By Julie on May 2nd, 2019 This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
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As a machine embroidery junkie, I’m always on the lookout for great deals on plain garments and linens suitable for machine embroidery and appliqué. Some of my favorite finds have been in average chain stores like Target, Walmart and Old Navy. A simple $4 hoodie on the clearance rack at Old Navy is a great find but inventory in stores like these are always changing so it’s really hit or miss. Whether you are running an embroidery business, or just embroidering for fun, it’s always helpful to know where to buy blanks for machine embroidery and appliqué.
Fortunately there are several online sources that specialize in machine embroidery blanks where you can find loads of inventory just for this purpose. And if you want to go into business selling embroidered items, you need a reliable and consistent source for the products you will embellish.
Some of the following businesses require you to have a tax id. However, others have no minimums which allows you to order small quantities and test out new product ideas.
Embroidery blanks are simply blanks clothing and accessories suitable for embellishment. If you want your embroidered work to take center stage, it’s best to stitch on clothing and accessories that won’t outshine your handiwork.
What are blanks suppliers?
Companies that sell plain colored clothing and accessories specifically for adding embroidery or even vinyl embellishments are referred to (in the industry) as blanks suppliers. They differ from typical brick and mortar retail stores in that they typically only catalog/web based.
Another difference is that they often offer quantity discounts. And, finally, while they often bring in new styles, some of the blanks suppliers offer the same products year-round.
For example, let’s say you need 50 blue golf shirts on which you plan to embroider logos. And it’s December. You are will not likely find the inventory you need at your local Walmart or Old Navy. This is when a blank supplier is absolutely necessary.
What are wholesale embroidery blank suppliers?
Some embroidery blanks suppliers are strictly wholesale suppliers. This means that in order to purchase embroidery blanks from them, you will need to first establish an account. The requirements of setting up a wholesale account are most often a tax id and some form of credit reference.
The credit reference part is usually pretty simple. They might just make you pay for your order up front using a credit card and this will suffice. The tax id part is a bit more complicated. You will need to register your business with your state, doing so will get you your tax id.
Providing your tax id to the wholesale blank company lets them know that you intend to resell the product (after embroidering it) and are not purchasing the product for your own personal use.
Once you have a tax id, you will need to remit the sales tax you charge on your products to the state. Fortunately, if you sell via Etsy, they take care of this part for you. But, if you sell on your own website or at craft shows, etc… you will need to charge sales tax and submit it to the state.
Embroidery blanks suppliers
Non-wholesale embroidery blanks suppliers
These blanks suppliers do not require a wholesale account. Anyone can go onto their site and place an order. And, look closely, because some of these suppliers do offer quantity discounts.
Sew for Less is my hometown store here in St. Louis. (While the website is Sewforless.com, the store in St. Charles, MO is called The American Sewing Company.) They carry all the cute clothes, shoes and accessories that you find at the fancy boutiques around town. Actually (thanks to insider information) I KNOW the fancy boutiques shop there.
Yep. You can get your blanks right here. Check out all the cuteness we have available and take 10% off your first order using the coupon code: BLANKS10
Dharma Trading grew out of the hippy dippy days of tie dye mania in Northern California. While the web site may look a bit deceiving as it highlights fiber art supplies like paint and dye, they have a huge selection of clothing that is suitable for tie-dye and fabric paint but also perfect for machine embroidery.
There are quite a few items on their web site that I believe would be great items to embroider. They have cute, blank dresses for little girls on which you could add a simple embroidered graphic below the neckline to give it a personalized touch. And, at less than $10 – it’s a bargain.
And if you really want to challenge yourself – order some dye while you’re at it. Combining textile dying with embroidery is sure to produce some interesting results.
Blanks Boutique has really cute children’s clothing and doll blanks. Who knew that dolls needed monogrammed clothing? Apparently they do. If you like ruffles, this is the supplier for you.
If you’re looking for shirts, it’s hard to beat the price and selection of Jiffy Shirts. Jiffy Shirts would be the perfect supplier for an embroidered shirt for a sports team or special event. And they offer more than just shirts! They have a lot of other sporty items and their prices are pretty unreal.
