Question 1

What is the minimum order quantity?

Accepted Answer

For blank apparel, there is no minimum purchase requirement.   For customized pieces, we typically require a 10-piece minimum order due to setup costs.  If you have questions, please contact us at info@ftwshop.com

Question 2

How do I care for my custom apparel?

Accepted Answer

Wash inside out in cold water, avoid bleach, and air dry or tumble dry low to preserve the design. DO NOT iron directly on prints or embroidery.

Question 3

What are the differences between direct to film printing (DTF), sublimation and embroidery?

Accepted Answer

DTF printing for apparel begins with digitally printing the design onto a special PET film using water-based inks, followed by applying a hot-melt adhesive powder to the wet ink to create a transferable layer. The powdered film is then cured in a heat press or oven to bond the adhesive, ensuring the design is ready for transfer. Finally, the film is placed onto the fabric and heat-pressed, allowing the adhesive to melt and bond the ink directly to the apparel for a durable, vibrant print that works on various materials like cotton, polyester, or blends.

Sublimation printing for apparel begins with designing and printing an image onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks, which are formulated to turn from a solid to a gas when heated. The printed transfer paper is then placed onto the garment, typically made of polyester or a polyester blend, and subjected to high heat and pressure via a heat press, causing the ink to sublimate and permeate the fabric fibers. Once cooled, the ink solidifies within the material, resulting in a vibrant, durable print that is resistant to fading or cracking.  NOTE:  Sublimation is most effective on white or very light polyester-based fabrics

Embroidery involves stitching thread directly into fabric to create designs, offering a premium, textured finish that stands out compared to other methods like screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG), sublimation, or direct-to-film (DTF). Its key advantages include exceptional durability, a professional appearance, and versatility across various fabrics and garment types. Below, I'll outline the main benefits and compare them to common alternatives using a table for clarity.
Key Benefits of Embroidery:
Durability and Longevity: Embroidery threads are resistant to washing, fading, cracking, or peeling, making it ideal for items like uniforms or workwear that endure heavy use.
Professional and Textured Look: It provides a 3D, raised effect that conveys quality and sophistication, often preferred for corporate branding, logos, or high-end apparel.
Versatility: Works well on a wide range of fabrics (e.g., cotton, wool, denim) and items (e.g., hats, bags, jackets), with no limitations on color vibrancy for small-scale designs.
Eco-Friendliness: Uses minimal chemicals or inks, reducing environmental impact compared to ink-based methods.

Question 4

How long does it take to process and ship an order?

Accepted Answer

Standard turnaround is 7-14 business days for printing and embroidery, plus shipping time. Rush options may be available for an extra fee, but custom cut-and-sew items (like Appliqué) can take 3-6 weeks. Always confirm with proofs before production.

Question 5

How durable is the print or embroidery?

Accepted Answer

With proper care (e.g., washing inside out in cold water), prints and embroidery typically last several years under normal wear.

Question 6

What factors affect the price?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on quantity (bulk discounts apply), apparel type, number of colors, number of customization locations (e.g., front, back, sleeves), and method. Higher quantities lower per-item costs; embroidery or specialty inks may add fees.

Question 7

Can I get help with my design or artwork?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer design templates, adjustments (e.g., alignment, color simplification), or full artwork creation for a fee. Provide high-resolution files (e.g., vector formats like AI, EPS, or PNG/JPEG at 1200x720+ pixels).

Question 8

What file formats do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) are preferred for scalability without quality loss. For embroidery, digitized files (e.g., .EMB, .DST) are needed.  If you don’t have one of these, we will convert it for you.

Question 9

Can you match specific colors?

Accepted Answer

Pantone matching is possible for inks or dyes in sublimation. For embroidery, options are limited to available thread colors (typically 15+ shades); exact matches may require the closest approximation.

Question 10

Can I print or embroider on sleeves, pockets, or other locations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, common locations include front, back, sleeves, and pockets. Some methods support this, but embroidery may have size limits based on the garment.

Question 11

Can I make changes after placing an order?

Accepted Answer

Changes aren't always guaranteed due to quick processing, but contact support immediately at info@ftwshop.com.

Question 12

Do you offer bulk discounts for the same design on different styles or colors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, discounts often apply if the design is identical across variations, reducing per-item costs for larger orders.

Question 13

What about specialty options like vinyl names, numbers, or glitter/foil inks?

Accepted Answer

Available for extra fees. Specialty inks include glitter, foil, glow-in-the-dark, or discharge for a vintage feel.  Specialty options will result in an extended turnaround time.

Question 14

What about specialty options like vinyl names, numbers, or glitter/foil inks?

Accepted Answer

Available for extra fees. Specialty inks include glitter, foil, glow-in-the-dark, or discharge for a vintage feel.  Specialty options will result in an extended turnaround time.

Question 15

What happens after I place an order?

Accepted Answer

Your order is reviewed, artwork is prepared/proofed, produced, quality-checked, processed, and shipped with tracking info.

We ship to you!

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