Transfer Printing Pointers

Jan 1, 2008

Printing your own plastisol heat transfers allows you to keep designs handy to use later on a variety of items that repeat customers might request.

A great way to keep designs on hand for repeat orders without having the expense and space requirements for stocking inventory of finished garments is to print your own plastisol heat transfers. These are fairly simple to make using your existing screen printing equipment and a few inexpensive supplies.

When screen printing your own plastisol transfers, it's important to know the ink and screen variables needed for the process. Both hot- and cold-peel transfers can be created using all-purpose, plastisol inks since ink manufacturers formulate these to work with no modification needed. If necessary, a hot-split additive can be mixed with regular plastisol to enhance the ink's performance, and transfer-specific inks also are available.

Because the ink film splits when the transfer is applied, it's important to lay down a thick ink deposit when printing. Pour the ink straight from the container and don't thin it too much. If the ink is too thick to print, add some curable reducer.

To get this heavy deposit, use a coarse mesh with a thick stencil system. The recommended screen mesh is 74T-86T monofilament for solid-color prints and 94-140 for detailed prints. Capillary direct film is the best solution for sharp-edge definition and thick stencils. Use at least 40-micron film, or go as high as 70 to 80 microns.

— Information provided by Scott Fresener, U.S. Screen Print & Inkjet Technology

8 Tips for Embroidering with Metallics
Think of metallic embroidery thread as the equivalent of the foil effect popular on screen printed T-shirts sold at retail today. It adds a similar trendy look whether used in concert with other apparel decoration applications or alone.
June 09, 2008

Digitizing Designs for Terrycloth
Don't forget these important tips when creating a digital embroidery design file to sew out on towels and other deep-pile fabrics.
Monogramming bath towels and bathrobes can be a lucrative niche for embroiderers. Upscale department stores and linen shops are eager to set up arrangements with embroiderers who can monogram towels as wedding gifts.
May 22, 2008

New Threads Provide Paint for the Embroidery Palette
The latest embroidery threads include unique materials designed to create special eye-catching effects, improve production efficiency and open new markets.
It's easy to marvel at the technical sophistication of today's computerized embroidery machines and overlook the more mundane role of thread in the embroidery process.
April 29, 2008

Embroidery Backings: What Goes Where?
When deciding which stabilizer to use, you also need to consider the material to be embroidered.
Previously, we explained the need for backings or stabilizers behind the fabric while it's being embroidered (see "Stabilizers: The Foundation of Embroidery"). Now we want to focus on the what and the where.

Stabilizers can be broken down into two major categories: cutaways and tearaways. While there are many weights and types of each of these, I recommend keeping the decision of which to use as simple as possible.
April 14, 2008

To Patch or Not to Patch
When a customer requests patches, first determine whether you should handle the order yourself or outsource it.
April 01, 2008