Custom Streetwear Print & Embellishments

The artwork alone doesn't dictate the method. The amount of the art, fabric surface, stretch, and the desired feel will make the difference. The following chart provides a great guide to consider before testing the fabric itself.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes a picture does not convey enough information for production. Production artwork needs to indicate the finished dimensions, the positioning, the colours, and the necessary decoration method. Vector files are preferred for separated screen-print colour separation, puff artwork, embroidery digitizing, and rhinestone map because lines and shapes will keep their dimensions when resized. Raster files at the resolution of print can be used for photographic DTG or DTF prints.

Positioning requires fixed references. "Centered on the chest" is not the same for all sizes and all operators. An appropriate reference measurement can be taken from the high point shoulder, center front, neckline seam, pocket edge, etc. If the graphic is oversized, we check its position on different sizes and grades as well. The print that suits nicely on an XL body needs adjustment so that it does not crowd the armholes on a small garment.

Colour references need to be practical. The Pantone Matching System is widely applied for inks and thread selection, but screen and textile colours will never be judged accurately on two uncalibrated screens. The reference is compared under consistent lighting conditions, and the production target is defined. The digital artwork should include the colour profile to use. Embroidery files should include the necessity for an exact thread reference or for a close stock-thread match.

Small details need to be evaluated early. Negative spaces can close if puff ink expands. Small typefaces can lose readability in embroidery as each stroke becomes a stitch path. Stones placed closely to each other may move during the heat setting process. Fine digital details can be produced well but can look too dense if they are printed inside large areas of transfer film. We mark these potential problems at the evaluation stage and suggest minimum changes to the artwork if necessary.

The signed strike-off or sew-out will then become the standard for production. The operators will not evaluate the bulk run based on the picture sent via phone or the concept mock-up. Rather, they will compare it with the approved sample and measurements taken. This ensures that all decisions will always be made by referencing a tangible item.

In screen and puff printing, the team will track down registration, ink viscosity, and deposit and curing conditions. Since temperature and other factors may impact the results of the printing, monitoring should be done throughout the run and not only during the first printed garment. For the puff print, evaluation will only take place after the print has been dried because the end result cannot be seen yet while it is still wet.

Embroidery is examined in terms of thread density, tension, puckering, broken stitches, and cleaning. The fabric backer and needle should be appropriate for the selected material. Color consistency, edge quality, signs of pretreatment or transfer, and adhesion of the printed pattern are checked in case of DTG and DTF prints. Rhinestones are tested to check for missing stones, proper alignment, and bonding of the applied stones once the panel cools down.

The decoration is evaluated when the garment is inspected as the final product. It may have a perfect print, but if it is not properly positioned, located too close to the seam, has improper dimensions, etc., it will be rejected. During the pre-shipment testing, the decorated garment will be assessed as one complete piece, taking into consideration its appearance, measurements, construction, and packing, rather than considering decoration as a separate stage.

In case of certified materials, the certificate should cover the selected material and be valid for the production volume. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 requirements may be viewed by the buyers in order to check the validity of the material certification.

The most consistent results will be achieved when decorating is part of the process along with pattern and fabric development. With T-shirt production, we factor in the stretch of jersey and the feel of prepping and printing. In hoodie production, we design around the thickness of fleece, pockets, seam lines, and double layers. Doing so helps to keep artwork out of the construction area and maintain proper proportions between the approved design and the production garment.

Submit artwork at actual size whenever possible with Pantone colors and placement specifications. When this information is not available, we can create a production plan based on your visual reference.