Simple stitch patterns that make branding look cleaner, softer and more refined.

If you’ve ever wondered why some embroidered logos look richer and more detailed than others — even when they use the same thread — the secret is usually in the stitch pattern. This month’s Product of the Month puts that detail front and centre, using one of our 25+ textured embroidery fills to show just how much difference a subtle pattern can make.

How We Brought Texture to the Nimbus Crescent Jacket

For November’s product of the month , we embroidered the Crescent hybrid jacket from Nimbus — a premium, luxury outerwear piece with knitted sleeves bonded to fleece and padded panels. These fabrics create a smooth, stable surface that holds stitch detail beautifully. Instead of a flat infill of stitching, we used a textured fill to complement the design’s shape. Textured embroidery isn’t raised like 3D puff embroidery — the effect is much subtler — but the small variations in stitch direction create a pattern which catches the light in different spots. This gently reveals the pattern and makes the logo look more detailed and considered, without adding extra thickness or needing to rework the design too much.

Why This Small Change Makes a Big Difference

Because the stitching is less dense, textured patterns feel softer, move better with the garment and are less likely to pucker or warp — especially on jackets and structured fabrics. It’s a small technical tweak that helps the embroidery sit neater, last longer and feel more comfortable when worn. For brands, it’s simply an easy way to make a logo look more premium by adding depth to an otherwise basic infill. Textured stitches work across most garments, add refinement without adding cost, and make embroidery feel just that little bit more polished.

Curious to See What It Looks Like on Your Logo?

If you’d like to explore textured embroidery for your own projects, we’re always happy to help.
Send us your artwork and we’ll recommend the best stitch pattern and garment pairing — no pressure, just honest advice to help your branding look its best.

Santa came early!

That’s right girls and boys… Santa came early this year and boy did he come to party. Screenworks hasn’t got one… not two… but five opportunities to win this season.

To add a little magic to those darker months, we’re running five special offers until the 19th of December… and it’s all for you!

How to take part? 

Simple, really. Just place your order with us as usual, send us your PO and we’ll notify you if you qualify for any of the offers below.

The Screenworks elves will take care of the rest!

Offers are valid from now until December 19th 

Claim your free Xmas gift:

Have you been extra good this year? If so, below are the Free Gifts you could claim:

• Bose Headphones
• VR Headset
• Apple Smartwatch
• Fitbit Smartwatch

T&Cs apply, read below.

What if I win something?

If you win a free gift, our team will notify you by email. Pick what you’d like from the options above, and we’ll get it delivered to you just in time for Xmas!

Please read our Terms & Conditions below:

Offers only apply to UK trade customers.

Free delivery only applicable to one UK mainland address.

Bespoke orders are not included in the promotion.

Orders must be placed before 19th December 2025 to qualify.

Orders will only be accepted with a valid PO.

Other T’s & C’s may apply!

Don’t get spooked… this print comes alive when the lights go out.

Something wicked glows this way… This month’s screenprint brings a dark twist to print, layering glow-in-the-dark, colour and gloss inks to create a design that shifts between worlds. Bright and colourful under daylight, this spooky print comes alive a ghostly green once the light fades to dark.

Bringing the print to Life:

Our latest creation brings together glow in the dark screen printing and gloss ink detailing to conjure a design that awakens after dark. Once the eerie AI artwork was refined into print-ready layers, the process began.

To bring the design to life, we used three layers of ink. First came a glow in the dark base that absorbs light and emits a soft green glow once the lights go out. Then a colour layer was added to build contrast and definition while still allowing the glow to show through. Finally, a selective gloss finish was applied to the snake’s scales to create a slick, dimensional texture that reflects the light differently from every angle.

How do Glow-in-the-Dark Screen Prints work? 

Glow-in-the-dark screen printing uses a special class of pigments called phosphors, which absorb energy from light and release it slowly in the dark. These pigments store light particles in their crystal-like structure (a bit like charging a battery) and then re-emit them as visible green light once the surroundings go dark.

When layered with gloss ink, the two materials interact in opposite ways. The phosphorescent layer absorbs light, while the gloss topcoat reflects it. In daylight, the glossy areas dominate; giving a sleek, wet look and subtle 3D definition. But in darkness, the stored energy from the base layer pushes back through the semi-transparent colour and gloss, creating a soft internal glow that appears to come from within the print.

That’s what makes it feel almost alive — you’re not just seeing light bounce off a surface; you’re seeing it emerge from beneath it.

From Digital Design to Screen Print: Bringing AI Artwork to Life

The artwork began as an AI-generated concept. We chose it not for novelty, but for challenge: could a machine-made design be transformed into something real?

The answer lies in the print. While AI supplied the idea, every decision that made it work — from refining the artwork to separating layers, mixing inks and gloss placement, all came down to human craftsmanship. The result is a piece that shifts and glows under different lighting conditions, using chemistry to engage the senses.

In a world filled with flat digital imagery, prints like this invite touch, curiosity and connection. It’s proof that technology can inspire, but only craftsmanship brings it to life.

