We can read your mind. If you’re researching your options for t-shirt screen printing, we already know you’re thinking of ways you can save money on your order.

We love saving money too. (Who doesn’t?) But we also know that not all bargains are good. You don’t want to sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks.

So how do you find a happy medium? Whether you’re ordering shirts for your clothing brand or your team members, there are ways to impress your people without breaking the bank.

Today, we’re excited to share 12 ways you can save money on screen printing without ending up in a custom apparel fiasco.

1. Choose a trustworthy manufacturer and communicate openly with them.

You might be thinking, “DUH!”

But you shouldn’t overlook this tip. The custom apparel partner you work with will determine the quality of your finished products and the fees you pay to produce the apparel.

That’s why it’s important to choose a screen printing partner you can rely on. A trustworthy manufacturer will be transparent about their prices and any potential hidden costs.

Three words: vibes don’t lie.

In an initial meeting with a potential custom apparel partner, take note of their levels of professionalism and customer service. A manufacturer that communicates well and cares about your brand will likely become a valuable partner in the long run.

If they’re not responsive to your questions or seem more interested in making a quick sale than providing quality service, they might not be the right partner for you.

Remember, if you feel like they’re trying to take advantage of you, run the other way… FAST!

Take time to read your manufacturer’s policies and disclaimers.

It’s crucial to understand what you’re agreeing to when you sign a contract with your manufacturer.

Be sure to ask about minimum order requirements, turnaround times, and any additional fees that may apply to your order.

Share all the details of your project with your manufacturer so they can give you an accurate quote.

The more information you can give them, the better. Make sure you understand each step in the production process and the costs associated with each.

Be sure to ask about any other fees that may apply to your order, such as artwork setup fees or shipping charges.

FYI: We offer free shipping to the USA for all our orders.

Get a price quote upfront and avoid hidden costs.

When you’re trying to save money on screen printing, the last thing you want is to be surprised by hidden fees.

Be sure to ask your potential custom apparel partner for a price quote upfront. This way, you’ll know exactly how much your order will cost and you can avoid any unwanted surprises.

At Scrappy Apparel, we believe in 100% transparency. We never charge hidden fees. When it comes to estimates, what you see is what you get!

And did we mention our quotes are free? Grab your free quote.

Order samples to test a manufacturer’s product quality before placing your custom apparel order.

Samples will give you a good idea of the quality of a manufacturer’s products.

If you’re not happy with the quality of the samples, it’s probably not worth placing an order with that company.

But if you fall in love with your samples, you can be confident that you’re ordering from a reputable manufacturer that will make your custom apparel dreams come true.

Order samples of our screen printed products.

Get quotes from multiple manufacturers.

When you’re trying to save money, it’s important to compare prices.

Get quotes from multiple screen printing manufacturers and review them.

Be sure to compare apples to apples, though. Confirm that each quote is for the same type of shirt, number of colors, print size, etc.

And remember… cheaper is not always better!

2. Make choices that will save you time and energy.

After all, time is money.

You might be wondering what this has to do with custom apparel.

Well, when you’re trying to save money on screen printing, it’s important to make choices that will protect your time and energy.

Have you ever waited on hold with a customer service rep. for hours only to be told that your products are on backorder?

Yeah, we’ve been there too.

That’s why we’ve made it our mission to be different.

At Scrappy Apparel, we pride ourselves on our customer service and quick turnaround times.

We know that your time is valuable, so we make it our priority to get your order right the first time and deliver it to you fast.

Additionally, if you choose a custom apparel partner that has its processes down pat, you’ll be able to place your orders quickly and easily.

At Scrappy Apparel, our Brand Building Process (BBP) makes ordering screen printed shirts a piece of cake. All you have to do is submit your project details, approve your pre-production layouts, and chill. We’ll deliver your order to your doorstep with speed and accuracy like you’ve never seen before.

Our seamless processes and stellar customer service will save you time that you can use to grow your brand, and that will do more than just save you money—it will actually make you money!

3. Do not make decisions based on price alone.

We know this sounds counterintuitive. After all, you are reading this article to learn how to save money on your screen printing order, right?

Here’s the thing. If you go for the cheapest option in every decision you make for your custom apparel order, chances are you’ll end up with a product that isn’t exactly what you want.

