A man viewed from behind wearing a cream-colored denim jacket with a large embroidered eagle design in red, blue, and gold on the back, standing on a rocky coastline at sunset.

HAND-GUIDED CHAINSTITCH WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

Custom chainstitch embroidery

Made Personal

Turn your artwork, sketch, or idea into a one-of-one piece, hand-guided on a vintage chainstitch machine. Show us what you have in mind and get a custom quote within 48 hours.

Studios in Los Angeles & Sydney

GET A CUSTOM QUOTE
  • Starting at $65One of a kind. Made for you.
  • 50% depositPay the rest when it’s finished
  • Free U.S. ShippingOn orders over $200
  • Made to orderReady in 4-6 weeks
  • Quote within 48hApprove before we begin

Custom Embroidery, Made to Stand Out

From one-of-a-kind denim jackets to bold leather pieces and custom brand collaborations, every piece tells a story.

  • Custom chainstitch embroidery on a denim jacket featuring palm trees, a crescent moon and a colorful sunset landscape by amR
    Palm Trees & Moon Jacket
  • Bespoke leather jacket embroidery by AMR, inspired by Los Angeles biker culture, featuring a vintage black leather jacket with a large soaring eagle back design, intricately stitched cream-colored feathers, bold black outlines, rust-brown accents and golden talons
    Eagle Leather Biker Jacket
  • Custom chainstitch embroidery on a vintage-style distressed denim jacket, featuring oversized gold-toned FUCK IT lettering with raised textured stitching, frayed details and a bold statement back design by amR Los Angeles
    Fuck It Statement Jacket
  • Custom chainstitch embroidery on an olive-gray felt western cowboy hat, featuring a Southwestern desert hatband with red-orange and golden mountains, black saguaro cacti, white stars, cream rope trim and a silver feather accent. Wise hatter.
    Desert Night Hat
  • Custom chainstitch embroidered denim jacket featuring golden palm trees and bold red smiling lips on the back, a bespoke embroidery design by AMR
    Palm Trees & Red Lips Jacket
  • Custom chainstitch embroidery on a faded olive green denim shirt, featuring oversized orange Saft lettering with textured fill stitching inside a circular embroidered outline, finished with a red AMR signature near the hem
    Saft Logo Branded Jacket
  • Custom chainstitch embroidery on a dark indigo denim jacket, featuring a colorful mountain sunset landscape with snow-capped peaks, pine forests, a blue lake and intricate stitched details by amR
    Maroon Bells Colorado Jacket
  • Custom embroidered white Nike Air Force 1 Low sneakers featuring oversized turquoise and metallic bronze-gold Swoosh designs with intricate textured stitching, shown from both sides
    Nike Air Force Custom Sneakers
  • Custom chainstitch embroidered vintage white denim jacket featuring a bold Elvis-inspired eagle back design with outstretched red and blue wings, gold accents and detailed textured stitching, handcrafted by amR
    Elvis Eagle Jacket
  • Bespoke chainstitch embroidery on a light blue kids' denim jacket with a cream sherpa collar, featuring playful STAY WILD lettering in orange on two textured back patches, a green pine tree motif and contrasting stitched borders, custom made by amR
    Stay Wild kids Jacket
  • Custom chainstitch embroidered light-wash denim jacket by AMR featuring a detailed Dolly Parton back portrait with blonde curls, a brown cowboy hat, red accents and precise high-density stitching, showcasing premium bespoke embroidery craftsmanship
    Dolly Parton Jacket
  • Custom chainstitch embroidery on a black denim western shirt, featuring a large pink and teal pill-shaped design with intricate textured stitching, contrasting black outlines and a red amR signature on the back
    Custom Chill Pill Jacket
  • Custom chainstitch embroidery on a light blue denim jacket featuring a floating astronaut surrounded by swirling blue space textures above an abstract red and orange planetary landscape, handcrafted by amR
    Astronaut in Space Jacket
  • Custom chainstitch embroidery denim jacket created for Lottie Rae x Levi’s, featuring a cowgirl in a light blue western outfit beside a rearing brown and white horse, with LOTTIE RAE stitched in red on the back
    Levi's x Lottie Rae Jacket
  • Bespoke denim jacket embroidered for BMW Australia, featuring a bold blue and white stitched graphic on the back, custom made by amR
    BMW x Art Basel Jacket
  • Custom chainstitch embroidery denim jacket created for Doodle, featuring the company’s logo as a large cartoon-style character with lavender hair, a blue hoodie and a rainbow graphic stitched across the back
    Doodles Branded Jacket

Trusted By

  • Ron Herman
  • Levi's
  • Art Basel
  • Chevrolet
  • Wrangler
  • BMW
  • Pioneertown Motel
  • Roadie Brew

PICK YOUR PROJECT SIZE: FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT.

