45 Years of Expert Custom Embroidery in Seattle: Elevate Your Business Today!

Embroidery Samples, Space Needle, Embroidery Machine, Embroidered Trucker Cap, City Skyline, Seattle, WA

Estimated reading time: 20 minutes

Seattle’s Leader in Custom Embroidery Services

Northwest Custom Apparel in Seattle is a leading provider of custom embroidery services. They specialize in helping individuals and businesses create unique, one-of-a-kind products that will surely be noticed and admired. Their talented team of professionals is experienced with everything from hats and bags to t-shirts and baseball caps. Northwest Custom Apparel has the tools and technology necessary to create customized garments that they can personalize to your specifications. With their state-of-the-art Tajima embroidery machines, you can be sure that your item will be crafted with exquisite detail.

Not only does Northwest Custom Apparel offer top-notch embroidery services, but they also provide superior customer service too! They are committed to putting the customer first, and ensuring their satisfaction is priority number one! Whether you need just a few pieces or hundreds, their team will work tirelessly to ensure your project meets its highest quality expectations. With fast turnaround times, competitive pricing structures, and top-notch customer service. Northwest Custom Apparel is an unbeatable combination for any custom embroidery needs in Seattle. Skip the rest and benefit from their expertise today!

 a young boy wearing a camouflage baseball cap with the restaurant name "Hops N Drops" embroidered on it. The boy is standing in front of a Tajima embroidery machine at Northwest Custom Apparel, which is used to create high-quality custom embroidered baseball caps and other products.
Get your custom embroidered caps in Seattle today! Our Tajima embroidery machine ensures the highest quality designs, just like this Hops N Drops cap on our happy 10-year-old customer.

Watch a Video Tour of Seattle’s Northwest Custom Apparel Embroidery Shop


Northwest Custom Apparel specializes in personalized custom embroidery services in Seattle, creating hats, jackets, t-shirts, safety gear, and more. With 45+ years of experience, we provide top-quality products and services, including medical scrubs and custom-printed safety shirts.

The Custom Embroidery Process

“A stitch in time saves nine.” Embroidery has been an art form for centuries, and Seattle is no exception. The city’s experts have created stunning pieces, from custom patches in Seattle to full-fledged embroidery designs since 1977. But how does one go about having a design created? Let’s look at the Seattle embroidery process.

The first step in getting something embroidered is finding someone who can do it. Fortunately, many embroidery shops offer this service in Seattle so you will have more options.

  1. Find someone who can do embroidery in Seattle
  2. Decide what material you want for the garments or caps
  3. Send over any artwork or logos you’d like incorporated into the design
  4. Professionals will digitize the design

The Seattle embroidery approach can seem effortless and has a learning curve. Above all, the operator learns the embroidery machine basics with a few days of instruction and practice.

Above all, understanding the realm where graphic design passion, embroidery machinery, computer programming, and thread and needles come together entails learning that comes best from ‘the doing.”

Jim Mickelson, the embroidery industry’s top marketing and machine consultant, says, ‘Think of it as learning to play the piano. Above all, you know the basics from your teacher and can play a few elementary tunes in a few days.

However, appearing at the Grand Old Opry is outside the cards for beginners. For instance, the operator must see the finer points and nuances of executing professional quality embroidery in a way that formal instruction won’t accomplish.

8 Head Embroidery Machine stitching red shirts
Seattle’s finest embroidery machine

How Much is an Embroidery Machine?

Are you looking for a Seattle custom embroidery service? Having the right equipment is one of the essential components of any successful project. If you’re considering getting into embroidery, one key question is: how much is an embroidery machine?

For example, start-up costs for a single-head embroidery machine in Seattle will run between $35,000 and $45,000. Basic commercial embroidery machinery like a Ricoma and Babylock are much cheaper.

6 Head Tajima Embroidery Machine
6 Head Tajima Embroidery Machine being delivered to Northwest Custom Apparel

How much is a 2-Head Embroidery Machine?

A 2-head Tajima embroidery machine price is more than a single head. Add another $25,000 to $35,00,000 for a two-head embroidery machine. If you look hard, you may find a used ZSK or Brother 2-head machine for $15,000. While eBay is an excellent spot to locate Melco and Feiya machines.

Fortunately, with so many great Seattle embroidery shops around since 1977, you don’t have to worry about finding a quality machine at a reasonable price! The experts in these stores will likely be able to advise on which model best fits your needs and budget. So if you need a reliable sewing partner for your projects, look no further than the bustling metropolis of Seattle for all things related to custom embroidery.