If you don’t get what you want, you may end up spending more money later on re-orders.

While price is important, it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when making choices for your screen printing project. Your mindset should be to get the greatest value from your order, not necessarily the lowest price.

4. Invest in top-quality products.

This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember that when you’re trying to save money, you shouldn’t skimp on quality.

Investing in high-quality products may cost you a bit more upfront, but in the long run, it will save you money because you won’t have to replace your products as often.

And if you have your own custom apparel brand, product quality should be your top priority. Your customers will be wearing your shirts, so it’s your responsibility to ensure the products are made with care and attention to detail. You want your customers to recommend your brand to their friends, right?

Sacrificing quality will hurt your bottom line, not help it.

5. Focus on one or two unique designs at a time.

If you have a custom apparel brand, stocking an extensive inventory of designs can cost a lot of money upfront. Want to save some $$$? Focus on creating one or two apparel designs that you can sell repeatedly.

Sell limited edition items to make more sales with fewer designs.

Consider selling new designs as limited editions to create a sense of urgency and encourage people to buy your products before they’re gone forever!

Plus, selling limited edition items is a great way to boost sales without having to invest in new designs all the time.

Keep your corporate apparel simple.

If you are ordering custom t-shirts for your employees, give everyone the same exact shirt instead of creating unique designs for each department.

Not only will this save you money on the screen printing process, but it will also make ordering shirts simpler and less time-consuming.

6. Order in bulk, and check to see if your custom apparel partner offers price breaks for larger orders.

Usually, the more you order, the lower the price per shirt. (At least that’s how it works here at Scrappy Apparel.)

Be sure to ask about minimum order quantities (MOQs) before you commit to an order. Our MOQ for Retail Ready Screen Printing is only 50 shirts.

It’s better to order more shirts than you think you need the first time to avoid re-orders and additional fees.

7. Use fewer colors in your custom apparel.

The more colors you add to a design, the higher the price.

Don’t get us wrong—we love bright, vibrant designs. But if you want to add a pop of color while keeping costs low, choose a colorful shirt instead of adding multiple hues to the design itself.

If you want to keep your design simple, choose a one-color print.

A one-color print is a design that uses only one color of ink.

One-color prints are less expensive to produce than multi-color designs because they require fewer screens and less ink. This can actually make quite a statement, and it’s much more affordable than using all the colors in the rainbow.

Avoid designs with tiny, intricate details.

This tip goes hand-in-hand with the previous one.

The more details you have in your design, the more expensive it will be to produce.

To save money on screen printing, avoid designs that are too complex.

The minimalistic vibe is in right now, anyway.

Use negative space strategically as part of your design.

This is a great way to add interest to a design without adding unnecessary elements (and inflated screen printing costs).

Negative space is the empty space around and between the subjects of an image.

In the world of t-shirt design, using negative space can create some seriously cool effects—and it’s usually less expensive than adding more colors or details to a design.

Opt for a light-colored shirt.

Did you know that light-colored shirts are generally less expensive to produce than dark ones?

That’s because darker colors require more ink, which can end up costing you more money.

So if you’re looking to save money on your next order of custom t-shirts, consider choosing a light-colored shirt instead of a dark one.

8. Reduce the number of print locations.

If you want to add your custom design to the front AND back of a shirt, we can totally do that.

However, it will cost you more than printing your design in one location. The same goes for sleeve printing.

If you’re looking to reduce the cost of your screen printing order, consider limiting your design to one or two locations on the shirt instead of printing it all over.

9. Ask about the screen printing process and what type of inks will be used on your shirts.

Some inks are more expensive than others, so this is a good way to get an idea of what will affect the cost of your order.

At Scrappy Apparel, we use vibrant inks that produce long-lasting results, so you can be sure your custom t-shirts will look great wash after wash.

Our water-based inks are a great option if you’re looking for an eco-friendly printing method. They are less expensive than plastisol inks and produce a soft, comfortable print.

Alternatively, our plastisol inks are perfect for designs that require vibrant colors or need to withstand harsh conditions, like extreme heat or cold. Like we said, they do cost more than water-based inks, but they produce a durable print that will last for years.

If you’re not sure which type of ink is right for your custom t-shirt design, just ask! We would be more than happy to help you choose the best option for your needs.