Every piece is drawn freehand on a vintage hand-guided chainstitch machine, so no two are exactly alike. Explore our starting prices below to see what your project might cost.

  • Close-up of custom chainstitch name embroidery by amR on a vintage-wash Levi's denim jacket, featuring Aloha in vibrant orange cursive lettering with a delicate heart-shaped detail, stitched above the front chest pocket

    Name / Monogram

    from$65

    Script names or initials, up to two words, in 1-2 thread colors using our house script style. Includes one design proof for approval.

  • Bespoke chainstitch embroidery by amR on a light blue washed denim shirt, featuring a small burnt-orange sun-inspired logo with a textured circular center and curved stitched rays above the left chest pocket, custom made to order

    Small Embroidery

    from$175

    Small custom embroidery on flat surfaces, including chest or back artwork, names with a small icon, hat fronts, and patches. Designs up to approximately 4 inches.

  • Custom chainstitch logo embroidery on an olive green overshirt, featuring large coral-orange Saft lettering with dense textured stitching inside a circular outline, a frayed hem and a red AMR signature on the back

    Medium Embroidery

    from$295

    Great for yoke and upper-back designs, larger chest artwork, multi-color lettering with artwork and statement patches. Designs up to approximately 8 inches.

  • Custom chainstitch embroidery denim jacket created for Lottie Rae x Levi’s, featuring a cowgirl in a light blue western outfit beside a rearing brown and white horse, with LOTTIE RAE stitched in red on the back

    Large Embroidery

    from$795

    Full-back embroidery with detailed artwork, multiple thread colors and fill work. Great for larger custom designs up to approximately 12 inches.

  • Custom chainstitch embroidery on a denim jacket featuring palm trees, a crescent moon and a colorful sunset landscape by amR

    Statement Embroidery

    from$1,450

    Full-coverage custom embroidery across multiple areas, such as the back, front, or collar, with dense fill and custom artwork developed with you from scratch.

  • Custom chainstitch embroidery by amR on a white Nike Air Force 1 leather sneaker, featuring layered turquoise and metallic bronze-gold Swoosh designs with raised textured stitching and detailed embroidered outlines.

    Custom Placement & Materials

    We work on a wide range of garments and materials, from denim and leather jackets to shirts, hats and more. Most flat areas can be embroidered, including fronts, backs and collars. Sleeves sometimes need extra tailoring, so we quote those separately based on the piece.

All prices shown are starting estimates. Your final quote will depend on the size, detail, placement and material of your design. Quotes are valid for 10 days.

Get a Custom Quote

How it works

  1. Pick Your Starting Point

    The starting prices below will give you a feel for what your project might cost. Choose the option closest to your idea, and we’ll take it from there.

  2. Show Us Your Idea

    Upload your artwork, sketch, photo, or a quick mockup. Show us what you have in mind, where you’d like it placed, and roughly how big you want it.

  3. Get Your Quote

    We’ll get back to you within 48 hours with a custom quote and a link to pay your 50% deposit. The remaining balance is due once your piece is finished. Your quote is valid for 5 days.

  4. Your Piece Comes to Life

    Once your deposit is in, we get to work on your one⁠-⁠of⁠-⁠one piece. Most custom orders are ready in 4⁠-⁠6 weeks. Need it sooner? Rush service may be available.

A quick mockup goes a long way. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Send us a sketch, photo, or mockup showing your design, where you’d like it placed, and roughly how big you want it. That helps us give you a more accurate quote with less back-and-forth.

Custom chainstitch : What we can embroider

From your favorite denim jacket to a custom patch, hat, or one-of-one statement piece, we work across a wide range of garments and materials. Not sure about yours? Send us a photo and we'll let you know what will work.

  • Bespoke chainstitch embroidery by amR for California hatmaker Wise Hatter, featuring a custom Southwestern desert hatband on a gray felt cowboy hat, with sunset-colored mountains, saguaro cacti, white stars, textured stitching, cream rope trim and a silver feather accent

    Hats, apparel & accessories

    Custom chainstitch embroidery on hats, shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, shoes, tote bags, and other suitable accessories. Add names, lettering, artwork, or small custom details to make the piece your own.

