How to Start Mobile Embroidery: My Journey and Tips for Success

1. How a Question Made Me Realize People Want Mobile Embroidery

I recently got a message from my roommate in college (Hey Britt!). They asked if I knew anyone who was doing mobile embroidery the way I do it. It stopped me for a second because I realized something. People are curious about this. People want this. And there are far more people thinking about doing it than actually trying it.

It reminded me of how I felt before I ever rolled out to my first pop-up. Our neighborhood golf course invited me to set up during a high school golf tournament, and it was a great way to learn what I needed to make mobile embroidery work. However, I kept wondering if this would be successful or if people would be interested in hosting me at their events. So when that message came through, it felt like a sign. A sign that more people are wondering if mobile embroidery is possible for them too.

And it is.

2. The Truth: People Want On-Site Embroidery

The more I do this, the more I see how much people love the experience of something being made right in front of them. It feels special. It feels thoughtful. And it gives them a story to tell about where that hat or bag came from.

Events are leaning into personalization more than ever. When guests can choose a color, pick a design, and then watch it stitch, it becomes a moment they remember. It is not just a product. It is an experience.

The kids love to check out the camper and see the machine in action.

I’ve seen it firsthand with the Crafted Camper. Every time I set up, people stop, ask questions, watch the machine, and get excited about the idea of taking something home that was created right there on the spot. It creates a line. It creates a crowd. And it creates a reason for event hosts to bring me in.

There is a real want for this. Companies want it at customer events. Families want it at birthday parties. Golf tournaments love it. Schools love it. Markets and festivals love it. People are drawn to it because it feels custom and instant at the same time.

Mobile embroidery isn’t just a fun idea. It is something people actively look for. And there is plenty of room for more creators to offer it.

3. How I Started

This is where my Melco Summit Embroidery Machine lived before the camper.

When I first started thinking about going mobile, I didn’t have a big plan. I just knew I loved embroidery and I wanted to bring it to people instead of waiting for them to find me online or having strangers show up at my house. The idea of showing up at events and creating something right there felt exciting and different.

Once I got my camper built and my Melco Summit machine put inside, I was ready to take it on the road. I started with the gear I had and the mindset that I could figure it out piece by piece. I learned what I needed by actually doing it. My first pop-up showed me how important power is. It showed me how much people enjoy watching the process. It also showed me how fast I needed to be and how simple the design choices had to stay.

Every event taught me something new. I found out how to organize my blanks so guests could see everything easily. I figured out the little things that make the flow smoother, like having a small table for customers to stand at while choosing their design. None of this happened overnight. It grew through trial, error, and showing up.

If you’re thinking about starting something like this, you don’t need everything figured out on day one. You just need a starting point. Mine was a simple invitation to bring my machine to a golf tournament. From there, the Crafted Camper slowly became what it is today.

You can build your version the same way. Step by step. Event by event. Learning as you go.

4. You Don’t Need a Camper to Do This

One of the biggest things I want people to understand is that mobile embroidery doesn’t have to look like my setup. The Crafted Camper works for me because I love the vibe and it fits my style, but it’s not the only way to show up at events.

You can start small and still make a huge impact. A single machine on a sturdy table under a tent at a local market can be all you need in the beginning. A compact trailer can hold everything without taking up much space. I’ve seen people fit a full embroidery setup in the back of a sprinter van with room to spare. You can even build a mobile experience inside a booth if you prefer indoor events.

What matters most is that it works for you. Your space, your budget, your comfort level. There isn’t a right or wrong version of mobile embroidery. There is only the version that fits your life and lets you show up and create for people in real time.

The opportunities are wide open for anyone who wants to try this. If you have the equipment and the willingness to learn as you go, you can create your own mobile setup in whatever way makes sense for you.

5. What Helps You Stand Out

One thing people don’t always think about is how much planning goes into making mobile embroidery feel effortless for the customer. The magic is in the behind-the-scenes work.