10. Give your manufacturer plenty of time to turn around your order so you can avoid rush fees.

To avoid paying extra for your custom t-shirts, be sure to give your manufacturer plenty of time to produce your order.

They will likely charge a rush fee if you need your order fulfilled faster than their normal delivery times.

Our turnaround time for Retail Ready Screen Printing is 15 to 20 business days.

11. Ask if your manufacturer offers any special discounts.

At Scrappy Apparel, we offer discounts for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and nonprofits. Make sure to tell us if you qualify for one of those deals!

12. Sell your custom apparel.

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s worth mentioning. If you sell your custom t-shirts, you can offset the cost of your order and maybe even make a profit.

You don’t even need to have a clothing brand to sell custom apparel. If you order screen printed t-shirts for your employees, you can buy extras and sell them at events or in your store.

If people love your brand, they’ll want to show their support by wearing your shirts!

Ready to get your screen printing estimate?

We’ll help you choose the best products and inks for your design and budget. Grab Your Free Quote

Don’t you hate it when you find out a secret and realize you’re the last one to know?

Like when your favorite artist announces a surprise concert in your city and the tickets sell out in under 2 minutes? Talk about FOMO.

It sucks to be left out, but don’t stress. When it comes to custom apparel, our mission is to keep everyone in the know. That’s the Scrappy way.

There are industry secrets that other apparel printing companies don’t want you to know, and today we’re going to share five of them.

Ready to take notes? Let’s dive in:

1. Quality matters more than price.

With screen printing, sublimation, cut and sew, or any custom apparel technique for that matter, quality should always be your top priority.

We know you want to save money whenever you can, but skimping on quality will only cost you more in the long run.

If you have a custom apparel brand, you should aim to create products that your customers will love and want to wear over and over again.

If you cut corners to save a few bucks, it’s only going to hurt your business in the long run.

Or let’s say you don’t have an apparel brand, but you need to order work shirts for 500 employees at your company. Guess what? Quality matters for you, too.

If you choose the lowest-priced products on the market, don’t be surprised when your team members complain about holes in their shirts, faded artwork, and unraveled embroidery.

Low-quality custom apparel will burn a hole in your pocket when you have to reorder shirts for your team multiple times per year. Don’t do that to yourself.

So, can you promise us you won’t order the cheapest products just because they’re the cheapest? Great, now we can move on to the next industry secret.

2. Choosing the right custom apparel partner is crucial.

When it comes to apparel printing companies, not all manufacturers are created equal.

In order to get the best possible product, you need to take the time to find a manufacturer that you can trust.

What should you look for in a custom apparel partner? Here are a few key qualities:

The ability to produce top-quality apparel

This one is pretty self-explanatory. You want a manufacturer that is capable of creating products that meet your high standards.

The apparel printing industry is constantly evolving, and the best manufacturers are always ahead of the curve. They invest in the latest technology and have a team of experts on staff who are ready to take on any challenge.

A strong understanding of your brand

If your manufacturer views your brand as a dollar sign and that’s it, you won’t get the same level of support and insight as you would from a manufacturer that’s truly invested in your project.

Genuine partnerships with apparel printing companies should feel like a two-way street. You should be able to rely on them for thoughtful feedback and strategic insights that can help you scale your brand.

A commitment to customer service

When you’re working with a custom apparel partner, you should feel like you’re their only client. They should be responsive to your needs and always available to answer your questions.

You should never feel like you’re being brushed off or that your concerns are falling on deaf ears.

With the right custom apparel experts, your project will be in good hands from start to finish.

3. You should choose a printing method based on your custom apparel goals.

Screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing are the two most popular printing methods for custom apparel. Although they are very different, both printing methods have their own distinct advantages.

Pros of screen printing

Screen printing is ideal for apparel brands that want to create vibrant, long-lasting products. Although the setup process takes a while, screen printing provides faster production for bulk orders than DTG does.

For bulk orders, screen printing is the most cost-effective option by far.

Cons of screen printing

Screen printing can be more expensive than DTG for smaller orders. If you’re ordering screen printed products, usually there will be a minimum order quantity (MOQ), which is not ideal if you only need one or two shirts.

At Scrappy Apparel, our MOQ for Retail Ready Screen Printing is 50 pieces.