Embroidery Supplies

When it comes to embroidery, having the right supplies is essential. From thread and needles to stabilizers and hooping systems, many components can make all the difference in the quality of your finished project. That’s why finding a reliable source for these items is so important.

Northwest Custom Apparel provides an extensive selection of embroidery products from top brands like Madeira, OESD, Gunold, Specialty Materials, and more. Whether you’re just getting started with hand embroidery or looking to upgrade your existing machine setup, our experienced staff can help guide you through all your options. Plus, with competitive pricing and fast delivery, you can count on us for everything you need for your next successful project!

Embroidery supplies, such as Floriani embroidery thread and embroidery floss bobbins, are around $2,000 to stock in your shop. You can purchase backing from QST/STC in Los Angeles. As much as I want to tell you the backing price, you must contact them since pricing fluctuates. Above all, when you call them, ask for Tony Spagone, and he will give you a super deal. We have it all from materials to machines and accessories at Northwest Custom Apparel. Let us be your go-to supplier for all things related to embroidery!

Embroidery Training Professionals

For over four decades, the experts in Seattle have been providing fantastic embroidery services. It’s truly remarkable! But now they’ve offered unparalleled training in this fine art form.

Whether you want to sharpen your existing skills or start from scratch, their comprehensive courses can provide all you need. They’ll teach you everything from how to paint fabric with thread to creating beautiful three-dimensional objects through the stitching. And, of course, they offer guidance on the best tools and techniques for achieving maximum results.

So, if you want to get the most out of your embroidery experience, look no further than these dedicated professionals who have mastered their craft – because nothing can’t be achieved with them at your side!

Unlike the cheaper embroidery machine companies, Hirsch will give you five training days. In addition, they will teach you Tajima embroidery machine maintenance. You will also want to attend their embroidery digitizing online training courses.

Man in Hawaiian Shirt shaking a hand of a man with facial hair standing in front of an embroidery machine.
Jim Mickelson, the owner of Northwest Custom Apparel, is shaking hands with Tajima tech Kenny – a partnership built on quality, expertise, and dedication to embroidery.

Full Back Custom Embroidery

When it comes to full-back embroidery, there’s no one better than the experts in Seattle. They’ve been providing top-notch quality since 1977 and have truly mastered the craft of this intricate art form. With their extensive experience, they can make sure each piece is perfect from start to finish.

The attention to detail these experts bring to their work can only be matched by yourself. Everything will be done with precision, from color choices to placement on the garment for a beautiful finished product. And because of the nature of embroidery, you’ll get results that last much longer than other design techniques.

Whether creating personalized items or adding logos to uniforms, you know you’re getting something special when you go with full-back embroidery from the experts in Seattle. Not only will your garments look amazing, but they’ll also stand up to wear and tear over time, so you don’t need to worry about having them redone soon.

How Much Does Full-Back Embroidery Cost?

Full-back embroidery typically contains around 40,000 stitches, significantly more than the 8,000 stitches commonly seen in simple left chest embroidery. The cost of full-back embroidery ranges from $.50 to $1.50 per thousand stitches, with the Rockin A&J Carhartt sweatshirt costing $1.00 per thousand stitches. This translates to $40.00 for the full-back logo, making it far more cost-effective than getting it done at a store like Lids in the mall.

  • Full-back embroidery typically contains around 40,000 stitches
  • Simple left chest embroidery typically includes 8,000 stitches
  • Cost of full-back embroidery ranges from $.50 to $1.50 per thousand stitches

Custom Motorcycle Club Patches

Motorcycle Club Patches are created for each customer, with a center back patch or two separate patches for the top and bottom. Custom Rocker Patches can be one straight patch for the bottom of the vest, a curved patch, or a minor rib patch for the side. Club Patches are custom patches sewn in Seattle and often have the same center patch and a top rocker; and can also have different bottom rockers depending on the location.

Motorcycle Club Rocker Patches

Motorcycle Club Rocker Patches may consist of rockers only, or they may also have a center patch and side rib rockers with the name of a state or chapter. We have developed a method of recreating the old-school chain stitching look with current embroidery machine technology to keep this classic biker patch style alive.

motorcycle rocker patches that are stitched in read lettering with black fabric. There is a curved rocker patch at the top, stack of patches, and rectangle patches. The background is the tread of a motorcycle tire.
Classic Motorcycle Club Rocker Patches! Whether you’re looking for a complete set or just a few custom patches to add to your collection, our team can recreate the old-school chain stitching look.

Custom Embroidered Hats

Representing your company or club is an essential part of spreading the word. A great way to do this is with custom embroidered hats. These hats can be used by employees, customers, family, and friends to make a business known. At the same time, embroidered hats can boost morale and team spirit.

