Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
The global embroidery machinery market was valued at $4.66 billion in 2021
The embroidery machinery market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2022 to 2030
The home embroidery machine segment accounted for over 35% of total market revenue in 2021
The Asia Pacific region dominated the embroidery machinery market in 2021 with a share of more than 45%
The industrial embroidery machine segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 4.5% from 2022 to 2030
As of 2022, China accounted for more than 30% of the global embroidery machinery production
The computerized embroidery machines segment made up over 55% of the market share in 2021
The North America embroidery machinery market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% between 2022 and 2030
In 2021, the apparel application segment led the embroidery machinery market with more than 50% share
Large-scale embroidery production units invest up to $100,000 in high-tech embroidery machines
The U.S. embroidery market saw an uptick in demand during 2020–2021 due to rising interest in home-based crafts
Over 70% of embroidery businesses in 2021 used digital patterns downloaded from online sources
In 2022, machine embroidery contributed to over 60% of the professional embroidery market
Consumer Demographics
- More than 10 million people worldwide participated in embroidery as a hobby or art form in 2021
- More than 20% of U.K. craft enthusiasts considered embroidery among their top 3 crafting activities in 2021
- 66% of embroidery companies in the U.S. are independently operated small businesses
- Embroidery as a meditation and relaxation activity is rising, with 35% of hobbyists citing mental wellness as a goal
- Women make up 85% of the global embroidery workforce
Interpretation
Threading the needle between art, wellness, and entrepreneurship, embroidery in 2021 stitched together a global tapestry where over 10 million hobbyists (mostly women), mindful makers, and small business owners proved that crafting with a needle is no small venture.
Geographic Trends
- The Asia Pacific region dominated the embroidery machinery market in 2021 with a share of more than 45%
- As of 2022, China accounted for more than 30% of the global embroidery machinery production
- Germany leads Europe in embroidery machine imports, with over €80 million in imports in 2021
- Japan is home to over 200 embroidery machine startups
- Latin America accounts for 8% of global embroidery product exports
Interpretation
Threading together global dominance stitch by stitch, Asia—especially China and Japan—drives the embroidery machinery engine, while Europe and Latin America play supporting roles in importing and exporting the fabric of this booming industry.
Industry Applications and Trade
- In 2021, the apparel application segment led the embroidery machinery market with more than 50% share
- Large-scale embroidery production units invest up to $100,000 in high-tech embroidery machines
- Over 70% of embroidery businesses in 2021 used digital patterns downloaded from online sources
- About 45% of embroidery professionals used social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to promote and sell embroidered products in 2021
- The fashion industry accounts for more than 70% of global embroidery product consumption
- Embroidery remains a leading method for branding work uniforms globally, with over 40% adoption rate in 2021
- Embroidery is used in over 75% of professional sports uniforms in the U.S.
- The United States imported over $500 million worth of embroidery goods in 2021
- India is among the top five exporters of hand-embroidered textiles globally
- More than 25% of embroidery businesses offer personalization services via e-commerce in the U.S.
- Over 1,500 embroidery machine patents were filed globally in the past decade
- Digitized embroidery files can reduce production time by up to 50%
- Embroidery provides employment to over 1 million artisans across India
- 50% of embroidery machine owners engage in craft fairs or offline selling events annually
- Pakistan exported over $200 million in embroidered garments in 2021
Interpretation
In a world where thread meets tech, the embroidery industry has stitched itself into a high-value, high-tech fashion force—blending centuries-old craftsmanship with digital downloads, social media hustle, and global trade to the tune of billions.