Pros of DTG printing

DTG produces photorealistic prints. It is perfect for apparel brands that want to print complex designs or need fast turnaround times for a small number of products. With DTG, there are no minimum order requirements.

Additionally, DTG gets an A+ for sustainability since its inks are eco-friendly.

Cons of DTG printing

DTG is more expensive than screen printing for larger orders. DTG prints also don’t last as long as screen prints. If durability is one of your top priorities, screen printing will be the better option.

Why we offer screen printing at Scrappy Apparel

Many of our customers are focused on scaling their clothing brands or ordering custom apparel for their teams of 50 or more. Since screen printing is the way to go for larger orders, we set out to provide the best screen printing services in the industry.

4. For large orders, bulk manufacturing is a more cost-effective option than print-on-demand.

Many apparel brands choose print-on-demand (POD) for their custom apparel needs. POD is great for small orders, but it’s not the most cost-effective solution for large orders.

Bulk manufacturing (a.k.a. when custom apparel is produced in large quantities all at once) is a better option for apparel brands that want to order 500 units or more.

The biggest advantage of bulk manufacturing is that it’s more cost-effective than POD for large quantities. When you order in bulk, you’re able to take advantage of price breaks. The unit cost goes down as the quantity ordered goes up.

Our customers often come to us because they want to order a large number of shirts at the same level of quality they’d expect from a POD service. We’re able to provide our partners with top-of-the-line, bulk manufactured apparel at a fraction of the cost per unit.

5. You don’t have to sacrifice quality for speed.

Just because you need your custom apparel quickly doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice quality. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are lying (or simply misguided).

It’s all about finding the right partner that is able to deliver the stunning, ultra-soft garments that you can be proud of.

At Scrappy Apparel, we pride ourselves on being able to provide our clients with both quality and speed. We understand that time is of the essence, so we don’t waste any of it.

We offer lightning-quick shipping times with expedited options available. Need a quick turnaround? Tell us when you need your order and we will let you know if we can meet your deadline.

Ready to take your brand to the next level?

Let’s shoot for the moon together. Our team is excited to connect with you.

Grab Your Free Quote

Custom apparel is a phenomenal brand-building tool—whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for a while.

However, with a sea of information and resources on the interwebs, it can be tricky to know where to start.

Feeling lost? Don’t stress—we’ll be your guide. Here are 4 steps to ordering custom screen print shirts for your apparel brand:

1. Choose the right custom apparel partner.

If you want to avoid delays and t-shirt horror stories, make sure you carefully consider which company to work with.

So, what do you look for in a partner? No, not the romantic kind… but to be real, the right custom apparel partner will make you fall in love with their products and services.

A 5-star custom apparel company will…

1. Have an organized, seamless process that gives you peace of mind and exceeds your expectations.

You already have enough on your plate. You shouldn’t have to worry about late deliveries, misprints, or miscommunications. Unfortunately, these mistakes are often the result of disorganized processes.

We have our screen printing and fulfillment workflows down pat. Our Brand Building Process (BBP) is the best in the industry. With our BBP, we can guarantee that your order will arrive on time (or early) and look exactly how you imagined it would.

2. Offer an array of custom apparel products and services.

Options, please! Your creativity has no limits, so choose a custom apparel partner that can bring your innovative ideas to fruition.

3. Provide full transparency and never charge hidden fees.

We can’t believe there are still companies in the world that charge tons of unnecessary fees in an attempt to make more money. It’s not cool.

We always provide upfront, all-inclusive estimates so our customers know what to expect. That’s how we do business—we value transparency and integrity in every situation.

4. “WOW” you with a team of rockstar customer support reps.

You’re not just a number to us. From your very first phone call or email, our team of specialists will treat you like family and help you every step of the way, from design to delivery.

With Scrappy Apparel, you get all of the above and even more. Ready to get started?

Connect With Our Team

2. Choose your shirt and ink type.

There are a lot of options out there. It can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. Here are a few factors to consider:

Fabric

You can call us the fabric gurus. We offer a variety of options to our customers, including our Peruvian Pima Cotton—which redefines the word “soft,” by the way. You deserve only the best materials for your custom apparel. That’s we offer the softest cotton in the world for our screen printing projects.