Big Ferris Wheel on the Seattle Water front. 2 women wearing hats with a wall of many cap samples behind them. There are samples of trucker caps
Stand out with customized caps for your team, company, or school! Embroidered with your unique logo or design, caps are the perfect addition to any event. Let Northwest Custom Apparel help you make a statement and set yourself apart from the competition.

Need to locate embroidery on caps near me?

If you want embroidery in Seattle or any other Washington State location, Northwest Custom Apparel can be your ultimate option, as it provides custom embroidery in King County. For over 45 years, we have provided quality hats in King County. Each embroidered hat we make has the best images from years of improving our quality and focusing on customer feedback.
Take a minute to look at our extensive catalog of products, and you will find many options for embroidery on hats near me or monogram hats near me. You will have a selection from plenty of different manufacturers of hats. We can do it whether you want a company logo on your hats or a slogan. We are a one-stop shop for your embroidery needs ranging from hat stitching near me to embroidery on hats. Each embroidered hat is truly a custom work of art.

Quality Custom Embroidered Hats

One of the most important parts of ordering custom-embroidered hats is quality. The processes we use at Northwest Custom Apparel are of top quality. We have industry-leading equipment because we believe any lack of quality reflects poorly on a company. We strive to meet every customer’s needs and desires.

Hat Embroidery in King County

Custom embroidered hats are the best-customized hats on the market. The embroidery process allows images and words to stay on a hat for a long time. Embroidery also will enable you to bring out every detail in a snap. The process allows imagery to be affected on the individual thread level. Hat’s in King County and surrounding cities like Tacoma and Puyallup are top-rated.

Custom Embroidered Caps For a Lifetime

Owning a hat isn’t all about quality but also about lifespan. You want caps that are designed to last a lifetime. Embroidery doesn’t only allow you to have details, but it also allows you to craft hats that will last a long time. Custom embroidered hats from Northwest Custom Apparel are designed to last the hat’s lifetime. If you keep your cap clean and don’t cut it up, the image should stay for a while.
Want to know what hat brands we use for our custom embroidered hats? Our Catalog has a complete list of the headgear that we offer. The choice is yours based on your specific desires; one brand might be better.

Achieve Beautiful Embroidery

Have you ever wondered why embroidery sometimes looks terrible? A few key factors are at play when producing high-quality embroidered designs. Firstly, the quality of the thread used can make a huge difference. If a poor-grade thread is used, the product will have less depth and likely fray more quickly over time. The embroidered material also matters; if thick fabric is used for stitching on intricate detail, it won’t turn out well.

collage of beautiful embroidered patches with colorful yarn in the background
Emblems with bright thread are beautiful pieces of artwork

Another aspect that affects the outcome of an embroidered design is the skill level of the person doing the work. Embroidery takes practice and experience to be done correctly. Even with suitable quality materials, someone who isn’t experienced or knowledgeable about handling them could still produce an inadequate result. It’s essential to find professionals who specialize in this craft so they can provide superior results that last longer than usual without fraying or fading away quickly.

Tips for Choosing the Right Professional to Achieve Beautiful Custom Results.

When looking for a professional to perform your embroidery needs, research their skill level and ask questions regarding their past projects to get an idea of what kind of service they offer. Keep these details in mind before taking further steps to ensure you achieve beautiful results!

If you are familiar with embroidery, you will recognize that embroidered designs look beautiful. Many people not well-versed in the embroidery process mistakenly expect the embroidery to be as crisp as a screen print, not realizing that it is an art form. The nature of fabrics and yarns, which come from the heart, makes them stretch in the embroidery hoop. Ultimately, embroidery is an elegant way to customize a full-back jacket.

a black 1/4 Zip Carhartt Heavy Weight Sweatshirt lying inside a brown cardboard box. The back of the quarter zip is embroidered with a full back Huge logo that says Rockin A&J Trucking in light gray and dark grey thread colors. The embroidered design, consisting of 45,000 stitches, was created by Northwest Custom Apparel. The box is placed on a rolling cart, surrounded by other cardboard boxes with the label "Port Authority For every Company and Team."
Looking for a way to make your brand stand out? Consider investing in custom full-back embroidery designs like this stunning masterpiece by Northwest Custom Apparel! With 45,000 stitches and impeccable attention to detail, our team can bring your logo or design to life in a bold and eye-catching way. Imagine the impact of your brand on the back of a sweatshirt or jacket, attracting attention and turning heads wherever you go. Don’t settle for a basic print or patch when you can have full-back embroidery that makes a statement. Contact Northwest Custom Apparel today, and let us help you elevate your branding game!

