machine sufficient
Production:
Evenings/weekends, solo operation
Niches:
2-3 product types
Challenge:
Time management, learning curve
At $3,000/month (75-90 orders)
Equipment:
Consider multi-needle upgrade
Production:
Part-time hours (20-25 hrs/week)
Niches:
3-4 product types, seasonal items added
Challenge:
Production capacity, quality consistency
At $5,000/month (125-150 orders)
Equipment:
Multi-needle machine essential
Production:
Full-time equivalent hours
Niches:
4-5 core products, established brand
Challenge:
Batch production efficiency, supply chain
At $10,000/month (250-300 orders)
Equipment:
Commercial machine or multiple machines
Production:
Full-time + part-time help or VA
Niches:
Diversified, wholesale accounts possible
Challenge:
Hiring, systems, quality control at scale
Key scaling factors:
- • Batch production — Do all hooping, then all stitching, then all finishing
- • Inventory management — Stock bestselling blanks (30-day supply)
- • Automation — Auto-digitize designs, email templates, shipping integrations
- • Delegation — Virtual assistant for messages, family for packaging
Final Checklist: Ready to Launch Your Embroidery Shop?
Everything you need before opening your Etsy embroidery shop
Equipment
- ☐Embroidery machine (with appropriate hoops for your products)
- ☐Design software or design library with commercial licenses
- ☐Quality thread (at least 20 common colors)
- ☐Stabilizers (tear-away, cut-away, water-soluble)
- ☐Sharp needles (size 75/11 for most projects)
- ☐Scissors, snips, seam ripper (finishing tools)
Business Setup
- ☐Etsy shop created, policies set
- ☐Business name and branding decided
- ☐Product photography setup (lightbox or natural light area)
- ☐Pricing calculated (materials + labor + fees + profit)
- ☐Production timeline established (3-5 day turnaround realistic?)
Listings
- ☐3-5 core product listings created
- ☐SEO-optimized titles using formula above
- ☐All 13 tags used per listing
- ☐7+ high-quality photos per listing
- ☐Clear customization instructions in description
- ☐Shipping profiles set up correctly
Operations
- ☐Material suppliers identified and accounts created
- ☐Sample products completed (test quality before selling)
- ☐Order processing workflow documented
- ☐Customer message templates created
- ☐Review request system planned
Marketing
- ☐Instagram/Facebook business accounts created
- ☐Initial $5/day Etsy ad budget allocated
- ☐Friends/family launch plan ready
- ☐Local craft fair researched (optional validation step)
Find Profitable Embroidery Keywords Before Your Competition
InsightAgent tracks real-time Etsy search data, analyzes top-performing embroidery listings, and identifies emerging opportunities.
Common Questions About Selling Embroidery Products on Etsy
Everything you need to know about starting your embroidery business
- Custom name patches ($8-$25) — 65-75% profit margins, bulk orders from teams/businesses
- Embroidered baby gifts ($18-$45) — Blankets, bibs, burp cloths with high emotional value
- Personalized tote bags ($22-$55) — Teacher gifts, bridesmaid bags, bulk orders
- Custom pet collars ($15-$40) — Safety feature + personalization, 70-80% margins
- Embroidered hats ($20-$45) — Dad hats, beanies, trucker hats for fashion and business
- Personalized Christmas stockings ($25-$60) — Seasonal high-ticket items, yearly repeat customers
- Custom denim jackets ($85-$250) — Bridal market, statement pieces, high AOV
- Embroidered handkerchiefs ($12-$35) — Wedding market, low cost, high emotion
Part-time sellers:
- 25-30 orders/month at $1,000 revenue: $400-$600 profit (40-60% margins)
- Single-needle machine, evenings/weekends
- Focus on 2-3 product types
- 125-150 orders/month at $5,000 revenue: $2,000-$3,000 profit
- Multi-needle machine, established brand
- 4-5 core products with seasonal variations
- Sale price: $28.00
- Etsy fees (10.1%): -$2.84
- Material cost: -$5.50
- Net profit: $19.66 (70% margin)
- Labor time: 20 minutes
- Effective hourly rate: $59/hour
Beginner ($500-$2,500):
- Brother SE600 ($380) or Janome Memory Craft 400E ($1,200)
- Single-needle, 4x4" field
- Good for patches, small items, testing market
- Upgrade when selling 50+ items/month
- Brother PR670E ($4,500) or Janome MB-7 ($7,000)
- Multi-needle (5-7), 5x7"+ field
- Automated thread changes, 2-3x faster
- Handles bulk orders professionally
- Ricoma EM-1010 ($10,500) or Tajima TMBP-SC ($15,000+)
- 10+ needles, large fields (9x12"+)
- For 200+ orders monthly, full-time income
1. Cost-Plus Pricing:
- Formula: (Materials + Labor + Overhead) × Desired Margin
- Example: $5.50 materials + $10 labor (20 min @ $30/hr) + $3 overhead = $18.50 × 40% margin = $32 price
- Research competitors for similar quality/turnaround
- Position mid-range initially ($25-$35 for totes)
- Move to premium ($40-$55) after 50+ five-star reviews
- Rush orders: +50% premium for 2-day turnaround
- Complex customization: +$25-$50 design setup fee
- Bulk discounts: 10% off 5+, 20% off 10+
- Gift packaging: +$5-$8 for presentation
Path to full-time income:
- Year 1: Part-time, single-needle machine, 2-3 products ($12K-$25K annual profit)
- Year 2: Upgrade to multi-needle, 4-5 products, 50+ orders/month ($30K-$50K profit)
- Year 3+: Commercial machine, team/VA help, 150+ orders/month ($60K-$100K+ profit)
- Niche specificity: "Custom pet collars" beats "embroidered products"
- Fast turnaround: 3-5 day production competitive advantage
- Bundle offerings: Sets increase average order value significantly
- Batch production: Do all hooping, then stitching, then finishing
- Quality consistency: Professional execution, no puckering or thread breaks
- Custom pet collars — Medium competition, high demand. Requires cylinder hoop (barrier to entry). Recurring revenue from repeat customers. Cross-sell leashes/bandanas.
- Embroidered handkerchiefs — Low competition, steady wedding demand. Delicate fabric requires skill. High emotional value justifies premium pricing.
- Tactical/morale patches — Medium competition, steady demand. Military, first responders, outdoor enthusiasts. Loyal customer base, requires cultural understanding.
- Embroidered baby memory books — Low competition, growing demand. Fabric book covers with embroidery. Higher price point ($45-$85), combines embroidery with assembly.
- Custom denim jackets (non-bridal) — Low-medium competition, growing demand. Target music fans, birthdays, milestones. High AOV ($150-$250), less saturated than bridal market.
Disclaimer: Sales figures, profit margins, and market statistics are based on publicly available data and industry research as of February 2026. Individual results vary based on product quality, niche selection, marketing effort, production capacity, and execution. This guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee specific financial outcomes. Always conduct your own research and due diligence before starting a business.
Build Your Profitable Embroidery Business on Etsy
Use InsightAgent's tools to discover trending embroidery products, analyze top-performing sellers, and optimize your listings for maximum visibility and sales on Etsy.