    Great on
    Shirts, denim, hats, shoes, totes & accessories
  • Bespoke chainstitch embroidery on a light blue kids' denim jacket with a cream sherpa collar, featuring playful STAY WILD lettering in orange on two textured back patches, a green pine tree motif and contrasting stitched borders, custom made by amR

    Custom chainstitch patches

    Turn a name, phrase, drawing, or original artwork into a one-of-one chainstitch patch, then have it sewn onto a jacket, vest, bag, workwear piece, or other suitable garment. A flexible way to add something personal without embroidering the whole piece.

    Great on
    Jackets, vests, bags, workwear & denim pockets
  • Custom chainstitch embroidered vintage white denim jacket featuring a bold Elvis-inspired eagle back design with outstretched red and blue wings, gold accents and detailed textured stitching, handcrafted by amR

    Jackets & large embroidery

    From a small chest detail to a full embroidered back, jackets and vests give chainstitch room to really come to life. Send us your own denim, workwear, or select leather piece, or ask us to help source the right garment.

    Great on
    Denim jackets, workwear, vests & select leather pieces

  • A wide range of garments

    Jackets, vests, shirts, hats, jeans, totes, patches, shoes, wedding pieces and more.

  • Best on sturdy materials

    Denim, canvas, woven cotton, workwear fabrics and chambray work especially well.

  • Select leather & specialty pieces

    From select leather to suits and other specialty pieces, we take on garments that give chainstitch the right surface to work with.

  • Not sure about yours?

    Every garment is different. Send us a photo and we'll let you know if it's a good fit and suggest the best options.

New service For brands & creative teams

From one sample to a limited run

We help brands take a custom chainstitch idea from one handmade sample to a full limited run. We develop the first piece with you, dial in the artwork and stitch details, then handle the larger production from there.

You keep the look and personality of the original design, while larger quantities help bring the cost per piece down. Ideal for limited-edition collections, collaborations, launches, and exclusive brand projects.

Start a brand project

From sample to delivery

  1. Sample

    We make the first piece by hand and refine the artwork, colors, placement, and stitch style with you.

  2. Production

    Once the sample is approved, we create the production reference and manage the larger run.

  3. Final check & delivery

    We review the finished run for consistency and deliver the pieces ready for your launch or release.

Custom chainstitch embroidered burgundy western suit photographed in Joshua Tree, California, featuring colorful snake motifs, a stitched cross, intricate decorative artwork on the jacket, and matching embroidered trousers

Chainstitch since 2014

BUILT ON CRAFT. MADE PERSONAL.

amR started in Los Angeles in 2014 with a love for vintage chainstitch machines and the idea of creating pieces you couldn’t find off the rack. Pieces that felt personal, a little unexpected, and meant something to the person wearing them.

That idea is still at the heart of what we do. From your artwork, a sketch or simply an idea, we bring something personal to life on our vintage chainstitch machines.

NOT PROGRAMMED. HAND-GUIDED.

Unlike computerized embroidery, our custom chainstitch work is guided by hand. The artist controls every movement, giving each piece its own texture, character and subtle variations.

From jackets and wedding pieces to meaningful gifts and one-of-one commissions, we create something thoughtful, personal and entirely your own.

Lottie Rae x Levi's · Behind the Stitches

Ever wondered how it's made?

Go behind the scenes of the Lottie Rae x Levi’s collection and see how one of these custom jackets comes together. In this one-minute video, amR founder and chainstitch embroidery artist Kai works on the piece using a vintage Singer chainstitch machine, from figuring out the placement and setup to the stitching itself.

It’s a quick look at the time, focus and hands-on work that go into this kind of custom embroidery, and how the artwork gradually takes shape on the garment.

Tell us your idea

DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

Nothing beats seeing our custom embroidery out in the world. Here's what our customers have to say, along with some of our favourite pieces being worn, enjoyed and made their own.

Woman wearing a custom denim jacket with bold embroidered dog artwork by amR in Los Angeles

"I love my dog so much, and when my husband surprised me with him hand-stitched on my denim jacket, I couldn’t believe it! It was the most thoughtful and personal gift I’ve ever gotten."

Lana

Los Angeles

Bride wearing a custom denim jacket with personalised name and heart embroidery by amR for a wedding in London, UK

"Having amR custom design and stitch my wedding jacket was one of the best decisions I made for my wedding day. Kai worked with me personally and really tried to understand my needs for a custom jacket. Kai’s attention to detail is nothing short of incredible and it was the perfect accessory for the best day of my life!"

Lauren

London, UK

Woman wearing a light-wash denim jacket with custom chainstitch embroidery by amR in Los Angeles, California

"amR bought my old denim jacket to life with the coolest personal details! There is nothing like having something that is made custom just for you!"