Shirt style

Are you going for casual or semi-professional? Playful or serious? The vibe you’re going for will affect the style of shirt you choose.

Once you’ve chosen the general style of shirt you’re going for, you can start thinking about more specific details. What kind of neckline do you want? What kind of sleeves? What kind of fit?

It’s a good idea to decide on the shirt type before you begin designing your artwork to ensure your product will be a solid match for the design.

View samples of our products.

Shirt color

The color of your shirt will affect the appearance of your design. It’s important to pick a shirt that will create contrast with the colors in your design so your artwork can stand out.

Type of ink

Don’t forget about the ink! It’s crucial to choose an ink that will produce vibrant and durable results with the fabric and color of your shirt.

Are you struggling to make the right decisions for your custom apparel project?

Ask our team or check out our blog on 10 Things You Should Know Before You Get a Shirt Screen Printed.

3. Prepare your design files.

This is where you get to be creative! We recommend collaborating with your team or hiring a designer to bring your custom apparel vision to life.

If you’re designing the shirts yourself, make sure you’re using vector files (AI or EPS) so we can produce high-quality prints of your artwork. Avoid raster-based file types (Ex. JPEG, PNG, or GIF) since they will not produce as crisp of a print.

4. Request your quote and enjoy the ease of our Brand Building Process (BBP).

If done-for-you sounds like the dream, you’ll love our BBP.

We take care of everything from start to finish, so you can sit back, relax, and wait for your custom screen print shirts to arrive at your door.

We are revolutionizing the custom apparel industry by providing a proven, structured process for ordering t-shirts online.

You can leave your Advil in the cabinet because our BBP is headache-free. It’s simple, straightforward, and results-driven (a.k.a. sent straight from heaven).

Here’s an overview of our BBP:

1. Get your quote

Send us the deets, and we’ll get back to you with an all-inclusive estimate within 24 business hours. Speed is our middle name!

2. Connect with your Scrappy Sales Rep

Our team members are BFF material (plus they have years of experience in the custom apparel industry). Your dedicated rep will answer your questions and finalize your project details.

3. Approve your pre-production layout(s)

This is the ultra-important part where we make sure everything is correct. We’ll confirm your print size, location, private labeling, etc. so we get everything right in the production stage.

4. Hang out and wait for your shirts to arrive!

Before you know it, your custom screen print shirts will arrive on your doorstep. (BTW, did we mention that ground shipping is free?)

Seriously, it doesn’t get any better than our BBP—but don’t take our word for it. Work with us and experience the glory of the BBP yourself!

You can trust us to knock your screen printing projects out of the park every single time.

You made it to the end of this blog, which means we’re destined to work together. If you don’t believe in fate, you can at least trust in all the incredible reasons we shared to explain why you should work with us.

Our team is eager to begin your project. Let’s get started:

Grab Your Free Quote

Screen printing is an art form. Over 1,000 years ago, screen printing began in China as a way to print patterns on fabric. (What a #throwback!)

Technology is a little more advanced these days, but let’s be real—your design deserves to be treated with the same level of care the Chinese took when they screen printed artwork by hand.

That’s why it’s so important to work with a custom apparel partner that can offer you the pristine quality you expect. Knowledgeable experts will guide you in the right direction as you make decisions for your custom apparel project.

Even though the right custom apparel partner will help you every step of the way, it’s still a good idea to learn about screen printing so you know what to expect when you place your order.

We’re here to help you out with a mini-guide on what the screen printing process looks like in 2022. (Don’t worry, we’ve updated our information many times since the Song Dynasty.)

Keep reading for 10 things you should know before you get a shirt screen printed:

1. Start with the basics: the fabric, design, and shirt color.

Although these are preliminary factors to consider in every custom apparel order, the decisions aren’t always clear-cut.

Why? Because the color of the shirt, ink color, and fabric type all have different attributes that will affect the outcome of the finished products.

It’s crucial to make strategic fabric, ink, and color choices to achieve impeccable results with screen printing.

First, let’s talk fabric. Here are the fabrics you can use for screen printing.

The most common fabrics for t-shirt printing are 100% cotton, a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend, and 100% polyester.

Here’s a closer look at each type:

Why choose a 100% cotton shirt?

