Custom Clothing: Screen Printing or Embroidery

If you are looking to design your own company or organization t shirt, there are a few different processes you can consider. Embroidery and screen printing are highly sought after methods for producing and printing your logo on apparel. They hold up well through washing and ironing. They do not peel, shrink or fade, even after years of wear. The detail that can be achieved through embroidery and screen printing is superior to any other form of t-shirt or apparel printing.

With embroidery, make sure you ask about the quality of thread and the amount of detail that can be achieved by the manufactures machine. The last thing you want is to have a lot of t shirts or hats made and not have them come in looking like you expected them to. With embroidery and screen printing, there is usually no refund because your items can not be resold. Provide a high resolution file of your logo for maximum detail.

Quality is something that should not be sacrificed with embroidery, because you do not want your logo to make a bad impression. Blurry, blocked or unraveling embroidery can give the wrong impression of your business or organization. Smaller print can sometimes become unreadable if you order from a discount manufacturer. Make sure that you talk to an experienced person before you place an order so that you can get a professional opinion about the design and how it will turn out.

Screen printing is another high quality option for t shirt or polo printing needs. Some people wonder if screen printing is similar to iron-on images. Screen printing is actually a lot more durable and the images can be a lot sharper than with iron-on. The screen printing machine shoots ink down into the fabric, so it becomes part of the fabric. Iron-on transfers sit on top of the garment, which is why it tends to fade and peel. A screen printers t shirt has a much softer feel as well. Iron-on can feel sticky, hot and a lot like plastic, even after multiple washings.

Screen printing does not require that the garments be put under pressure, so it is very useful for printing on a variety of items. Screen printing is commonly used to print on hats, bags, cups and ink pens. A screen printers t shirt quality is superior to other ink printing methods. It is highly preferred when used for a custom logo that needs to appear sharp and detailed.

When you use embroidery or screen printing for your custom clothing, you can be confident in the fact that you are choosing the two highest quality methods of communicating your logo through your custom apparel.

Justin Hoehn is a Managing Partner of LEADApparel.com. LEADApparel.com offers first class Screen Printing & Embroidery services, custom clothing including printers t shirt. Companies purchase t shirts print services from LEADApparel.com at heavily discounted prices. For more information, visit www.leadapparel.com.

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Screen Print School T Shirts

Schools need more t shirts printed than just about anyone else. These t shirts need to be extra durable, breathable and inexpensive for students and parents to buy. Screen printing is a great option for school event and spirit t shirts.

Schools use screen printed t shirts for individual classes, fund raisers, field day, field trips and much more. The school can usually keep a portion of their t shirt sales and make extra money. There are countless items that you can have your school logo, mascot or name printed on. Ribbons, cups and t shirts are great screen print items that your school can use to raise money and school spirit.

Screen print t shirts are of an exceptional quality that far surpasses that of an iron-on. A screen printers t shirt has the ink shot directly through all of the tiny spaces of the fabric, so it cannot peel. Since it is ink, it helps the fabric to remain soft, unlike plastic-feeling iron-on transfers. Keeping the t shirts breathable is important when you are clothing children for warmer weather.

One popular idea for schools is to have each class design their own custom class t shirt. You can use their drawings, school logo, teacher’s name and student’s names to create a unique keepsake for your students. T shirts that feature student’s names or drawings are big sellers and can help your school raise much needed funds very quickly. Parents generally appreciate fund raisers like this that does not require them to go out and sell overpriced items to their friends and family.

Schools use screen printed apparel to raise money at sporting events, too. School spirit wear is popular with students, parents and alumni. You can mark these items up just about as much as you need to make extra money because they sell so well. Some schools even produce a new spirit t shirt every week featuring the team they are playing. Catchy phrases about beating the opponent are popular with students and make great souvenirs or awards. Your sports teams and cheerleaders can sell these t shirts throughout their seasons to raise funds for your athletics department.

School t shirts print is very durable when you use the screen print process. You will not have to worry about peeling, fading, breathability or gathering with high quality screen printed custom clothing. Plus, the cost is low enough that you can use a screen printers t shirt for just about any occasion in your school.