Joanna

Los Angeles

Woman wearing a custom Vintage Byron Bay denim jacket with chainstitch embroidery by amR
Custom chainstitch embroidered Western suit with colourful cactus artwork in California
Bespoke denim jacket with hand-guided chainstitch sun artwork and custom back lettering
Custom Harvest Moon denim jacket with embroidered back artwork created in Los Angeles
Custom denim jacket created for Aggie Lal with colorful embroidered back artwork and western-inspired details
Custom embroidery on the back of a tan jacket with a colorful moon and forest design
Custom chainstitch embroidery on a vintage-style light blue denim jacket, featuring a full-panel Southwestern desert landscape with black saguaro cacti, radiant golden sunbeams, red desert hills, layered lavender and pale blue mountains, and a star-filled midnight blue sky, crafted by amR
Custom embroidered denim jacket with a colorful peace sign back design photographed by the beach in Los Angeles
Two custom denim jackets with chainstitch embroidery by amR, featuring cactus and palm tree back designs
Australian musician performing live in a custom-made Western hat with chainstitch embroidery by amR
Woman wearing a custom chainstitch embroidered light blue denim jacket on the beach, featuring colorful MIAMI lettering in pink and turquoise above a large golden sunset with retro-inspired stripes, handcrafted by amR
Limited-edition Ron Herman x amR denim jacket collection displayed on a retail clothing rack, featuring bespoke chainstitch embroidery with a large Japanese-inspired ocean wave design in shades of blue, cream and sand on dark indigo denim, with numbered amR 5/5 detailing
Custom chainstitch embroidered denim jacket with cactus desert artwork in California
Custom chainstitch embroidered Western suit with colourful cactus and desert artwork
Western-inspired custom chainstitch embroidery on a tan workwear jacket, featuring a large desert sunset back design with geometric teepee motifs, scattered desert plants, warm ombre stitching and embroidered sleeve details, worn with a wide-brim hat
Custom embroidered denim jacket by amR with hand-guided chainstitch artwork
Custom embroidered denim jacket with astronaut artwork photographed in the Southern California desert
Custom Pioneertown jackets with western detailing and chainstitch-inspired artwork in California

Frequently asked questions

View all questions

Your custom piece

What can I have custom chainstitched?

We can create custom chainstitch embroidery on all kinds of clothing, accessories and textile pieces. Denim, canvas and other structured fabrics work especially well.

Some of the pieces we regularly work on include:

  • Denim jackets, jeans, vests and workwear
  • Shirts, T-shirts and sweatshirts
  • Hats and caps
  • Tote bags, bandanas and canvas accessories
  • Patches and fabric panels
  • Shoes and boots
  • Wedding jackets and statement pieces

Your design can be anything from a name, initials, date or small symbol to custom lettering, illustrations and full back artwork.

Denim jackets are a favorite because there’s so much room to make them personal. Custom chainstitch is also great for wedding pieces, meaningful gifts and favorite clothes you want to make your own.

Have something else in mind? Send us a photo and we’ll let you know if it’s a good fit for chainstitch embroidery.

How is chainstitch embroidery different from machine embroidery?

Computerized machine embroidery and automated chainstitch embroidery follow programmed digital patterns to reproduce designs consistently. At amR, our custom chainstitch embroidery is different. Using vintage chainstitch machines, our artists guide every stitch by hand, almost like drawing with thread. 

This traditional, hand-guided embroidery process allows the artist to interpret your artwork in real time, creating an organic, textured finish with subtle variations and a distinctive vintage feel. Each piece reflects the artist’s skill, time and craftsmanship rather than automated repetition.

Do you only embroider men’s clothing?

Not at all. We create custom embroidery for women’s, men’s and kids’ clothing.

For women, we work on denim jackets, shirts, tailored blazers, suits, matching sets and other one-off pieces. We also do custom embroidery on women’s occasionwear and garments that need something more personal.

For men, we often embroider jeans, denim jackets, workwear, shirts, suits and even shoes.

If you have a specific piece in mind, you can send us a photo and we’ll let you know what will work best. You can also send your garment to us for embroidery, and once it’s finished, we’ll ship it back to you.

Do you offer custom embroidery for kids’ clothing?

Yes. We love working on kids’ pieces too.

We create custom chainstitch embroidery for jackets, shirts and other children’s clothing, including names, small illustrations, personalised details and custom patches.

Kids’ pieces are especially popular for birthdays, gifts and keepsakes. You can also send us your child’s garment for embroidery, and once it’s finished, we’ll ship it back to you.

Can I send my own jacket or garment for embroidery?

