Abstract: A method implemented on a computer having a processor and a memory coupled to the processor for determining an estimated number of stitches for an embroidered design. The method includes uploading a file containing a design comprised of at least one of art and text; flattening the design into a flat file; determining a number of pixels that are non-transparent in the flat file; determining a percentage of non-transparent pixels in a total pixel area available for decorating; estimating a measurement of an area to be decorated using the percentage of non-transparent pixels; and determining the estimated the number of stitches in the design using the measurement of the area to be decorated.