Justin Hoehn is a Managing Partner of LEADApparel.com. LEADApparel.com offers first class Screen Printing & Embroidery services, custom clothing including printers t shirt. Companies purchase t shirts print services from LEADApparel.com at heavily discounted prices. For more information, visit www.leadapparel.com.

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Screen Printing: Plastic Feeling or Soft?

A screen printer’s t shirt printed with ink containing plastics can be hot and sticky if you do not know what to ask for when ordering. If you are looking for a softer, vintage-feeling screen printed shirt, you may want to ask for water based inks. If you need a heavy laid print, you may ask for ink containing plastics applied with a hot press.

Many screen printers use inks containing plastics because they are not as hard on the screen printing equipment, they are sometimes more durable, can be brighter, heavier and more visible. But, if you want your t shirt to look old and worn, you will most likely be happier with a water based ink product. Plastic inks laid with a hot press are not very breathable and create a lot of heat against your body. They do not stretch with fabrics and can crack if exposed to a lot of wear and tear.

Water based inks are well absorbed by almost every kind of fabric. Keep in mind that water based ink does not show up as well on darker fabrics. This is especially true on black and navy blue garments.

Water based ink screen prints are preferred on items that have more texture, such as golf towels, hats and pique polo shirts. They can be ironed without running the risk of melting. They can hold up through stretching, washing and ironing as well as the garment that they are printed on.

There are some circumstances where you may prefer inks containing plastics. Sports jerseys are one example. The complete coverage that you get with inks containing plastic is usually preferred for the extreme visibility that is needed on sports jerseys. Some companies prefer plastic inks on waterproof items, such as umbrellas, raincoats and ponchos.

There is still another reason that you may prefer screen printing inks containing plastics. Fading is of more concern with water based inks. If you want a shirt to look worn or vintage, then definitely go with water based ink. If you want a vibrant color or more durable print, you can still get soft, breathable results from inks containing plastics if a hot press is not used.

Hot press is used to give a heavy plastic feel, such as on a jersey. If a hot press is not used, the result is almost the same as with water based inks. Because most garments come out more durable, most screen print shops use inks containing plastics and no hot press.

The main thing to consider when you are ordering screen print t shirts, polos or other custom clothing is the quality of the print. Ask to see examples of a screen printer’s work before you order. Most screen printers will have samples of their work on their web site.

Find a printer that offers a wide variety of custom clothing and apparel. This way, if you later decide to expand distribution of your logo, you can order different screen print items knowing the quality that you are getting. Some screen printers offer custom clothing from major name brands, such as Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Adidas. Getting high quality products and high quality screen printing in one place can save you a lot of hassle and wasted money.

Justin Hoehn is a Managing Partner of LEADApparel.com. LEADApparel.com offers first class Screen Printing & Embroidery services, custom clothing including printers t shirt. Companies purchase t shirts print services from LEADApparel.com at heavily discounted prices. For more information, visit www.leadapparel.com.

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What is Fashion?

Clothing is something we take for granted. For centuries clothes were used as protection – later on they became useful as body adornment as well as a form of nonverbal communication to indicate occupation, rank, gender, sexual availability, locality, class, wealth and group affiliation.

With such nonverbal communication came the term fashion. Of course fashion is more than just clothing, it also includes shoes and accessories. But at the core, what we wear and how and when we wear it, provides others with a synopsis of who we are and what we care about.

Culture plays a role in this interpretation as well. In modern society, we call those who are defining fashion as cultural icons and these are the people newspapers and magazines talk about while others follow.

The idea of putting fashion into magazines for others to examine dates back to the 1700s. Even then, people pored over fashion magazines to see the latest styles. Women and dressmakers outside the French court relied on sketches to see what was going on. The famous French King Louis XIV said that fashion is a mirror. Louis himself was renowned for his style, which tended towards extravagant laces and velvets.

