Common Screen Printing & Embroidery Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Posted by Integrity Branding on Apr 10th 2025
Ordering custom apparel is an exciting way to brand your organization, unify your team, or promote a special event. Whether you're managing a business, a school, a nonprofit, or a community organization, customized apparel offers incredible value and visibility. However, making a mistake in your order can lead to disappointing outcomes, increased costs, and frustrations.
At Integrity Branding, we've seen first-hand how certain common mistakes in screen printing and embroidery can negatively impact the final product. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide outlining frequent errors and providing practical advice on preventing them, ensuring your custom apparel turns out perfect every time.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Fabric Type
Why It's a Problem:
Selecting the wrong fabric type can drastically affect your final product's appearance and durability. Not all fabrics work equally well for screen printing or embroidery. For instance, overly textured fabrics may produce unclear or uneven print results, while thin fabrics might not support detailed embroidery.
How to Avoid It:
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Understand Your Options:
Cotton or cotton-blends generally work best for screen printing due to their smooth surfaces and durability. Polyester or performance blends work well but require specialized ink and printing techniques. -
Consult the Experts:
Always consult with your screen printing or embroidery provider on the most suitable fabric for your design, intended use, and desired durability. Integrity Branding’s account managers are always available to guide you.
Mistake #2: Poor Artwork Preparation
Why It's a Problem:
In screen printing and embroidery, your final apparel quality directly reflects your artwork’s preparation quality. Low-resolution images, unclear designs, or overly detailed graphics that aren't suited to the chosen method will result in subpar outcomes.
How to Avoid It:
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Use High-Resolution Files:
Provide your printer with vector files (AI, EPS, or SVG formats) whenever possible. These ensure the sharpest results. -
Simplicity is Key:
For embroidery, less complexity often yields cleaner, more professional results. Stick to simpler logos and designs for embroidery to maintain crispness. -
Collaborate with Professionals:
Utilize professional graphic design support to ensure your artwork translates smoothly onto apparel. Integrity Branding’s design team can assist with file preparation to guarantee excellent print results.
Mistake #3: Incorrect Placement or Sizing of Designs
Why It's a Problem:
Misplaced or incorrectly sized graphics can dramatically impact your apparel’s professional appearance. Designs placed too low, high, or unevenly distract from your brand’s message and can even make garments uncomfortable.
How to Avoid It:
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Utilize Standard Placement Guidelines:
Follow industry-standard design placements—left chest logos, centered designs, back prints, etc. This creates a consistent and professional appearance. -
Request Digital Mockups:
Always ask your apparel provider for digital mockups or proofs. Review placements, sizes, and proportions carefully before approving.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Color Contrast and Visibility
Why It's a Problem:
Poor contrast between garment and ink or thread color leads to low visibility of designs, negatively affecting brand impact and readability.
How to Avoid It:
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Choose Contrasting Colors:
Select ink or thread colors that strongly contrast your apparel color. For example, white prints on darker garments or dark embroidery on lighter fabrics enhance readability and impact. -
Test Colors Digitally:
Preview your color choices digitally or via proofs to ensure sufficient contrast and visual appeal.
Mistake #5: Rushing Production and Ignoring Lead Times
Why It's a Problem:
Rushing through custom apparel production often results in mistakes. Insufficient time for reviewing designs, ordering materials, or completing production leads to quality compromises.
How to Avoid It:
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Plan Ahead:
Order custom apparel well in advance, allowing time for design reviews, proof approvals, and quality control. -
Understand Turnaround Options:
Integrity Branding offers multiple processing options—from free rushed processing (6-8 days) to expedited 3-5 days and even super rush 2-day turnarounds. Leveraging these ensures timely delivery without sacrificing quality.
Mistake #6: Overlooking Quantity and Order Accuracy
Why It's a Problem:
Inaccurate counts or incorrect sizing specifications often create unnecessary reorders, extra costs, and project delays.
How to Avoid It:
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Double-Check Quantities:
Carefully verify your apparel counts, sizes, and styles before submitting your order. -
Include Extras:
Consider ordering a few extra garments, especially for large group orders. Having extras on hand helps manage unexpected last-minute needs or replacements.
Mistake #7: Skimping on Quality for Lower Prices
Why It's a Problem:
While it’s tempting to opt for the lowest-cost provider, sacrificing quality often results in apparel that quickly wears, fades, or doesn't accurately represent your brand.
How to Avoid It:
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Balance Cost and Quality:
Focus on value rather than lowest price alone. High-quality apparel not only lasts longer but also enhances your brand’s reputation. -
Read Reviews and Testimonials:
Evaluate your chosen vendor's reputation. Integrity Branding prides itself on excellent quality control, customer reviews, and years of proven results.
Mistake #8: Neglecting Proper Garment Care Instructions
Why It's a Problem:
Incorrect care drastically reduces apparel lifespan, leading to fading prints, shrinking fabrics, and unraveling embroidery.
How to Avoid It:
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Educate Your Team:
Provide clear garment care instructions with each apparel order. Basic guidelines include washing apparel inside-out in cold water and air-drying or low-heat drying to preserve print and embroidery longevity. -
Ask Your Provider for Tips:
Integrity Branding provides recommended care instructions tailored specifically to your custom apparel.
FAQ: Quick Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes
Q: Can I print intricate, detailed logos using embroidery?
A: Embroidery works best with simple logos. Intricate designs should either be simplified or printed using screen printing or heat press methods for clarity.
Q: What’s the best fabric for durable screen-printed T-shirts?
A: 100% cotton or cotton-poly blends offer durability and optimal ink absorption, providing long-lasting vibrant prints.
Q: Should I always order extra shirts?
A: Yes, we recommend ordering 3-5% more garments than you think you’ll need to cover replacements, sizing issues, or last-minute additions.
Q: What's the ideal file type for custom apparel artwork?
A: Vector file formats (EPS, AI, SVG) ensure the best print quality, especially when resizing or editing designs.
Q: Why does rushed printing sometimes cost extra?
A: Expedited orders may require overtime labor, rush material shipping, and rearrangement of production schedules—however, Integrity Branding provides free rushed processing as standard on bulk orders.
Final Thoughts: Your Trusted Partner—Integrity Branding
Avoiding these common screen printing and embroidery mistakes ensures your custom apparel turns out exactly as planned—delivering exceptional quality, branding impact, and long-lasting wearability. Choosing the right provider is key to a stress-free, successful outcome.
Integrity Branding has the expertise, resources, and commitment to guide your apparel projects seamlessly. Our dedicated account managers and design team will partner with you through every step, from selecting the right fabrics and colors to delivering professionally printed or embroidered garments promptly.
Trust Integrity Branding for flawless custom apparel that perfectly represents your business, school, or organization. Connect with us today to start your order or to consult with our experts!