Cotton is a natural fiber that is comfortable to wear, breathes well, and is easy to care for. It’s also one of the most popular choices for screen printing because the fabric takes the ink well.

Want that worn-in look? Cotton marries well with discharge ink, which can be used to create soft printed shirts that have a vintage look and feel.

Additionally, cotton is hypoallergenic, so it’s a good choice for everyone, including people with sensitive skin.

We use Peruvian Pima Cotton (a.k.a. the softest cotton in the world) for many of our garments. It’s dangerous. Once you get your hands on this fabric, you’ll be hooked.

Why choose a 100% polyester shirt?

Polyester is a manmade fiber that is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to care for.

It’s a popular choice for athletes and teams because it can withstand repeated washings and still look great. It’s also lightweight and wearable, which makes it perfect for activewear.

Polyester is also an excellent choice for printing because it doesn’t absorb ink as much as cotton, so the colors are brighter and more vibrant.

Why choose a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend shirt?

You get the best of both worlds with a 50/50 blend. Blended shirts are breathable and comfortable like cotton, but also durable and easy to care for like polyester. Want a shirt that will hold up to repeated wear and washings? A 50/50 blend could be for you.

How to get a design for your screen printing project

This is one of the most important parts of getting a shirt screen printed. (Obviously, you’d end up with a blank shirt if there’s no design to print on it.)

Create a design you love or hire a designer to bring your vision to life. Choose artwork that represents your brand well.

If you design the art yourself, we recommend creating it in Adobe Illustrator or a similar program. Your final artwork will need to be in vector format, not raster format. (Hint: Photoshop is a raster program, and that’s why we don’t recommend it for preparing your final artwork files.)

If you choose to work with a designer on your t-shirt artwork, ask for a few quotes before you decide which person to hire. Be sure to get the quote in writing so there are no surprises later on.

Choosing shirt and ink colors

Keep in mind that light shirt colors tend to show ink darker than they actually are, while dark colors can make light-colored inks appear washed out.

CMYK printing is limited to a set color palette, so your design choices will be more limited. However, if you have a specific color in mind, we can often get close to your desired color with a CMYK print.

On the other hand, Pantone (or spot) color printing gives you more leeway in terms of color choices. With this method, we can print custom colors by mixing Pantone inks. This is a great option if you have a brand with specific colors that need to be used in your design.

The number of colors in your design will affect both the price and the complexity of your screen printing project. Simple designs with one or two colors are generally less expensive, while more complex designs with multiple colors may cost more.

Consider the purpose of your shirts when choosing colors.

Are you trying to make a statement? Create a feeling of unity? Stand out from the crowd? Your shirt’s colors should reflect your goals.

We recommend learning more about color theory to help you choose the perfect hues for your design.

2. Decide which type of ink you want to use.

Ink is a key player in upping your custom apparel game. It affects both the look and feel of your finished garment.

There are three primary inks used for screen printing shirts: plastisol, water-based and discharge.

What is plastisol ink?

Plastisol is the most common type of ink used for shirt printing.

It is made of PVC particles that are suspended in a plasticizer. The ink will not dry until it is exposed to high temperatures. This type of ink can be printed on any color shirt. However, it looks best on dark garments, and it is perfect for detailed designs.

Fun fact: the chemistry of plastisol ink is much different than water-based or discharge ink. Instead of sinking into the fabric, plastisol ink sits on top of the garment.

What is water-based ink?

Water-based inks are made of pigment and water. They dry by evaporation, and they’re best used on natural fabrics (like cotton). They are usually thinner than plastisol inks and result in a softer print on the shirt. Water-based inks can only be printed on light-colored garments, and they will not show up vividly on dark shirts.

What is discharge ink?

Discharge inks are used to print on dark garments and work by removing the color of the shirt where the design is printed, leaving only the ink color. This results in a very soft print that feels like it is part of the garment.

Feel overwhelmed by the ink options? Don’t sweat it. That’s what we’re here for!

Reach out to our team and we will be happy to help you decide which type of ink will work best for your custom apparel.

3. Decide if you want any embellishments or effects applied to your finished shirts.

Over the years, the traditional screen printing process has expanded to include a variety of effects that can make your shirts stand out.

At Scrappy Apparel, we give our customers lots of options for cool screen printing effects:

• Foil
• Glow in the dark
• Liquid gold and silver
• Puff
• Reflective
• Burnout

Let’s take your t-shirts to the next level.

