After 43 years of screen printing, I have helped, seen and advised many customers regarding screen-printing best practices for achieving the best results for numbering. The difference, if any, between printing numbers 20 years ago and now is the plethora of fabric...
When Nanette Finch opened Creeds & Crests Inc. 26 years ago, it was an experience that required her to, as she says, “fly by the seat of my pants.” Little did she know that she was perfectly equipped to handle such a scenario. Finch’s decorated-apparel story...
With today’s technology, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing has become more accessible and affordable, while also being less time-consuming and labor-intensive than many other traditional printing methods. Plus, you can take advantage of perks, such as live computer...
Visiting Boston-based Johnny Cupcakes is like going to the best bakery in the world — on steroids. There’s the scent of frosting wafting through the showroom, oven-lid decorations and, not to be overlooked, decorated T-shirts stacked in industrial ovens. Clearly, the...
If you’re a sublimation decorator, you’ve undoubtedly heard — repeatedly — that this decoration process will not bond to cotton. Truthfully, that hasn’t changed. Sublimation chemically bonds to polyester and polymers, not cotton; however, that doesn’t mean you can’t...
Equipment Zone, Franklin Lakes, N.J., recently announced the first stop of its 2019 "DTG Roadshow" will be in Atlanta on April 26. The purpose of the event is to bring customers the next revolution in apparel decoration. The Roadshow is comprised of insightful,...
Many decorators and customers think of lasers for the traditional applications of teamwear numbers, names and mascots. However, it’s time to think beyond athletics to see how you can use this technology on many different media to create finished products that target...
I recently visited Pittsburg, Kansas-based Wilbert Screen Printing to talk with owner Bill Wilbert, and we ended up reminiscing about the 1960s when he had to go to department stores to buy T-shirts for his business since there were no wholesalers from which to buy....
If you’re like many garment decorators, the cold weather also can cool off your sales. As the summer rush winds down, fall and winter can find you scrambling to minimize costs and planning for the lower end of the bell curve. For many shops, the dip in sales can last...
In embroidery, there is nothing more beautiful than a monogram. In fact, because of its luxury, a monogram on a man’s shirt cuff became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. And, at a time of economic disaster, this small luxury kept our industry alive....
From distinct cuts and colors to fun slogans and witty messaging, today’s womenswear niche isn’t slowing down. And some industry insiders say the trail is blazing hot as the past comes full circle. “It’s pretty much guaranteed in fashion that certain trends will come...
Running any business can be a challenge. There are so many moving parts that you need to ensure all the “wheels are greased” and operating smoothly to be successful. The problem is that it’s easy to mistakenly ignore one area, while focusing on or trying to solve...
