Apparel DECORATION OPTIONS
AVAILABLE OPTIONS FOR APPAREL
See the below options that can be used by themselves or as multiple decoration options to your FSP apparel piece. (Design options other than embroidery and sublimation can add an additional 2-3 weeks to your timeline)
QUICK SELECTOR
DIRECT EMBROIDERY
Normal Production
Direct embroidery involves applying the embroidered logo on a piece of cloth directly onto your sleeve, cap, bag, jacket, and so on. The item is embedded onto the shirt and, in effect, becomes “part of” what it is embroidered onto. This also means that direct embroidery cannot be removed and placed on another piece of fabric without a time-consuming process which may damage the fabric.
3-D EMBROIDERY
Normal Production
3-D embroidery consists of foam that is used to add dimension to an embroidery pattern. The 3D foam is placed on the topside of the pattern and stitched over with shortened stitches to cut the foam. The excessive foam is then pulled away from the embroidery giving a 3D appearance. The end result is a raised, or ‘puffed’ look.
STRING EMBROIDERY
Normal Production
String Embroidery is a finer thread often used as an embellishment providing additional detail to enhance the design being done.
CHENILLE
Restrictions Apply
In this type of embroidery, we will use heavy loops of thread, sewn with heavy threads or yarns, chenille is created on specialized embroidery equipment. Chenille is a French, in French Chenille is used for Caterpillar or fuzzy caterpillar. Chenille material base held down with embroidered stitches. Chenille embroidery works best on larger, bolder design elements such as letters.
WOVEN LABELS
Additional 2-3 Weeks Production
Woven labels are made up of polyester threads that are woven together on a loom to present your desired designs and messaging. Woven labels are commonly made up of two main materials, these are polyester and cotton and great when needing fine detail that embroidery cannot achieve.
WOVEN PATCH
Additional 2-3 Weeks Production
A woven patch is created on a loom, which becomes a piece of designed fabric. The patch created can be attached in a number of ways including sewn-on, or affixed with more modern methods such as iron-on, dryer heat-activated adhesive, and Velcro backing.
EMBROIDERED PATCH
Additional 2-3 Weeks Production
An embroidered patch, also known as a cloth badge, is a piece of embroidery which is created by using a fabric backing and thread. Embroidered patches can be attached with a pin, sewn on, or affixed with more modern methods such as iron-on, dryer heat-activated adhesive, and Velcro backing. Edges of an embroidered patch can be a choice of merrowed, stitched or hot cut edge.
SUBLIMATED PATCH
Additional 2-3 Weeks Production
Sublimated Patches are created through a process called dye sublimation. In one sense, this means that no thread needs to be stitched or woven into place to create the artwork for the design. In another sense, it means that even higher levels of detail can be added to the patches. See SUBLIMATION below*
SUBLIMATION
Normal Production
Sublimation offers countless options for decoration and that is the reason it has become the most popular type of decoration. This process does not crack or fade and the number of colors are unlimited.
SUBLIMATED APPLIQUE
Additional 2-3 Weeks Production
Sublimated applique is a decoration or trimming cut from one piece of fabric and stitched to another. to add dimension and texture. See SUBLIMATION below*
FABRIC APPLIQUE
Additional 2-3 Weeks Production
Fabric appliqué is fabric that is cut in different shapes, then decorated and then sewn or stuck onto a larger piece of fabric, typically headwear or apparel. It is commonly used as decoration.
REVERSE APPLIQUE
Restrictions Apply
This technique of appliqué involves placing a piece of material on the back side of the garment fabric. A laser is then used to cut into the front side of the garment, exposing the appliqué beneath. This application only works on bold fonts.
LASER APPLIQUE
Restrictions Apply
Appliqué has been around for many years. In the past, fabric pieces were cut by hand and sewn onto the garment with either an embroidery machine or a commercial sewing machine. Today, a laser is used to cut away the fabric on the garment, eliminating the inaccuracies that come with hand placement. Tackle twill is commonly used for appliqué. This application does not work with all logo types.
DIRECT SCREEN PRINTING
Additional 2-3 Weeks Production
Screen printing will produce a vibrant, durable design with more saturated colors than the DTG process, Screen printing is layered ink on the surface of fabric which gives the print a tactile quality and longevity on the fabric compared to DTG or heat transfers.
SONIC WELD
Additional 2-3 Weeks Production
Sonic weld is a decoration method using a quality soft and rigid material It has a bold look as the sonic weld is raised much like the 3-D fabric version but with a non-PVC material. This process includes glossy, matte, glitter, gradient, neon’s, metallics or reflective. This application is usually heat transferred. Very thin detail is not recommended.
DEBOSSED/EMBOSSING
Additional 2-3 Weeks Production
Embossing and debossing are both custom decoration methods designed to give a product 3D depth. The difference is that an embossed design is raised from the original surface while a debossed design is depressed from the original surface. The debossing and embossing processes are nearly identical as well. This process can be used on different materials such as leather, PVC or velveteen fabric then made into patches.
LASER ETCHED
Additional 2-3 Weeks Production
With laser etching, a laser is used either to remove a layer of fiber from the fabric or to remove the pigment dye on a non-piled fabric (i.e. flat, smooth and with no upright loops) fabric. The laser can be adjusted in speed or intensity to achieve a deep or shallow cut. This decoration technique can be used on a variety of fabrics, but it is important to note that the color and type of fabric will affect the overall look. Notice the differences between fleece (top left), suede (top right) and polyester (left).
Recommended use: Tone-on-tone decoration for denim, fleece, polyester and suede
REFLECTIVE TAPE
Normal Production
High gloss vinyl reflective tape is designed for use on safety garments and helps enhance the visibility of the wearer, in daytime, nighttime, or low-light. Reflective tape can be used for uniforms as well as anywhere protective gear is necessary.
CUSTOM INSIDE LABELS
Restrictions Apply
Printed clothing labels are made from similar materials to the clothing itself and include cotton, polyester, and nylon. Labels may be used for any combination of identification, information, warning, instructions for use, environmental advice, or advertising. They may be stickers, permanent or temporary labels.
RACK STITCHING
Restrictions Apply
Rack stitching is a knitting stitch that produces a herringbone effect with a ribbed back. It is used for decorative purposes or to form the edge of garments. The racked stitch is created when one set of needles is displaced in relation to the other set which is where the term ‘racking’ originated.
Restrictions Apply
Pockets can be added on many of our items and they can be decorated as well. Decoration size is dependent on size of design and item chosen.
COMBINED TECHNIQUES
Restrictions Apply
Many decoration techniques can be combined for a unique look. In the example to the left, screen printing and embroidery lend depth and interest to the design.