Today we are constantly being bombarded with new fashion ideas with the Internet, videos, books, and television. Movies also have a big impact on what people wear.

Sociologists believe group affiliation is our prime concern with regard to fashion. As long as some group similarity is identified within the group, our personal fashion whether current or dated can belong to any tribe. It is the sense of belonging marked by how we fashion ourselves that gives us the tribal connection.

At the same time, we as human beings desire differentiation. People are often socially and economically labeled by their clothing or fashion. In history, the Edwardians were socially stratified into those who wore tailor made clothing down to those who wore other people's cast offs. The poor simply looked poor, because the clothes they wore betrayed them. The rich and nouveau riche displayed their wealth through an iconography of signs and symbols that enhanced their body image in the eyes of those that saw themselves as socially inferior.

Today, the purchase of fashionable clothes, fabrics, or accessories is more affordable and easily attainable by many. Dressing nice, choosing your style, being comfortable and classy are all within the reach of most people’s pocketbooks.

Yes fashion is still big business. More people are involved in the buying, selling and production of clothing than any other business in the world. But as long as people enjoy being unique, standing out from the rest and having something new to choose from year to year, fashion will always remain with us, no matter what the style.


Justin Morris is a Managing Partner of LEADApparel.com. LEADApparel.com offers first class Screen Printing & Embroidery services, custom clothing including printers t-shirt. Companies purchase t-shirts print services from LEADApparel.com at heavily discounted prices. For more information, visit www.leadapparel.com.

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History of Embroidery

Embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread or yarn. In this, it has been practiced for decades.

The origins of embroidery can be dated back to Cro-Magnon days or 30,000 BC. During a recent archaeological find, fossilized remains of heavily hand-stitched and decorated clothing, boots and a hat were found.

In Siberia, around 5000 and 6000 B.C. elaborately drilled shells stitched with decorative designs onto animal hides were discovered. Chinese thread embroidery dates back to 3500 B.C. where pictures depict embroidery of clothing with silk thread, precious stones and pearls. Examples of surviving Chinese chain stitch embroidery worked in silk thread have also been found and dated to the Warring States period (5th-3rd century BC).

Embroidery and most other fiber and needlework arts are believed to originate in the Orient and Middle East. Primitive humankind quickly found that the stitches used to join animal skins together could also be used for embellishment. Recorded history, sculptures, paintings and vases depicting inhabitants of various ancient civilizations show people wearing thread-embroidered clothing.

During the 1100’s, smaller seed pearls were sewn on vellum to decorate religious items and from the 1200’s through 1300’s beads were embroidered onto clothing. By 1500 A.D., embroideries had become more lavish in Europe, as well as other areas of the world. From this period through the 1700’s elaborate thread and bead embroidery gained popularity. Bead embroidery could be found on layette baskets, court dress, home furnishings and many other items.

Elaborately embroidered clothing, religious objects, and household items have been a mark of wealth and status in many cultures including ancient Persia, India, China, Japan, Byzantium, and medieval and Baroque Europe. Traditional folk techniques were passed from generation to generation in cultures as diverse as northern Vietnam, Mexico, and eastern Europe. Professional workshops and guilds arose in medieval England. The output of these workshops, called Opus Anglicanum or "English work," was famous throughout Europe. The manufacture of machine-made embroideries in St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland flourished in the latter half of the 19th century.

The process used to tailor, patch, mend and reinforce cloth later fostered the development of sewing techniques, and the decorative possibilities of sewing led to the art of embroidery. Elaborate freehand stitched thread embroidery began to dwindle with the machine age of the 1800’s when Art needlework and Berlin wool-work appeared on the scene. Berlin wool-work, a canvas thread embroidery, was popular through the 1870’s only to be replaced in popularity by counted cross-stitch of the 1880’s, using square meshed canvas with stitch-by-stitch thread designs. With the introduction of printed patterns in color, the need for counting each stitch was passé in many instances. Although elaborate freehand thread embroidery was waning in popularity, bead embroidery was beginning its heyday along with the new needlework stitches of the 1800’s.