4. Choose the right printing method for your project.

There are two primary methods of screen printing shirts: direct-to-garment (DTG) printing and traditional screen printing.

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing

DTG printing is a technology that allows for digital designs to be printed directly onto garments.

DTG is actually more expensive than traditional screen printing, but that doesn’t mean it provides better results. DTG is an inferior printing method that results in lower quality finished products (and we don’t want that!)

We only offer our customers the best services, so that’s why we steer clear of DTG at Scrappy Apparel.

Traditional screen printing

Traditional screen printing is the more common method of printing shirts. It involves creating a stencil of your design and using that stencil to apply ink to the garment.

This method is less expensive than DTG printing, and it is best suited for larger orders. If you want your custom apparel to look retail-ready, traditional screen printing is the way to go.

5. Decide how many shirts you want printed.

The number of shirts you need will affect the price of your screen printing project.

We offer a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 50 pieces, which is lower than many of our competitors. We also offer price breaks, so you can save on the cost per shirt if you need a large quantity.

Always ask for a quote before you place an order.

The cost of screen printing can vary depending on the number of shirts you’re ordering, the embellishments you’re adding, etc.

Be sure to ask for an estimate in advance so you are aware of the investment. We quote our customers at the beginning of the pre-production process.

At Scrappy Apparel, we believe in full transparency without any hidden fees or surprises. You can count on us!

6. Know which file format to save your artwork in.

Our preferred file format is vector EPS.

It’s important to save your file as a vector before you submit it for printing. Vector files are made up of mathematical curves and can be scaled to any size without losing quality. This is important because screen printing requires your design to scale to a large size.

We offer design services to help you with converting files and optimizing your artwork before printing. Let us know if we can assist you!

7. Make sure your design is the correct size for printing.

Most companies will be able to print designs in one of two sizes: 12″ x 16″ or 9″ x 12″. That’s great, but there’s nothing wrong with wanting your design to look bigger and better.

We offer large format screen printing so our customers can make a bold statement with their custom apparel.

We offer four tiers of large format screen printing:

• 16″ x 20″
• 17″ x 22″
• 20″ x 28″
• Entire garment

Our team of custom apparel experts can help you decide which size is best for your project. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you have.

8. Review your design carefully before submitting it for production.

Once your design is finalized, be sure to proofread it carefully for any mistakes. We know how important it is to get your order right the first time, so our team works diligently to ensure the accuracy of each order.

At Scrappy Apparel, we create precise pre-production layouts for our customers to review to ensure the design, text, placement, and details are correct.

Our Brand Building Process (BBP) eliminates the margin of error and ensures that there aren’t any mistakes in the production process. That is one of the perks you get when you choose us to be your custom apparel partner!

9. Ask about turnaround time and shipping options.

We know how important it is to receive your order on time, especially if you have an event or deadline approaching.

For screen printing, our turnaround time is 15 to 20 business days. However, we may be able to give you a faster turnaround time if you’re in a rush.

Don’t be afraid to ask—we will be honest with you about how fast we can fulfill your order.

10. Decide whether you want to private label your garments.

If you’re looking to start your own clothing line or want to add custom apparel to your existing product offerings, you’ll need to decide whether you want to private label your garments.

Private labeling involves adding your own brand name, logo, and neck labels to the garments. This is a great way to take ownership of your brand and increase awareness for your custom apparel.

Private labeling is a piece of cake when you work with us.

We actually offer a done-for-you neck label service for $75. Our goal is to streamline the private labeling process and take tasks off your to-do list instead of adding more to it.

If you’re interested in private labeling, we’re ready to help you every step of the way.

We offer high-touch support and the best service in the industry for our screen printing customers.

Our customer service is unmatched. We’re passionate about giving our partners the best possible experience, whether you’re ordering shirts for your team or want to start your own line of custom apparel.

We’re here to answer any questions you have about screen printing, the design process, or anything else related to custom apparel.

If you’re ready to put your order into production, let’s talk. We’re eager to get started on your custom apparel project.

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Your million-dollar apparel design deserves to be treated like royalty.

Our cut and sew services are what dreams are made of. If you’re looking for a custom apparel partner that offers you more artistic freedom, we’re the people to talk to.