Embroidered Custom Patches

“You get what you pay for.” This adage is especially true regarding custom patches in Seattle; why buy something that isn’t the highest quality? With over 45 years of experience, experts in embroidery will craft a one-of-a-kind patch tailored to your specifications.

High-quality materials are essential for exceptional results. Whether looking for an intricate design or something more straightforward, experienced craftsmen can ensure every stitch seems perfect. Plus, they know how much thread should be used and which colors best bring out the details in each patch – without sacrificing durability.

Making a custom patch is about aesthetics and practicality; well-made patches last longer than those with inferior construction methods. Investing in expertly crafted patches from Seattle professionals means getting superior workmanship and beautiful designs that’ll stand up to wear and tear better than mass-produced ones.

Seattle’s #1 Embroidery Shop

I hope to answer the most searched online question: “Who Can Embroidery Logos Near Me”? The answer to this question is Northwest Custom Apparel. Northwest Custom Apparel can ship anywhere in the United States. Contact us for a FREE quote when you need to get something embroidered. Our nationwide toll-free number is 1-800-851-3671, or text at 253-922-5793. We are always near you with Fed Ex and UPS shipping.

Our staff of experienced embroiderers, reliable technologies and supplies, and outstanding customer service make Northwest Custom Apparel the best in the embroidery business. We offer a vast selection of embroidery thread colors and the creative minds of professional designers. With our years of in-depth experience, you can trust that Northwest Custom Apparel is the authority for embroidery near Seattle, WA. Reach out to us today for the best embroidery services near Seattle!

the exterior of Northwest Custom Apparel's building from the parking lot. The building features a beautifully landscaped exterior, and an LED reader board with the Northwest Custom Apparel logo is visible. The front door leads to the showroom, which houses hundreds of samples to choose from.
Step into the World of Custom Embroidery at Northwest Custom Apparel! Explore Our Showroom and See Our Beautifully Landscaped Building, and Let Us Help You Bring Your Designs to Life!

Seattle Embroidery Services

Are you looking for the best embroidery company in Seattle? Look no further than Northwest Custom Apparel! Their onsite embroidery services offer multi-head embroidery machines with blazing speed and the industry-leading Tajima’s, saving you time and money—their top-notch embroidery, with tight stitching and premier Robison Anton Rayon thread. And with exciting lines of apparel like Tommy Bahama and Brooks Brothers, you will find something perfect! Make Northwest Custom Apparel your embroidery company of choice – you won’t be disappointed!

The Best Embroidery Shop in Seattle

Seattle is home to fantastic embroidery shops, and for over 45 years, they’ve been creating custom patches. From intricate designs to classic logos, these expert artisans have something for everyone.

Looking for top-tier embroidery in Seattle? Look at these time-tested establishments. Many offer services such as applique, chenille patching, sequins, etc. The best part is that you can customize your purchase however you like! You can choose from hundreds of colors and thread types to get exactly what you want from your design. Plus, many places offer discounts on large orders or bulk purchases.

Whether you need one patch or thousands, an embroidery shop in Seattle is ready to help you create your perfect design. With decades of experience and unbeatable attention to detail, these professionals will ensure that every stitch looks just right. So only settle for the best – check out the local Seattle embroidery shops today!

Embroidery Digitizing

Northwest Custom Apparel is a leader in the embroidery industry, producing award-winning designs for the trade journal, Impressions. To ensure their designs are of the highest quality, Northwest digitizes most in-house using both Hatch digitizing software and Wilcom. For larger projects, Northwest partners with Qdigitizing as a backup digitizing service. Additionally, Northwest is an expert in digitizing photos for embroidery – all you need is a high-resolution photo from your iPhone, and they can do the rest!

Embroidery Applique

Embroidery applique is a great way to make a unique statement on any garment! With 50% less stitching than full-back embroidery, you can use fabric as the background for your design. Popular among high school uniforms, applique embroidered letters are a fun way to customize your wardrobe. To get started, you’ll need an industrial machine and applique fabric, which can be found at a local fabric store. Once you have your supplies, you can cut the applique fabric to the desired size and digitize your design. When your machine is finished sewing, all that is left to do is trim the excess threads and admire your gorgeous garment!

 a navy blue hooded sweatshirt with a beautiful sewn applique just above the front pocket of the hoodie. The applique, created by Northwest Custom Apparel, features a white design with red border stitching that reads "Holy Names High School." With 45 years of experience in applique embroidery, Northwest Custom Apparel has the expertise to create high-quality and eye-catching designs that stand the test of time.
Are you a proud member of Holy Names High School and want to show off your school spirit in a stylish and eye-catching way? Look no further than Northwest Custom Apparel! Our team of embroidery experts has been creating stunning applique designs for over 45 years, and our attention to detail and commitment to quality ensure that your custom design will look great and last for years to come. Whether you want to showcase your school spirit on a hooded sweatshirt, jacket, or another apparel item, we have the expertise to create a design that truly captures the essence of your school. Let us help you bring your ideas to life and show off your school pride with custom applique embroidery from Northwest Custom Apparel!

