FAQs
To keep your embroidered patches looking their best, we recommend gentle hand washing or spot cleaning. Avoid machine washing or ironing directly on the patches.
Tips for Accurate Alignment:
Registration Marks:
Incorporate clear registration marks into your design. These serve as alignment guides on every screen.
Secure Framing:
Make sure each screen is firmly locked in its frame to prevent any movement during printing.
Overlay Tools:
Use transparent overlays or registration fixtures to align screens accurately.
Test Runs:
Perform trial prints on scrap fabric to check for misalignment. Adjust screens as necessary before full production.
Consistent Workspace:
Keep your printing station stable and free from disturbances that could shift the screens during setup.
Causes:
Uneven hooping can create slack areas.
Wrinkles or residual moisture in the fabric lead to bunching.
Solutions:
Prewash, dry, and thoroughly iron the fabric to remove creases.
Center the fabric between the inner and outer hoop rims and press firmly without over-tightening.
Adjust gradually so the fabric is smooth and taut across the entire hoop.
Use a lightweight stabilizer (tear-away, cut-away, or water-soluble) behind the fabric for extra support without distortion.
Troubleshooting Ink Clogging:
Mix and Filter:
Ensure the ink is well-mixed and filtered to remove any clumps or contaminants.
Immediate Cleaning:
Rinse the screen promptly after each use with water and a proper screen cleaning solution to prevent ink from drying and clogging the mesh.
Scrubbing:
Use a soft brush to gently scrub the screen, focusing on areas where ink buildup is stubborn.
Preventive Maintenance:
Regularly inspect screens for wear. Replace damaged mesh or emulsion to maintain optimum printing performance.
Environmental Considerations:
Work in a clean area to minimize dust and debris settling on the screens.
We specialize in custom embroidered patches, keychains, t-shirts, clothing, hoodies, and caps. We also offer embroidery digitizing, vector art, and promotion marketing services.
Yes, we offer international shipping! Shipping costs vary based on your location.
Turnaround time varies depending on the complexity of the design and order quantity. Typically, custom orders are completed within 7-10 business days.
You can easily place a custom order by contacting us through our website, email, or phone. Provide details about your design, and our team will help bring your vision to life.
Absolutely! We offer discounts for bulk orders. Please contact us for a quote based on your quantity and requirements.
Changes or cancellations can be made within 24 hours of placing an order. After this, production begins, and modifications may not be possible.
Yes, we provide digital proofs of your design for approval before proceeding with production.
You can contact us via the “Connect With Us” section on our website, or reach out directly through our email or phone number for any inquiries.
Insufficient Heat/Pressure: Make sure your iron is fully preheated and set to a high, dry temperature (no steam). Press firmly for at least 30–45 seconds.
Fabric Preparation Issues: Prewash and dry your garment to remove any residues, and iron out wrinkles for a smooth surface.
Aged Adhesive: Older patches may have weakened adhesive. In these cases, reapply heat or secure the patch with a few hand-sewn stitches or fabric glue.
Screen vs. Physical Differences: Monitors may display colors differently; thread colors are typically matched using physical Pantone guides.
Thread Limitations: Manufacturers work with a limited palette of thread colors, so exact matches on screen aren’t always possible.
Reapply Heat: Try putting the garment back in the iron (using a dry setting) to reactivate the adhesive.
Edge Reinforcement: Hand sew a few stitches around the border, or use fabric glue sparingly along the edges.
Maintenance Tip: Regularly check your patches during washing and reapply if necessary to prevent further peeling.
Stitch Tension Issues: Overly tight stitching can cause puckering. Adjust the machine’s tension for a smoother finish.
Fabric Handling: Ensure the fabric is securely hooped but not overstretched; both under-hooping and over-hooping can result in puckering.
Quality Supplies: Use sharp needles and high-quality thread to avoid fraying along the patch edges.
Care Instructions: Wash garments inside out using cold water on a gentle cycle, and air-dry when possible.
Preserve Vibrancy: Use mild detergents and avoid high-temperature drying, which can break down the adhesive and degrade thread colors.
Quality Digitizing: Ensure that your patch includes proper underlay stitches to lock in the thread color over time.
Iron-On Backing: Ideal for natural fabrics like cotton and denim. Not recommended for heat-sensitive materials such as polyester or leather.