When you work with us, we’ll offer you full creative control of your apparel designs. You can trust us to bring your one-of-a-kind vision to life.

How does cut and sew work?

Cut and sew is a design process in which you print a garment before it is manufactured. This might sound backwards, but it actually gives you more customization options.

The cut and sew process begins when you request a quote and send us your vector artwork. We’ll produce your garment from scratch based on the information we gather in the pre-production phase.

Finally, we’ll deliver your cut and sew apparel and “WOW” you with the results.

Is cut and sew right for your project?

Only you can decide, but we’ll share our expert advice to make your choice easier. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the cut and sew approach:

What are the benefits of cut and sew?

You have creative control over your garment patterns.

Cut and sew is exactly what it sounds like. Your custom apparel will be created from “raw” fabric instead of being printed on a ready-made shirt. Alternatively, cut and sew can mean modifying an existing garment to add new details, like pockets.

With cut and sew, your imagination is the limit—and that’s why it’s one of our most popular services for brands that want to make a splash with their innovative ideas.

Cut and sew garments stand out from the pack.

With cut and sew, you’re creating a product that is unique to you and your brand. This will help you stand out from the competition, which is essential in today’s crowded marketplace.

Plus, cut and sew garments tend to be higher quality than printed apparel. Since cut and sew is a more labor-intensive process, you can be sure that your custom apparel will last longer and look better than printed shirts.

You can charge more for cut and sew apparel.

If you create a unique product through our cut and sew process, you may be able to charge a premium price and generate higher profits from your custom apparel. People are often willing to pay more for a product that is truly different and innovative.

You have the best cut and sew professionals right in front of you.

When you begin any cut and sew project, you want to make sure you have people who know what they’re doing on your team. With Scrappy Apparel, you’re in good hands. Our cut and sew professionals have years of experience and have worked with some big names. We’re confident we can bring your ideas to fruition.

What are the disadvantages of cut and sew?

The production process for cut and sew clothing is more complex and time-consuming than the process for ready-made garments, so it generally costs more.

If you’re working with a tight budget, there may be better options for you than cut and sew. However, if you’re willing to invest in a completely customized product, cut and sew is the way to go.

It takes longer to create cut and sew garments.

Our cut and sew process is designed to eliminate the margin of error and ensure your completed garments look exactly as you imagined they would.

Since each cut and sew garment is created from scratch, it takes more time to create the custom apparel from start to finish. If you need your garments ASAP, cut and sew might not be the right choice for you.

The process might be called cut and sew, but you absolutely cannot cut any corners with it.

Cut and sew is a delicate technique that requires an expert touch. If you cut corners, the quality and appearance of your apparel will suffer. That’s why it’s so crucial to choose a custom apparel partner that can go above and beyond your expectations. Think of your cut and sew project as an investment, not a cost.

So, what’s the verdict?

If you’re looking for creative control, pristine quality, and made-from-scratch custom apparel, cut and sew could be the right choice for you. Let’s talk!

Sublimation printing is a popular technique to use with cut and sew manufacturing.

These custom apparel approaches are best friends. Here’s why:

First, let’s recap what all-over sublimation printing is:

Sublimation is a popular printing technique to use with cut and sew manufacturing because it allows for full-color designs that reach from one end of the garment to the other.

It’s also a great way to print complex graphics or photos onto fabric. The sublimation process uses heat to transfer dye onto the fabric, so the design becomes a part of the garment. This results in a luxurious, long-lasting print that won’t crack or fade over time.

How cut and sew sublimation works

In this service, the all-over sublimation process is similar to the traditional production method, but we complete the printing of the garment before it is assembled.

The cut and sew process eliminates the potential for any blurring, creasing, or smudging. You can also choose to keep certain parts of the garment solid, separating those sections from the sublimated parts.

Want pockets, embroidered areas, or other decorations? We have you covered with cut and sew sublimation.

Limits are meant to be broken.

Most online custom apparel companies will not give you much creative control over your finished products.

Why choose a custom apparel partner that will keep your creativity inside the box? When you work with Scrappy Apparel, you can rest assured that your cut and sew project will be handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.

We’re here to take your brand to the next level.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you create custom apparel that is truly one-of-a-kind.

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