Prep is everything. I bring blanks that I know will stitch well and hold up during events. I test designs ahead of time so I’m not troubleshooting in front of a crowd. I keep my menu simple because quick stitches keep the line moving and keep guests happy.

Power is another big part. Every event has a different setup, and I invested in multiple length extension cords. I also purchased some power banks to run my laptop, phone, and my wifi hot spot (you can also use your phone as a hot spot these days). I'm saving up for an inverter generator so that I won't have to rely on power outlets at each event, but until then, extension cords do the job and I've found most hosts don't mind one bit.

Flow matters too. Having a clear space for people to browse, pick their colors, choose a design, and then watch the stitching makes the whole experience smooth. People love watching the machine, and keeping the space open lets them step in without feeling crowded.

And then there are the tiny things that seem small but make a big difference. Keeping your thread ready. Pre-hooping when you can. Having a quick way to collect orders. Staying organized so you can find everything without fumbling. These little habits make your setup feel polished and professional.

All of these details help set you apart and they tell customers that you know what you’re doing. The more you do events, the more you learn what works for you. It gets easier and smoother every time.

6. My Event Menu

When people ask me about the Crafted Camper, they’re often curious about how I plan my events. It’s not just about pricing or a standard list of packages—it’s about creating a menu that makes sense for the guests, the occasion, and the experience I want to deliver.

Take a peek at my event menu:

This menu shows the experiences guests can choose from based on their event size and preferences. It helps hosts easily pick the right package while giving everyone a clear, fun, and personalized way to participate in the embroidery experience.

Now, back to it! Before every event, I gather all of the details: What’s the theme? How many guests will be there? What items will I be stitching and what accessories will I need to make it happen? How much time do we have for stitching? These details help me prep my designs and setup so that that I can deliver a hands-on, personalized experience.

This planning is what makes my mobile embroidery experiences feel curated, professional, and fun. It’s why hosts feel confident booking me—they know every detail is considered, from the items and designs to the flow of the event itself.

Once I know these details, I can create a design menu that’s easy for guests to pick their favorites, fun to participate in, and ensures that I can deliver high-quality embroidery without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

7. How This Could Be Someone’s Next Big Step

Every time someone asks me about mobile embroidery, I am reminded of how I felt before I ever tried it. Curious. A little unsure. Wondering if it would even work. That feeling is completely normal, but it doesn’t have to hold you back.

If the idea of taking your embroidery on the road excites you even a little bit, that might be your sign. You don’t need a full setup on day one. You don’t need a camper or a van or multiple machines. You just need a starting point and the willingness to show up and try.

Mobile embroidery is something people really want at events. There is so much space for more creators to offer it. If you can picture yourself at a market, a school event, a golf tournament, or a birthday party with your machine running and people gathered around, then you can absolutely build this into something real.

It doesn’t matter if you begin small. It doesn’t matter if you’re still learning. You learn by doing. You grow by showing up. That is exactly how I built the Crafted Camper into what it is today, and there is no reason you cannot build your own version in a way that fits your life and your goals.

If you’ve been wondering if this is possible for you, it is. And you might be closer to it than you think.

8. If You Want to Explore a Machine Like Mine

If you’re reading this because something in you is curious about mobile embroidery, I hope this gives you the push you needed. It’s a fun way to grow your business, connect with people face to face, and bring your creativity right into the moment. And you truly can build it in whatever way fits your life.

If you want to know more about the machine I use in the Crafted Camper, I run everything on my Melco Summit. It has been the perfect partner for mobile work because it’s fast, consistent, and built to handle long days at events. You can learn more through my Melco link here: https://info.melco.com/kelly-melco. This link lets the team know I sent you so they can make sure you get the best support and deal. And it’s important to know, I do not get a commission. Melco just liked my story and wants more people to follow their dreams like I did.

If you ever want to ask questions about the mobile side of embroidery or need help imagining what your setup could look like, I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned. You can reach out anytime. You can find me on instagram at @kellybazzle or @thecraftedcamper and you can also email me at craftedcamperfl@gmail.com.