Sublimation
Sublimation colours the polyester fibres instead of adding a raised graphic on the surface, and it suits all-over jersey designs. For custom jerseys, we cut the fabric, print the transfer paper, apply heat and then sew.
Manufacturing
Printing and branding
We have sublimation, DTF, heat-transfer and embroidery equipment in house and choose the method to suit the fabric, the artwork and how the garment will be used.
Tell us where each mark belongs and whether the garments need numbers. We will recommend a suitable method for the material and design.
- Team
- 70 people
- In-house
- Pattern making, sampling, cutting, printing, sewing, finishing and quality control
- Initial reply
- Usually within 24 hours
Printing and branding
Our four in-house methods suit different kinds of artwork and fabric, and we agree the method for each mark garment by garment.
DTF printing
DTF uses heat to transfer a graphic printed on film to the fabric, and it can suit detailed logos. On the sample, check how it works with the fabric, how it behaves when stretched, where it sits and how larger printed areas feel.
Heat transfer
Heat-applied graphics can be used for numbers or logos. The transfer material is agreed for the fabric and the intended use, and an existing garment has to be assessed before a new mark is added.
Embroidery
Embroidery stitches the logo in thread. Check the design at its finished size, because small lettering, dense stitching and lightweight fabric may need adjustments.
Tell us where each mark belongs and whether the garments need numbers. We will recommend a suitable method for the material and design.
When each process takes place
- 01
Cut-panel sublimation
We cut the polyester fabric into the jersey pieces and print the artwork on sublimation transfer paper. Heat then transfers the artwork into the pieces, which we sew into the garment. The sample lets you judge fit, artwork and construction before bulk production.
- 02
Roll-to-roll sublimation
A repeating pattern can instead be printed onto the fabric by the metre before cutting and sewing. This is a different production route, which we choose where the pattern and the garment call for it.
- 03
Branding on the assembled garment
Heat-applied graphics can be used for numbers or logos. The transfer material is agreed for the fabric and the intended use, and an existing garment has to be assessed before a new mark is added.
Send artwork with placement instructions
For every logo or number, show where it goes and its finished dimensions, and say whether it is the same on all garments or changes from garment to garment. The fabric, the construction and the look you want also play a part in choosing the application method, but you do not have to decide on it before contacting us.
Editable logos and artwork help if you have them, so send the original files rather than only a screenshot, together with any colour references. If the design is not finished, tell us whether you need layout changes, logo preparation or a new design developed. We clarify what is needed before the production artwork can be approved.
If numbers are required, the number list should keep model, colour, size and number together. Check for duplicate numbers, including intended duplicates, and mark the final file version so that a later correction does not leave two conflicting lists.
Approve the design on the garment
A screen preview is useful for layout, but the printed result depends on the fabric and the process. On the sample, check how each mark looks at its finished size and how far it sits from seams and closures. A colour reference shows the target, but on its own it does not approve the physical result.
Keep a record of the artwork version and the sample decision. Any final number list is confirmed separately, and any change should be flagged before the printing or embroidery step in question. A new sponsor mark can affect placement, method and the production plan.
Questions and answers
Can you sublimate an all-over print across the whole garment?
Yes, an all-over print can be sublimated in one of two ways. For a custom jersey with placed artwork, we cut the polyester fabric into the garment pieces, print the design on sublimation transfer paper, heat-transfer it into those pieces and then sew them. For a repeating all-over pattern, the fabric can be sublimation printed by the metre before it is cut and sewn.
At what stage are numbers added to sportswear?
When numbers are added to sportswear depends on the printing method. On a custom sublimated jersey, they are part of the artwork printed on transfer paper and heat-transferred into the cut pieces before sewing. Heat-applied numbers go onto the finished garment after sewing, once the transfer material has been agreed for the fabric. Send one checked number list before printing.
What artwork file format should we send for printing or embroidery?
For printing or embroidery, send vector logos or editable original artwork files where available, with the placement and finished dimensions of each mark. A screenshot works as a reference but may need redrawing before production. Add any colour references you have. A screen preview alone is not a colour approval, because the fabric and the process affect the printed result.
Send the artwork and the garment
Tell us where each mark belongs and whether the garments need numbers. We will recommend a suitable method for the material and design.