Become a Distributor
Direct garment embroidery, Direct to Garment Printing, sewn on patches (emblems) or Tailoring Services are the perfect opportunity to drive greater value in every client relationship. It’s important to understand the decision points between the application and use of each.
Direct garment embroidery vs. sewn on patches
- Is the logo design complicated or simple?
- How many garments are being customized?
- What is the weight of the fabric being customized?
Higher stitch counts, especially in small quantity runs can be costly, Similarly, the weight of the fabric will determine how well all those stitches will look on a specific garment. Apparel embellishment costs less per garment when the number of garments is high. A smaller number of garments will cost more each. Blazers take either embroidery or patches very well, but the cost to apply a patch or emblem will tend to be less due to the simpler nature of the application Similarly, depending on the style of the blazer, the use of patches may allow the use of the breast pocket, which is often over-sewn when embroidery is applied to a blazer.
Polo shirts, chef wear, and dress shirts tend to take direct sewn embroidery well as long as the stich count is not excessive. Sew on patches in these instances may be a good alternative with high stitch counts. Dress shirts and polos specifically tend to have a lighter weight fabric and benefit from direct garment embroidery with stitch counts below 10,000 stitches. It’s always important to get a sew-out sample of the direct sewn logo prior to the final run.
Direct to Garment Printing vs silk-screening
In the past, silk-screening was the only alternative to embroidery or sewn on patches. However, silk-screening is only feasible in quantities over 25, and only truly economical in much larger quantities. Direct to Garment printing enables silkscreen quality printing on most fabrics in quantities as little as one. It also allows image recreation on fabrics in four color process. Direct to garment printing has some garment limitations, and we are frequently testing different apparel types for durability and image quality. Ultimately, it tends to be the best choice for smaller runs and more detailed images.
Other questions to consider related to Embroidered Logo Cost Variables
How many stitches and number of colors are used to create the logo? If a blazer, will the logo be sewn on the outer fabric of the coat, which requires opening seams and resewing or will it be sewn through the pocket and lining to reduce cost?
Will all the garments be embroidered at the same time or will they be sent in batches? To reset an embroidery machine between designs takes time (and labor). You’ll want to have all your garments done at one time or your cost will be higher per garment
Sewn-on Patches (emblems) May Save Money
Many of the rules of embroidery apply when ordering patches. High volume = lower cost per patch. More complicated designs generally cost more but, templates exist and there are many patch shapes that work with many logos. We may be able find one that suits your needs which is less expensive than having a custom shape made. Custom patches cost more and are based on similar variables as embroidery.
One-stop in house services can save money
The logistics of a project should be considered. Customized apparel may require fittings and alterations. Shipping to multiple locations to obtain different services removes control of the process (timing), adds cost and the potential for loss of quality control.
Logos provide brand recognition for a business and uniform embroidery showcases a business logo on the staff’s clothing. Tailored (custom fitted clothing) can be a significant a value add for tough to fit individuals as well as last minute size requirements. With our state of the art embroidery systems, Direct to Garment printers, and expert tailoring team we can give your logo dimension, texture and color to make it truly pop while also making every garment fit like it was custom made!
How to Order
Fabain offers two ways to submit customized orders. Embroidery and Direct to Garment options are offered on specific product pages below the product descriptions. For more complex requirements, our Customer Service Team is always available to guide you through the entire process. For either choice, the following are generally required:
Step 1 – Send your artwork in one of the following formats: TIF, BMP, JPG, EPS, AI, PSD, PDF, PNG. Alternatively provide a black & white high quality print of the digital file, Business card, letterhead or high quality color print. Some of these formats may require retouching for an additional art fee to insure quality reproduction.
Step 2 – Indicate your thread preferences.
Maximum of 9 thread colors. Please provide the PMS color requested or the color number code of the thread if possible.
Step 3 – Choose your Logo placement.
A logo can be applied almost anywhere but when choosing a location you should consider how much deconstruction and reconstruction of the garment is required to get to the area to sew. Your Customer Service Representative or our expert customization team is here to help you.
