Screen Printing: Correct File Type?

One question I often receive is, "What type of file is suitable for screen printing"? The answer is, " A vector file, or a file with an ai, cdr or eps extension". What if that type isn't available? A high resolution bit map will work but a low quality image will need to be vectorized.

What is "vectorized? Vectorization is the process of converting a bitmap into sizable line art. Vector art consists of points and lines rather than the bits or "boxes" that form bitmap files. Vector art is clear, crisp art that prints cleanly. Why is a vector or high resolution file needed? High resolution files contain the information needed to produce a clean print. Without that the resulting print will be fuzzy.

Embroidery: Artwork with Gradient Colors?

Does all artwork translate well into embroidery or screen printing? Not necessarily. Variables such as the number of colors, size of detail, desired quantity and purpose factor into the decision of what decoration process will work best.

With the current popularity of Photoshop we receive a number of logos that don't adapt well to embroidery or screen printing. For example, we recently received a logo titled "Eclipse Landscaping". This design uses subtle color gradients to create the look of an eclipse. Although this logo has a cool, unique look it doesn't work well for embroidery or screen printing because of the gradients.

For embroidery, the colors would be simplified to a three to four color logo. This would embroider well but the logo would loose it uniqueness and it wouldn't support the business name quite as strongly. If you want printing then this logo wouldn't work for standard screen printing because the gradients would be printed as solid colors so the effect of the design would be lost. To preserve the look of the logo the design must be printed using either four color process (cost prohibitive for a small run), heat transfers or direct garment printing. Which process is best for you? Heat transfers have been available a while and should be effective if applied correctly. Direct garment printing is most like traditional screen printing without the screen set-up fees and works well on ligh-colored garments. How do you choose your process? Contact your decorator and after they've seen your logo they will explain what process will work best for you.

Embroidery: Finalize Your Order

Once you have a good idea of how your embroidered shirts will look its time to find an embroiderer. Look for someone who will answer your questions, has reasonable pricing and will provide quality work. If you need your shirts for an upcoming event, ask upfront if your deadline can be met.

After you've chosen an embroiderer, verify that they will supply you with an embroidery set-up proof before your shirts are embroidered. Although many embroiderers prefer to email the embroidery set-up, if you have any questions about the quality of the embroidery, readability of the design or the thread colors request an embroidered sample before your order is embroidered.

Embroidered Polos: Make Them Look Good!

Another important consideration is your required sizes and shirt color. If you need extended sizes that usually isn't a problem because many new styles are available up to 6X but if you need tall sizes that will eliminate most styles. As for color, if you want a basic color then you'll have many choices but if you need a particular shade of green for example, your choices are limited.

An often overlooked detail in the design process is choosing a shirt color that works well with your logo. Many people choose a shirt color that is the same color as a major element in their logo. If the logo element doesn't border the shirt then this can reinforce the impact of your logo but if the shirt is the same color as text or another element in your logo and that element isn't against a background then the text won't be readable.

Order Custom Embroidery

You've decided to purchase custom embroidered shirts. You've never bought shirts before so you're uncertain about ordering. How can you make sure your shirts look good?

Start by using a graphic designer to design your logo. Tell them you plan to have your logo embroidered so they will design a logo that works well for embroidery. After you've approved your new logo you're ready to choose a shirt.

Choosing the right shirt is largely based on who will wear the shirts and where the shirts will be worn. While most groups prefer a polo, button down shirts are also popular. In addition to picking a basic style, also consider different features such as moisture management, wrinkle and fade-free shirts.

Embroidery Questions Answered:

More questions and answers:

Q: Can T-shirts be embroidered?

A: T-shirts can be embroidered as long as the design isn't too stitch intensive. If your design has a large area of solid thread then it probably isn't suitable for embroidery.


Q: How much room is there on a visor for an embroidered design?

A: The embroidered area on a visor is limited to 4" wide by 1 1/4" high. Usually a business or event name works best for custom embroidered visors.

Embroidery Questions Answered:

The following are embroidery questions that we often receive:

Q: What is a sandwich bill hat?

A: A sandwich bill hat is a style that has a contrasting color on the edge of the brim. A popular use is to choose a hat with a sandwich brim color that is the same as a color in your logo. For example, if your business name is in white thread, if you pick a hat style with a white sandwich color then this will reinforce your business name and give you unique-looking custom embroidered hats.

Q: Can the embroidered logo I used for my polo shirts be used for hats?

A: Possibly. Generally speaking, designs for hats must be set-up differently then polo shirt designs although some shirt logos will sew well on hats. Also, hat designs have a 2" height restriction whereas logos designed for polo shirts may be "taller". In addition, due to the curved surface of hats, very small text won't embroider as well on hats.