The fabrics and yarns used in traditional embroidery vary from place to place. Wool, linen, and silk have been in use for thousands of years for both fabric and yarn. Today, embroidery thread is manufactured in cotton, rayon, and novelty yarns as well as in traditional wool, linen, and silk. Ribbon embroidery uses narrow ribbon in silk or silk/organza blend ribbon, most commonly to create floral motifs.

Surface embroidery techniques such as chain stitch and couching or laid-work are the most economical of expensive yarns; couching is generally used for gold work. Canvas work techniques, in which large amounts of yarn are buried on the back of the work, use more materials but provide a sturdier and more substantial finished textile.

Much contemporary embroidery work is stitched with a computerized embroidery machine using patterns "digitized" with embroidery software. In machine embroidery, different types of "fills" add texture and design to the finished work. Machine embroidery is used to add logos and monograms to business shirts or jackets, gifts, and team apparel as well as to decorate household linens, draperies, and decorator fabrics that mimic the elaborate hand embroidery of the past. Many people are choosing embroidered logos placed on shirts and jackets to promote their company.

Yes, embroidery has come a long way, both in style, technique and use. It also appears to maintain its intrigue as its popularity continues to grow with it.

Justin Morris is a Managing Partner of LEADApparel.com. LEADApparel.com offers first class Screen Printing & Embroidery services, custom clothing including printers t-shirt. Companies purchase t-shirts print services from LEADApparel.com at heavily discounted prices. For more information, visit www.leadapparel.com.

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Screen Printing and Its History

Screen-printing, the technique that uses a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil, which allows for the image of your choice on cloth, has been around for thousands of years. Although the technique itself has changed, the concept has not.

Historians say screen-printing first appeared in a recognizable form in China during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE). Later, Japan and other Asian countries adopted this method of printing and advanced the craft using it in conjunction with block printing and paints. By the time Western Europe was introduced to the concept, it wasn’t until the late 1700s and even at that, it was not used as widely as in Asian countries. For the most part, screen-printing in England was used to print on wallpaper, linen or other fine fabrics.

By the early 1910s, several printers began experimenting with photo-reactive chemicals using the well-known actinic light activated cross linking or hardening traits of potassium, sodium or ammonium bichromate chemicals with glues and gelatin compounds. Roy Beck, Charles Peter and Edward Owens studied and experimented with chromic acid salt sensitized emulsions for photo-reactive stencils. This trio of developers would prove to revolutionize the commercial screen-printing industry by introducing photo-imaged stencils to the industry.

In 1928, Joseph Ulano founded the industry chemical supplier Ulano and created a method of applying a lacquer soluble stencil material to a removable base. This stencil material was cut into shapes; the print areas removed and the remaining material adhered to mesh to create a sharp edged screen stencil.

Originally a profitable industrial technology, screen-printing was eventually adopted by artists as an expressive and conveniently repeatable medium for duplication. The Printer's National Environmental Assistance Center says, "Screen-printing is arguably the most versatile of all printing processes."

So how does the screen-printing process work today? To start, a screen is made of a piece of porous, finely woven fabric called mesh stretched over a frame of aluminum or wood. This mesh is typically made of steel, nylon, or polyester. Areas of the screen are then blocked off with a non-permeable material to form a stencil, which is a negative of the image to be printed; that is; the open spaces are where the ink will appear.

The screen is placed atop a substrate such as paper or fabric. Ink is placed on top of the screen, and a fill bar (also known as a floodbar) is used to fill the mesh openings with ink. The operator begins with the fill bar at the rear of the screen and behind a reservoir of ink. The operator lifts the screen to prevent contact with the substrate and then using a slight amount of downward force pulls the fill bar to the front of the screen. This effectively fills the mesh openings with ink and moves the ink reservoir to the front of the screen. The operator then uses a squeegee (rubber blade) to move the mesh down to the substrate and pushes the squeegee to the rear of the screen. The ink that is in the mesh opening is pumped or squeezed by capillary action to the substrate in a controlled and prescribed amount, i.e. the wet ink deposit is equal to the thickness of the mesh and or stencil. As the squeegee moves toward the rear of the screen the tension of the mesh pulls the mesh up away from the substrate (called snap-off) leaving the ink upon the substrate surface.