Want to create something similar?

Speak to our team to discuss design placement, garment suitability and artwork setup for your next project.

Bespoke Headwear Done Right: Hollie’s Insights

Meet Hollie, our resident headwear pro!

Hollie joined Screenworks earlier this year, bringing eight years of embroidery and headwear experience from her previous role.

We’ve been producing bespoke headwear since 2013, alongside our Inspired Bespoke clothing range. With Hollie on board, it felt like the perfect time to peek behind the seams and chat about what goes into creating a truly bespoke cap.

A little bit about Hollie

So, how did you get into the world of promo?

Hollie: “I’ve been in this industry for almost a decade. I started off as an embroiderer and quickly moved to sales… just 3 weeks later! Headwear’s such a creative niche — there’s always something new to learn, and no two projects are the same. Now I’m building on my experience at Screenworks and applying knowledge to a wider range of products, which is really fun. “

Do you remember your first bespoke cap project?

Hollie: Oh, absolutely. It was for a major phone brand! This happened early on in my career, and I learned a valuable lesson the hard way: always build in buffer time when shipping by sea freight! Timing can definitely make or break a project — that job definitely shaped how I plan timelines.”

If you could design your own cap, what would it look like?

Hollie: “Funnily enough, I’m not much of a hat wearer, but my husband is. I designed a 5-panel volley cap for him as a Christmas gift, using colourful panels and custom ‘Ismay & Co’ branding. He loved it! We also created a logo and caps for our wedding, and a year later, guests are still wearing them.”

How to Get the Most from a Bespoke Cap Project

Hollie has worked on countless bespoke projects over the years— from classic 6-panel caps to fully custom builds. Here’s what she’s learned along the way.

If someone’s never ordered a bespoke cap before, what advice would you give them?

Hollie: “I always start by asking if they’ve seen a cap somewhere that caught their eye. A quick photo gives me a sense of their preferred style and structure — it’s the best starting point.”

What’s the biggest challenge in bespoke cap production?

Hollie: “Lead times are usually the biggest hurdles. Design-wise, there’s very little we can’t do — but custom production takes time. Having a clear critical path and setting deadlines early is key, especially for launches and events. I like to make sure everyone involved in the project is aligned every step of the way.”

What’s one detail clients often overlook?

Hollie: “The small stuff. Most people don’t realise just how much you can do with a bespoke cap. I love hidden branding — a printed under-peak, a woven label, or contrast stitching. Those details really elevate a design and make it feel retail-ready.”

When might stock be the better option?

Hollie: “Stock is ideal for low volumes or quick turnarounds. Our in-house decorating team can still make it look completely bespoke.”

How do you ensure designs translate properly from screen to stitch?

Hollie: “Real-life reference images make a huge difference. I always show photos of special fabrics & branding finishes to support visual mock ups to ensure the client, supplier and factory stays aligned on the final result.”

Headwear trends to watch in 2025 & onwards

What’s changing in the headwear world right now?

Hollie: “There’s definitely been a progressive shift in the promotional world, brands are starting to lean more into retail-inspired design. Subtle branding, like what you’d see from CK, Ralph Lauren, or The North Face, is becoming more popular. Years ago, it was all about the biggest logo front and centre. Now, it’s about subtle icons that make the hat more wearable. After all, we don’t want promotional items tossed aside after a single event, we want them worn again and again for maximum exposure and minimal waste.”

It’s true, lately we’ve seen a real shift in how brands approach promotional headwear.

Key takeaways:

• Subtle logos are in. Think tonal embroidery, smaller, discreet placements and minimal branding that looks more retail than promo.
• Sustainability continues to matter. Clients are asking more questions about materials, traceability and production ethics. The good news? There are brilliant fabrics to choose from — from recycled cotton to organic blends that look and feel premium.
• Texture is trending. Twill, cord and washed finishes are giving classic caps a modern, lived-in look. They photograph beautifully and add instant depth to branding.
• Colour is key. We’re seeing bold panels, pantone-matched dyes and playful combinations that reflect your brand identity without requiring a huge logo.

As Hollie puts it:

“The best caps right now are the ones people actually want to wear — not just once, but every day. That’s the goal.”

Thinking about investing in headwear? 

For us, bespoke isn’t about making clients do the heavy lifting — it’s about collaboration.
“The more detail, the better,” Hollie says, “but that’s our job, not yours.” We’ll ask the right questions, pull out the creative bits, and make sure every stitch lines up perfectly.”

From subtle, retail-style embroidery to creative finishes that push boundaries, our team handles the technical details so you can focus on the big picture — your brand.

Let’s chat!

What Is Faux Fur Embroidery and How Does It Work?

September’s Product of the Month is anything but tame. The Neutral® Label-Free Tiger Sweat already has a strong pedigree — organic, Fairtrade, climate-conscious. But we wanted to take it further, with a furry paw print. One that looks like tiger fur and actually feels like it too.

