Bags with heavy fabric and small pockets can be tricky and may require special set-ups to achieve success. There are many variables to consider! The decorator’s equipment, accessories and supplies all play a crucial role in both embroidery and heat transfer. The two basic techniques that you’re going to rely on for Carhartt bags are … Continued

One of the most frequent decoration questions SanMar receives is “How do I embroider on lightweight performance fabric?” Performance knits are perhaps the trickiest substrates that embroiders work on. They come in many different brands, weights and fabric properties, but one thing remains the same: these fabrics stretch in all directions. Stretch is a big … Continued

Over the past 12 months we’ve seen an unbelievable surge in on-demand printing and DTG is taking center stage. But what exactly is on-demand printing? Think about ordering a t-shirt online. You find the brand or logo you want, the right color and size, add it to your cart and check out. Is it truly … Continued

Reading this article’s title, you might already be thinking to yourself “But I’ve been printing on polyester for years.” Think again. When it comes to heat printing polyester, there are unique challenges you might not be aware of. Polyester fabrics have changed dramatically year after year. From chemical additives for controlling odor and managing moisture, … Continued

Second only to questions about a shop’s ability to run a job is a customer’s need for effective communication about whether their project is on schedule for completion. The ability to meet that need typically starts the moment the product arrives at the shop door. However, within the industry, checking in product is not a … Continued

If you have been screen printing for more than a few years, then you have likely encountered your share of challenges: dye migration, scorching, under curing, etc. Most of those challenges seem to have a straightforward cause and effect but there is something extra frustrating about the five-piece puzzle that is ghosting. Let’s define what … Continued

Neck gaiters are growing in popularity and are usually made from 100% polyester, which makes them ideal for sublimation. We’ve fielded many questions about how to sublimate gaiters all over without gaps or white seams showing. Some gaiters are completely tubular (no sewn seam) and some have a seam down the back or side. The … Continued

The landscape of the business world is changing and the virtual business world is now mainstream. Everything from digital catalogs, online meetings and even virtual samples are reigning supreme. If you are like me, you’ve spent your years developing your business and all too often ignoring or skimming the virtual tools offered by others to … Continued

Over the past decade, the apparel and decorating industries have evolved many time- and labor-intensive decorating processes to using new technologies to deliver products quickly. Direct to garment (DTG) printing has emerged to print large orders, while also handling small jobs efficiently. But faster turnaround times driven by market demand and e-commerce platforms have created … Continued

A colorful surprise you say? Yes! The surprise is brought to you by Cotopaxi – they are new to the promotional products industry but their story and mission are exactly what customers have been asking for. Each Cotopaxi bag is made from 100% repurposed fabric, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that are socially and environmentally responsible. Cotopaxi … Continued