Market Size and Growth
- The global embroidery machinery market was valued at $4.66 billion in 2021
- The embroidery machinery market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2022 to 2030
- The industrial embroidery machine segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 4.5% from 2022 to 2030
- The North America embroidery machinery market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% between 2022 and 2030
- The U.S. embroidery market saw an uptick in demand during 2020–2021 due to rising interest in home-based crafts
- Embroidery floss sales increased by 15% in the U.S. between 2020 and 2021
- Etsy recorded a 35% increase in embroidered goods listings between 2020 and 2021
- The global market for embroidery software was worth approximately $370 million in 2021
- Sales of embroidery starter kits increased by 40% in the first half of 2020 according to Amazon
- In 2021, the embroidery service industry generated $1.3 billion in revenue in the U.S.
- The embroidery service industry in the U.S. employed over 11,000 people in 2021
- U.S. embroidery businesses grew at an annual rate of 2.2% from 2017 to 2022
- Embroidered patches segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 3.5% globally through 2028
- School uniform manufacturers reported a 20% uptick in demand for embroidered badges in 2022
- In 2021, the embroidery machine aftermarket services industry was valued at $250 million globally
- Nearly 40% of surveyed embroidery businesses began operations after 2020
- Eco-friendly embroidery threads saw a 12% YoY growth in 2021
- The custom embroidery digitizing market is valued at over $500 million globally
- The demand for embroidery in automotive interiors is growing at 5% CAGR
- Sustainable embroidery practices increased overall demand by 8% in 2022
- The online embroidery marketplace is expected to grow at 6% CAGR through 2030
- DIY embroidery kits posted a 22% growth rate globally between 2020 and 2022
- Specialty metallic embroidery threads saw a 10% increase in sales in 2021
- Custom wedding embroidery products sold on Etsy increased by 28% from 2020 to 2021
- Embroidery designs catering to pop culture themes grew 18% on online platforms in 2022
- Personalized embroidery gift orders increased 31% during Q4 holiday season 2021
- 3D puff embroidery demand in caps expanded 12% YoY in 2021
- The embroidery aspect of the global fashion embellishment market is worth over $8 billion
- Sales volumes of embroidery hoops saw a 19% increase in 2021 in the U.S.
- DIY embroidery YouTube tutorials amassed over 500 million views by 2022
- In Korea, traditional hand embroidery classes increased enrollment by 25% in 2021
Interpretation
Once a centuries-old craft relegated to couture and keepsakes, embroidery has threaded its way into a $4.66 billion global industry, riding a digital, DIY, and demand-driven renaissance—from Etsy explosions to automotive interiors—stitch by stitch toward a deeply personalized and profit-embroidered future.
Product Segmentation
- The home embroidery machine segment accounted for over 35% of total market revenue in 2021
- The computerized embroidery machines segment made up over 55% of the market share in 2021
- In 2022, machine embroidery contributed to over 60% of the professional embroidery market
- Hand embroidery accounted for 40% of total embroidery-related hobbyist spending in the U.S. in 2021
- Around 60% of embroidery machine users also use design software like Wilcom or Hatch Embroidery
- The average price of a professional-grade embroidery machine is $8,000
- Over 85% of embroidery manufacturers use polyester thread due to its durability
- Embroidered hats account for 15% of the U.S. promotional headwear market
- Embroidery-based textiles make up 12% of the handcrafted home décor market
- Embroidery floss comes in over 400 basic shades used internationally
- Over 90% of mass-market children’s apparel includes embroidered elements
- Satin stitch is the most taught embroidery technique globally according to Craftsy
- In 2021, embroidery was one of the top 10 most sold art/craft categories on Amazon Handmade
- 3D embroidery machines made up 12% of total embroidery machine sales in 2021
- Nearly 30% of embroidery threads on the market are made of recycled or organic fibers
- Corporate branding embroidery accounted for more than 40% of commercial embroidery orders in North America in 2021
Interpretation
Threading technology with tradition, the embroidery industry in 2021 and 2022 stitched a clear pattern: while home hobbyists still revel in hand-stitched charm, the professional and commercial markets have gone full digital, software-savvy, and polyester-strong—proving that even in an age of AI, a well-executed satin stitch still speaks volumes.
