Friday, August 29, 2008

Set-Up Your Own Embroidered Designs?

You’ve decided to create your own line of embroidered clothing. You’ll start with at least ten different embroidered designs but you plan to create over a hundred. You call a few embroiderers to see what the cost is to have samples made. After reviewing your quotes you realize that the digitizing fees (set-up fees) seem too costly - $25.00 to $100.00 for a small embroidered design. Why so expensive?

Considering that you’re fairly proficient with Photoshop should you purchase embroidery software to set-up your own designs? No! In addition to the software cost which can be $2,000 or more it takes at least two years of full-time practice to become an average digitizer. You can take classes but watching an embroidery machine run well-digitized designs is the best way to learn how to digitize. How will you do that without a machine?

Thursday, August 21, 2008

SMX Marketing Event!

This week I’m stepping aside from my usual discussion about custom embroidered shirts because I want to tell you about an exciting event –The SMX Search Marketing Expo, held October 6-8th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. If you’re involved in online marketing you won’t want to miss this thrilling event packed with thought-provoking speakers, on-point seminars and essential networking opportunities. See you there!

Monday, August 11, 2008

Logo Sizing?

You’re creating artwork for your custom embroidered polo shirts and hats. What size should your logo be for a left chest logo? How about for the back of a hat? Here’s a sizing list:

Left/ right chest logo – 3.5” – 3.75” (may be 3.25” to 4” depending on the logo)

Hat Front - 4” wide x 2” high (some vertically orientated designs may be up to 2 ½” high)

Hat Back – a web address, location or short tag line arced around the keyhole opening works best

Hat Side - 2” x 2”

Visors - 4” wide x 1” high

Jacket Back - 10” to 12” wide or high (can be more for larger jackets)

Shirt Back - 6” wide (web address)

Names - size to work with corresponding logo

Children’s - size in proportion to garment

Friday, August 1, 2008

Embroidered Polo Shirt Shrinkage

Follow these tips to reduce custom embroidered polo shirt shrinkage:

1. Select polo shirts made from a cotton/polyester blend, 100% polyester or a preshrunk cotton fabric.

2. Avoid washing in hot water and drying in a hot dryer. Dry fewer shirts at a time to lessen dryer time or line dry.


How much will 100% cotton polos shrink? 100% cotton polos can shrink 10% - 20% of the shirt size. Therefore, expect more shrinkage with larger sizes.