Is 4 million stitches a lot for an embroidery machine?
In fact, according to one embroidery machine owner, a machine is “just getting broken in” at 1 million stitches. If a machine is used heavily, you should expect to see 20-30 million stitches on a machine every year.
A simple, small logo can take as few as 1,500 stitches, while something larger and more complex might need up to as many as 15,000 stitches.
For embroidery, the best choice of unit is stitch count. For example, your machine can produce from 20,000 to 30,000 stitches per hour, which means for 20,000 to 30,000, it costs $20.67; so, for 1000 stitches, it cost between $0.68 to $1.03. Now, this should be your standard pricing per 1000 stitches.
As a rule of thumb, thread usage per 1,000 stitches is: upper threads approximately 5 m, bobbin threads approx. 3-3,5 m.
Using the above averages, you can estimate for every 1,000 stitches in your design, you will need 5.5 yards (5m) of thread or 55 yards (50m) of thread for every 10,000 stitches.
10,000 stitches take 14.3 minutes to embroider. A 100,000 stitch embroidery design takes 143 minutes to stitch.
A higher stitch count is considered better because it makes a stronger seam. However, it does take more time, skill, and can be more expensive to accomplish.
In fact, according to one embroidery machine owner, a machine is “just getting broken in” at 1 million stitches. If a machine is used heavily, you should expect to see 20-30 million stitches on a machine every year.
The cost of embroidery can be as varied as the colors in a skein of thread. However, to give you a rough idea, here are some ballpark figures: Small logo (4,000 stitches): $4 to $10. Medium logo (8,000 stitches): $8 to $20.
Small Designs (Up to 6000 stitches), Medium Designs (6,000 - 10,000 Stitches) & Large Designs (10,000 - 15,000 Stitches). It takes an embroidery expert to accurately estimate a stitch count of a logo or design.
Is 2 million stitches a lot for an embroidery machine?
Check Stitch Count and Last Service Date
A low stitch count is ideal. However, I've seen well-maintained machines with 50+ million stitches on them still functioning! (In fact, my newest machine did almost 2 million stitches in the first six months I've had it.)
It's made from 100% cotton and comes in various “counts” meaning holes per inch. “14 count aida” means that there are 14 holes/squares per inch of the fabric. Therefore, “16 count aida” means that there are 16 holes/squares per inch and so, the squares or 'crosses' you stitch will be smaller.
| What is the best stitch for: | Suggested Stitch Length (mm) | Stitches Per Inch |
|---|---|---|
| Top-stitching – light/medium weight | 3.0 – 3.5 | 7 – 8 |
| – heavy weight | 3.5 – 4.0 | 6 – 7 |
| Quilt piecing | 1.5 | 16 – 18 |
| Machine quilting | 2.5 – 3.0 | 8 – 10 |
For straight stitching, it is advised to set your machine's stitch length to 2.5 to 3.0 or about 8-12 stitches per inch. This range works quite well for a majority of machine quilting but there are always exceptions when you make a rule. For threads with sparkle or shine, use a longer stitch length.