Screen-printing has become popular for companies as a promotional tool as numerous types of apparel can be screen-printed with a company’s logo or name. Screen-printing’s versatility is also seen in the printing of products such as electronics, balloons and medical devices. There are few limitations when it comes to screen-printing and the industry is only growing bigger.


Justin Morris is a Managing Partner of LEADApparel.com. LEADApparel.com offers first class Screen Printing & Embroidery services, custom clothing including printers t-shirt. Companies purchase t-shirts print services from LEADApparel.com at heavily discounted prices. For more information, visit www.leadapparel.com.

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Effective Uses of Your Logo

Creating a logo is an important part of any business. You want your logo to be unique, recognizable and you also want it to say something about your company. Your logo should help to create your identity. Your logo may very well be your best chance at creating a positive first impression on your clients and customers, as well as attract quality employees.

Your logo should represent something that you believe in or base your company on. Something as simple as your type font can make people feel one way or another about your company. It can also help people identify with your company. It is important to be consistent with the font that you choose throughout your advertising, pricing and signage so that you help your brand be identifiable and unique.

Your logo will be useless unless you promote it and spread it around. Use it on your web site, in your store or office, church or school. Creating your own unique brand image starts with selecting a high impact, meaningful logo. Then, people need to see it whenever they are reading about you or attending an event on or off location.

Using screen print or embroidery logos is an excellent way to spread the word about your brand. You need signs, mailings and flyers to advertise your brand, but there is nothing like a human being to help really get your point across. Dress your employees and supporters in logo printed t-shirts, polos, jackets and bags to show the public what type of company or organization you are. Using custom clothing to advertise your logo not only helps it become recognizable, but also helps the people wearing it identify with the group. Others may want to be a part of the group and so the trickle-down effect continues.

The bottom line is that you want people to recognize and respect your brand image. This can all happen at once with an effective logo. Logos can, in time, create customer loyalty. When used in schools and churches, it can create team spirit and fellowship among members. Make sure that your logo is kept fairly simple and is readable. Too many people make the mistake of using elaborate script or tiny letters that cannot be seen easily from very far away. Your logo should be considered a powerful tool. Size, font and color can play very important parts in your logo success.

Custom embroidery on a hat, laptop bag, polo shirt or jacket will help your brand logo become recognizable and enhance loyalty. Creating custom clothing that is of a high quality will also help your company to portray its image as a high quality outfit. Employees can wear company logo shirts in the office or in public, further advertising your logo to the public. Create effective signage and advertisements to familiarize the public with your brand image. Using custom clothing to spread the word about your company, organization, school or church can help create awareness of your logo and say good things about the quality of your business.

Justin Hoehn is a Managing Partner of LEADApparel.com. LEADApparel.com offers first class Screen Printing & Embroidery services, custom clothing including printers t shirt. Companies purchase t shirts print services from LEADApparel.com at heavily discounted prices. For more information, visit www.leadapparel.com.

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Making A Good Impression For Your Company

If you're running a small business, you are your business. Wherever you go and whatever you do is a business promotion opportunity. Conversely, wherever you go and whatever you do reflects upon your business.

Because first impressions are important, as a business owner, you want to ensure that everyone who meets you forms a positive one. One easy way to make a good first impression is to have a brand or logo. Having a brand, logo helps build customer loyalty. Customers loyal to a brand will be willing to pay a premium price for a product they have come to trust. They will also recommend their brand to other people. Statistics have shown companies who own successful brands are typically valued several times the net value of their physical assets.

If you don’t have a logo or brand to represent your company, look at hiring a professional to help you put one together. A good logo should capture the essence of your business – what you stand for, your objectives, goals, and nature of business. One’s logo should also be brilliant enough to create trust and help out customers to identify your company or brand easily. It also must be basic yet very visually charming and flexible or adaptable enough to be used in different media like the Internet, TV, and print advertisement.