While these online embroidery blanks retailers are amazing, never discount the power of Amazon. You can often find just the blank you need on Amazon.com and get the benefit of Amazon Prime delivery.
AllStitch offers great prices on machine embroidery supplies such as thread, pre-wound bobbins and stabilizer. But, they also carry the popular stuffed animals that are suitable for personalization with an embroidery machine.
Embroider This carries a wide variety of very “giftable” embroidery blanks. They offer COSTUMES FOR WINE BOTTLES!!! Enough said.
Another cool thing about this site is that they offer a bunch of free machine embroidery designs! Head on over there and download some free designs while stocking up on some blanks.
ARB Blanks does not have the largest selection by far. But, what they do have is really cute, like great baby blanks and stylish women’s clothing. You can actually buy matching little girl and doll pajamas. Pretty cute.
This is certainly not the cheapest option, however Love the Cotton has blanks that you don’t see on every other site.They have adorable, super-preppy baby rompers and pajamas.It’s a great place to look for a special occasion personalized outfit.
Totally Blanks has a little bit of everything. I like their small seersucker duffle bag that’s perfect for monogramming. They also have some adorable kids’ pajamas.
AJ Blanks is focused on t-shirts of all types.They have some cute “bubble” style Ts for kids and babies that you don’t see on every other site. They also have a ton of different baby gowns and matching caps.
Stylizeit.com has some very high quality formal, yet soft, t-shirts for little girls and boys. I was actually able to get my hands on a couple of samples and they held up very well to machine embroidery.
Wholesale embroidery blanks suppliers
These suppliers require you to establish an account and show proof of your wholesale status (as described above)
All About Blanks carries all the basics plus some nice higher end and unique items like the travel garment bag and the weekend bag. Not eligible for a wholesale account? Don’t fret. They also have a site with all the same products for non-wholesale customers.
Totally Blanks has a little bit of everything. I like their small seersucker duffle bag that’s perfect for monogramming. They also have some adorable kids’ pajamas.
Wholesale Boutique has an enormous collection of women’s clothing, home goods, kids clothes and even embroidery supplies.However, you need to register to become a retailer and see prices.
Loads of preppy baby and kid blanks. They offer a whole line of seersucker and ginghamclothing for little ones. And… they have adorable shoes for little kids. I don’t think I would try to monogram these but they would look great with any personalized outfit.
A huge selection of athletic blanks sorted by specific brands. Want Fruit of the Loom shirts? They’ve got it – plus tons of other blanks made by big name brands.
Another blank wholesaler with a selection that will blow your mind. If you are lucky enough to be near one of their warehouses, you can opt to pick up your order and save on shipping.
3 thoughts on “Blanks for machine embroidery and appliqué”
Claire
Do you know of a company that has blank baby onesies that have a side zipper or snaps since I have a FLAT bed embroidery Luminaire and can’t hoop small items.? Thanks.
I have just “found” you!! Your sight is fantastic!!! So are you!!! Would you happen to have a place that sells tea or dish towels, preferably linen weave? The flour sacs are simply to thin… appreciate any information!
“I am so happy to have found Julie and Machine Embroidery Geek. I have taken a couple of classes like SewArt/SewWhatPro and Master the Machine. I am amazed at how down to earth the explanations in the class are. In the past people treated me as if I should already know everything and I was too proud to admit I didn’t. Julie takes you where you are and is very patient. I have even had some questions I could not work through on my own and she is a great resource. Thank you Julie for all your help.”
Do you know of a company that has blank baby onesies that have a side zipper or snaps since I have a FLAT bed embroidery Luminaire and can’t hoop small items.? Thanks.
I have just “found” you!! Your sight is fantastic!!! So are you!!! Would you happen to have a place that sells tea or dish towels, preferably linen weave? The flour sacs are simply to thin… appreciate any information!
Oh that is so nice. I’m not sure but hopefully someone will respond to your comment.