Absolutely. A lot of our custom chainstitch projects start with a jacket or garment they already own and love. It might be a favorite denim jacket, a well-worn piece of workwear, a shirt with some history, or something you simply want to make more personal.

Once your project is booked, we’ll send you the exact shipping or drop-off details. You can mail your garment to us, or arrange to drop it off at our Los Angeles or Australia location. Once the chainstitch embroidery is finished, we’ll ship your piece back to you.

If you do not already have the right garment, we can source one for you too. For denim jackets, we often work with Levi’s and recommend checking the Levi’s website first to find the style and size you like best.

What if I have an idea but no artwork yet?

That’s totally fine. You don’t need finished artwork to get started. Send us whatever you have, whether it’s a rough sketch, a photo, a reference image, or just an idea you can describe. We can help you explore the possibilities and figure out what will translate best into custom chainstitch embroidery.

If you’d like us to create original artwork from scratch, we can do that too. Custom design work is quoted separately based on your project.

Can I use an AI-generated image for my embroidery?

Absolutely. AI-generated images and mockups are a great way to show us what you have in mind, even if the design isn't quite right yet.

Think of it as a visual starting point, not an exact blueprint. We'll look at what's possible, what details might need adjusting, and how to make your idea work as custom hand-guided chainstitch embroidery.

Will my finished chainstitch piece look exactly like the artwork?

Your artwork or mockup is our guide, and we stay true to the overall design, placement and feel of it. The finished piece won't be an exact digital copy, though, because every amR design is guided by hand on a vintage chainstitch machine rather than reproduced from a computerized embroidery file.

Small variations in the lines, curves and lettering are a natural part of the process and part of what makes each piece unique. No two amR pieces are exactly alike.

Can I order a custom embroidered piece as a gift?

Absolutely. Custom chainstitch makes a great personal gift, whether you are thinking about a small symbol with a story behind it, a name or initials, artwork on a shirt, or a completely custom jacket.

Tell us that it is a gift when you submit your request and include the date you need it by. If you need us to source the garment as well, let us know in the form.

Pricing, orders & delivery

How much does custom chainstitch embroidery cost?

Names and initials start at $65. Small pieces start at $175. Medium pieces start at $295. Large pieces start at $795. Full statement pieces start at $1,450.

These are starting prices rather than fixed packages. Your final quote is based on the size and detail of the artwork, materials, placement and the work involved in creating your piece. Once your quote is accepted, that is the agreed price for the project.

How do I get a quote for custom embroidery?

Send us your idea through the custom request form. Include your artwork, sketch or rough AI mockup if you have one, along with the garment you want embroidered, whether you are supplying it or need us to source one, your deadline and your shipping country.

We will review the project and reply with a quote within 48 hours.

How do I book my custom chainstitch project?

Send us your idea and we’ll get back to you with a custom quote within 48 hours. If everything looks good, you can get started with a 50% deposit using the payment link in your quote.

Your quote is valid for 10 days, so you have time to look everything over before moving forward.

How long does custom chainstitch embroidery take?

Most custom pieces take around four to six weeks in production.

If you need your piece for a birthday, wedding, trip or another specific date, include that date when you send your request. Rush orders may be possible for an additional fee depending on the project and our production schedule.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. We work with customers all over the world and regularly send custom pieces to the US, Australia, Europe, Asia and beyond.

Just include your shipping country when you send us your project request. Once your custom piece is finished, we’ll ship it back to you wherever you are.

Shipping is free on US orders over $200. For orders outside the US, worldwide shipping is free over $500.

One-of-one custom embroidery

Get your custom quote

Free U.S. shipping over $200. Free international shipping over $500
  • Quote within 48 hours
  • 50% deposit, rest when finished
  • Ready in 4-6 weeks

Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll take it from there.

placement
Select all that apply

JPG, PNG, WebP, PDF and other common files, up to 18 MB total. A rough sketch or AI mockup is plenty.

FREE U.S. SHIPPING OVER $200 FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING OVER $500

Custom Order Terms

  1. Custom orders are final sale

    Because each piece is made specifically for you, custom orders are final sale and are not eligible for returns or exchanges.

  2. Pricing is confirmed before production

    All prices are in US dollars (USD). Prices shown on this page are starting estimates. We’ll send you a final written quote for approval before any work begins.

  3. Quotes are valid for 10 days

    Pricing is held for 10 days from the date sent.

  4. Production usually takes 4-6 weeks

    Most custom orders are ready within 4-6 weeks after approval and deposit. Shipping time is not included. If you have a specific deadline, let us know when requesting your quote.

  5. Rush orders

    Rush service may be available for an additional fee, depending on the project and our schedule. Availability must be confirmed in advance.