Applique Stitching On a Tajima Embroidery Machine

a red hoodie sweatshirt being embroidered with a beautiful applique design using a Tajima Embroidery machine in Northwest Custom Apparel's factory. The embroidery machine is using a jumbo frame to accommodate the size of the applique design, which features a white fill and navy border stitching. The design reads "Holy Names High School," and is being carefully stitched onto the sweatshirt to ensure precision and attention to detail. With state-of-the-art equipment and a team of experienced professionals, Northwest Custom Apparel is the go-to destination for custom embroidery designs that are both beautiful and durable.
At Northwest Custom Apparel, we specialize in applique embroidery, creating unique and eye-catching designs that make a statement. Our Tajima Embroidery machine is state-of-the-art equipment that allows us to develop exceptional precision and quality designs. Using a jumbo frame, we can accommodate larger applique designs, such as the “Holy Names High School” design featured in the photo.
Our team of embroidery experts is committed to bringing your design ideas to life, ensuring that every detail is accounted for and executed with the utmost care. Whether you want to showcase your school spirit, business logo, or any other design, we have the experience and equipment necessary to create a design that truly stands out.

How to Find an Embroidery Shop in Seattle

Embroidery is a great way to give your company an edge. It uniquely displays logos and text on clothing, bags, hats, and other items. But with so many embroidery shops in Seattle, deciding which one best fits your business needs can take time. We’ve put together this guide – to help you find the perfect shop for your company.

The first step when looking for the right embroidery shop is evaluating their experience. Start by researching how long they have been providing services in the area; we’ve been doing it at Northwest Custom Apparel and Embroidery since 1977! Additionally, check out their portfolio of past work to get an idea of what kind of projects they specialize in and if those match up with what you’re looking for.

Before deciding, it is best to consider customer service policies like turnaround times, payment options, design flexibility, and more. After all, having someone who understands your vision and works quickly is essential for successful order fulfillment. Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about which shop will provide you with top-notch quality that meets your and your customers’ expectations.

Tajima Machines Embroidery Machines

No matter where you go for embroidery services in Seattle or what type of project you need to complete – whether it’s apparel decoration or promotional items – plenty of reliable providers are available to suit any budget or style preference. By researching each option thoroughly and understanding precisely what it takes to create high-quality results, you can rest assured knowing that whichever shop you choose has the expertise necessary to bring your ideas to life!

  • Robison Anton thread is an excellent choice for longevity and high tensile strength. Quality thread can help extend your garment’s life by minimizing fraying over time.
  • Those with experience with the Tajima machines have reported that they are the most reliable and technically advanced machines in the embroidery industry. Worldwide, Tajima’s machines are regarded as the model upon which other companies base their equipment. The mechanics of a Tajima machine are relatively straightforward, but they are also some of the most advanced in the industry.
  • Our embroidery digitizer can produce high-quality results from JPEG images, PDF files, and photographs. We specialize in creating complex shading effects that other embroidery shops may deem impossible or too time-consuming.

Northwest Custom Apparel is #1 in Seattle

Google’s Reviews of Northwest Custom Apparel

  • “Excellent customer service and quality products! I needed a rush order for a company event, and Northwest Custom Apparel exceeded my expectations. The staff was professional, knowledgeable, and accommodating. Highly recommend!
  • “I ordered some custom t-shirts for my company, and they did an amazing job. The quality of the shirts and the design were top-notch. The process was easy, and the customer service was excellent. Highly recommend!”
  • “I’ve been using Northwest Custom Apparel for years, and they have always provided great service and quality products. I highly recommend them for all of your custom apparel needs.”

Northwest Custom Apparel is Your #1 Embroidery Shop

Northwest Custom Apparel provides customers with the best quality custom apparel available. We consult with each customer to determine their desired level of quality and offer recommendations from our suppliers’ product lines. Our experts in custom apparel and embroidery boast decades of experience and can provide services such as custom logo design, custom embroidery, screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, and custom patches. We offer a wide selection of t-shirts, polos, hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets, bags, hats, and much more at competitive pricing and discounts for bulk orders. Additionally, our selection of colors, textures, and finishes, plus our user-friendly interface, make custom apparel ordering with Northwest Custom Apparel an easy and reliable experience.