Once you have secured a logo, put it everywhere. One easy way to show off your logo and company name is to have it either screen printed or embroidered on shirts. Custom company shirts build a strong business identity and add credibility to you or your company.

Wearing customized company shirts also attracts new customers. No matter where you are, helping a client, putting gas in your vehicle or running to the store, you are a walking billboard. People recall logos and company names, especially when they see them over and over. And if one of the people you run into needs your service, your customized shirt will make them remember your company.

Placing your logo or name on your shirt also makes you stand out from your competition. This is why it is also important to put your logo consistently on everything you own; your vehicle, stationary, website and business cards. When potential clients see your logo, it will stick with them. Logos are like psychological images that consumers have come to associate with the company or product. People also subconsciously want to have a brand and image they can trust and count on.

As any business owner knows, you have to have the edge over your competition in almost everything you do, so why not start by making your first big impression today?


Justin Morris is a Managing Partner of LEADApparel.com. LEADApparel.com offers first class Screen Printing & Embroidery services, custom clothing including printers t-shirt. Companies purchase t-shirts print services from LEADApparel.com at heavily discounted prices. For more information, visit http://www.leadapparel.com

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How to Choose the Right Polo Shirt

Polo shirts are a classic addition to any wardrobe. They are great for dressing up or down. If you are shopping for polo shirts online, you may have questions about what exactly the descriptions mean. There are a few main categories of fabrics that you will have to choose from, including cotton, jersey knit, pique and sport knits.

Polo shirts are available in pique or smooth finish. Pique polo shirts have a raised, corded pattern. They can add style and personality to a run-of-the-mill polo. Pique fabrics come in cotton, polyester and silk blends.

Cotton is a classic, breathable fabric. It is popular for office and casual wear. Cotton polos are generally the least expensive. Check to see if the cotton polo you are looking at is pre-shrunk or not, as this can affect your size choice. Allow for some shrinking with 100% cotton. Cotton polos are very comfortable and soft, but may require some ironing. Cotton polos may also stain more easily than other fabrics. They might be a little heavy for sports, so consider a polyester blend or sport knit for strenuous activity.

Jersey knit polo shirts are a little lighter and easier to clean than cotton shirts. They come anywhere from 1%-50% polyester blended with cotton. The more polyester, the lighter the shirt will be. Jersey knit polo shirts resist stains and are easy to clean. They also rarely require ironing. They have a little bit of a smoother look and feel than cotton polos, making them a good choice wash and wear. Cotton and jersey knit polo shirts are both great choices for breathability in warm weather.

Most silk blends are combined with polyester and cotton. Silk blended fabrics have minimal shrinkage, resist fading and have a really soft and smooth feel. Silk blends are popular for their ironed appearance and extremely soft, cashmere touch. These polo shirts are wonderful choices for work or times when you want to be comfortable but still have a polished appearance.

Sport knit polo shirts are the most lightweight polo shirts on the market. They are also available in a mid-weight style for added warmth. The sport knit fabric is made up mostly of nylon. It comes in varying degrees of stretch, breathability and water resistance. Some incorporate a wicking technology that takes moisture from your skin and propels it to the outside of the shirt, keeping you cool and dry on hot days or during athletic activity. Nylon fabrics are very stain resistant, just about never need ironing and usually will not fade. Shrinking is also minimal for sport knit polos.

When you know how to choose the right polo shirt, it will be like custom clothing designed for your specific needs. Choose your polo shirt depending on the weather, the use of the shirt and the level of care that you wish to put into it. No matter which style you choose, you know that you can depend on the classic look of the polo shirt to make you look good no matter if you are at home, playing sports or at work.

Justin Morris is a Managing Partner of LEADApparel.com. LEADApparel.com offers first class Screen Printing & Embroidery services, custom clothing including printers t shirt. Companies purchase t shirts print services from LEADApparel.com at heavily discounted prices. For more information, visit www.leadapparel.com.

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