Sew-On Backing: Provides a durable attachment for delicate or synthetic fabrics.
Velcro/Adhesive Options: Useful when you need removable patches or want an alternative to heat application.
Tip: Always choose the backing method that best complements your fabric type and intended use.
Extra Security: Enhance the bond by hand-stitching a few seams around the patch or using a light application of fabric glue.
High-Use Items: This reinforcement is especially useful for garments that are washed frequently or subjected to heavy wear.
Long-Term Care: Reinforcing your patch helps prevent peeling and extends its life on your clothing or accessories.
Border Style Choices: Opt for a merrowed or satin-stitched border to create a neat, sealed edge.
Verification: Confirm the border style during the proof stage to avoid surprises in the final product.
Material Quality: Use high-quality thread and backing materials that support a crisp, consistent border design.
Gather Essential Supplies: Secure an adjustable embroidery hoop, a variety of sharp needles, high-quality threads, and fabric scissors.
Workspace Preparation: Choose a well-lit, flat surface. Use a comfortable chair and consider a magnifying lamp or headband light to reduce eye strain.
Digital Tools: Install embroidery digitizing software or apps if you wish to transfer designs from your computer.
Organization: Keep your supplies sorted in containers so you can find threads, stabilizers, and other materials easily.
Screen Printing Frame & Mesh: Invest in a sturdy frame with a fine mesh and a scoop for coating.
Emulsion & Sensitizer: Use these to create your screen stencil, and a light source (like a 250-watt bulb or sunlight) to expose the emulsion.
Squeegee & Inks: Get a durable squeegee for even ink application and quality screen printing ink that’s compatible with your fabric.
Workspace Essentials: Set up a clean, flat area with proper ventilation and a drying rack for printed items.
Design Your Artwork: Use graphic software to create or modify a design.
Print a High-Contrast Image: Transfer your design onto a transparency film or high-contrast paper.
Coat the Screen: Apply emulsion evenly across your screen printing frame.
Expose and Wash Out: Place your printed design on the screen, expose it to a light source, and then rinse to reveal your stencil.
Refine the Stencil: Touch up any small details with a fine brush or craft knife if needed.
Heat Curing: Use a heat gun, oven, or flash dryer set at the proper temperature (check ink specifications) to cure the ink.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Curing times and temperatures vary; always follow the ink supplier’s recommendations.
Test for Durability: Press a small, hidden area to ensure the ink has fully cured before handling the final product.
Common Causes:
Under-Curing:
Ink not fully cured due to insufficient heat or drying time.
Improper Heat Source:
The curing process may be disrupted if the heat source is inconsistent or if steam is inadvertently used.
Ink Formulation:
Some inks are designed to cure under specific conditions; using the wrong one can result in smudging.
Adjustments to Improve Curing:
Optimize Heat Settings:
Use a flash dryer, conveyor dryer, or oven at the recommended temperature and for the proper duration specified by the ink manufacturer.
Consistent Application:
Ensure that when applying heat (for iron-on transfers or curing printed garments), the process is uniform and the garment isn’t disturbed until the ink fully sets.
Avoid Steam:
Always use a dry heat source; steam can interfere with ink adhesion.
Allow Adequate Drying Time:
Let the printed item cool completely on a flat surface before handling or moving it, to ensure the ink is fully cured.
Tips for Consistent Tension:
Machine Settings:
Verify that your machine tension is set according to the fabric and thread type. Test on scrap pieces before beginning.
Design Considerations:
Ensure the digitized design uses uniform stitch density and that any areas requiring special treatment are clearly defined.
During Embroidery:
Monitor the work on both the front and back of the fabric to catch any puckering early.
Use consistent thread quality and replace dull needles to avoid fraying and variable tension.
Stabilization:
Using an appropriate stabilizer not only supports delicate fabrics but also helps in maintaining consistent stitch tension throughout the design.
Stabilizing Techniques:
Tear-Away or Cut-Away Stabilizer:
These provide temporary or permanent support and prevent stretching during stitching.
Water-Soluble Stabilizer:
Ideal for delicate fabrics; it dissolves after the design is complete, leaving no residue.
Fusible Interfacing:
Iron-on interfacing can be applied to the reverse of the fabric to add firmness.
Pre-Washing:
Wash the fabric with the stabilizer (if applicable) before hooping to minimize shrinkage or stretching after embroidery.