This is faux fur embroidery, and it’s the kind of detail that makes people stop and reach out to touch.

How the Faux Fur Embroidery Effect Works

To bring the tiger paw to life, we embroidered it with Burmilana threads — a wool-blend yarn known for its depth and thicker texture. Once stitched, we brushed the embroidery using a small wool wire brush until it mimicked the fluffy look and feel of tiger fur. The result is a decoration that’s tactile, playful, and totally unexpected in branded merch. This faux fur embroidery technique is perfect for designs that call for extra personality — whether it’s textured text or a logo that deserves more than a flat finish.

Why you should give Faux Fur Embroidery a try

Here’s how this technique can elevate your branded merch:

• It stands out. Most branded clothing blends in. Faux fur embroidery grabs attention.

• It’s tactile. People engage more with merch they can touch, which makes the brand behind it more memorable.

• It’s versatile. Works on hoodies, sweats, caps, bags, and more.

This makes it a great choice for campaigns where impact matters — launches, sports teams, student merch, or any brand with a playful identity.

Neutral® Tiger Range: More Than a Base Layer

Quality branding is only as good as the canvas it sits on — that’s why we chose the Neutral® Tiger Range. Neutral® is one of the most genuinely ethical clothing brands out there, with sustainability built in from the ground up. Their cotton is certified from farm to fabric, with every farmer paid fairly under strict Fairtrade agreements. Through the Tiger Range, Neutral® also helps Indian farmers transition from GMO to organic cotton, improving livelihoods while restoring ecosystems.

Every piece is backed by some of the toughest independent certifications in the industry — GOTS, Fairtrade, SA8000 and the EU Ecolabel — so you can be confident these garments meet the highest environmental and social standards. And it doesn’t stop there: production runs on renewable energy, factories commit to safe working conditions, and the garments themselves are designed to last.

For us, this makes this Tiger Sweat better than regular merch. It’s an example of how responsible garments and standout decoration work hand in hand.

👉 Ready to explore the Neutral® Tiger Label-Free Range for your next brief? Discover it here.

From Straps to Keyrings: Turning Everyday Bags into High-Impact Merchandise

Personalisation isn’t just for retail anymore—it’s now the secret weapon for branded merchandise too. In fact, companies that excel at personalisation generate 40% more revenue than their peers (McKinsey). And Gen Z? They’re leading the charge—49% say they’re less likely to buy from brands that feel impersonal, and 27% would even stop shopping with them altogether (State of Personalization Report 2023).

When it comes to promotional merchandise, that means it’s no longer enough to simply slap a logo on the front of a bag. To truly stand out, you’ve got to maximise the branding opportunity. From add-ons to personalised designs, your merch should carry your brand story, and reflect your clients interests.

That’s exactly what we did with our August Product of the Month: the Sundae Cross-Body Bag.

Elevating Bags Through Maximal Branding

Here’s how we brought the BagBase Sundae Bag to life: We used Specialist Neon Vinyl to pop against the nylon fabric of the bag. These transfers are perfect for nylon and silicone-coated surfaces. (Bonus: they’re PVC-free!) Then we DTF Custom-printed straps, turning a functional part of the bag into a headline branding opportunity. Added matching branded keyrings, tying the whole look together and adding that extra layer of personalisation opportunity. The result? A bag that doesn’t just show a bland logo—it creates a purposeful end product. Every inch of it becomes part of the brand story, whether it’s worn at a festival, an event, or just on the daily coffee run.

The Power of Personalisation

Personalisation isn’t a gimmick—it’s what today’s customers expect. Research shows 71% of people now expect personalised interactions, and 76% get frustrated when it doesn’t happen (Contentful).

For brands, that means merch has to feel a little less “generic giveaway” and a little more “this was made for me.” With bags, that might mean offering personalised designs or creating limited edition collectibles that tie into cultural moments.

There are 101 ways to experiment with personalisation. As seen from successful brand activation campaigns by the likes of Adidas’ trainer personalisation pop-up events, or the “Nike By You” initiative for people to design their own Nikes. Another great example to take inspiration from is the brand Uniqlo, who offer personalised embroidery services in-store when customers buy their products.

Why not start with personalised keyrings?

Add-Ons & Collectibles — Keyrings as Marketing Gold

A keyring might look small, but it’s a mini billboard that goes everywhere your customers do. Some clip it on their bag, hang it on a set of keys, or swap it with a friend. Either way, it’s branding that sticks around.

And right now, collectibles are having a moment. Gen Z’s love for Y2K accessories, charms, and custom add-ons makes branded keyrings more than just an add-on—they’re a way to create buzz.

Keyrings also unlock a whole new way to tie merch into marketing campaigns. Imagine a series of unique limited-edition keyrings released alongside each stage of a campaign. Suddenly, your brand isn’t just giving a branded keyring away, you’re creating a collectible set that people will actually want to keep… and show off!

How Brands Can Make the Most of It

When you consider unique decoration placements, design with personalisation in mind, or add in collectible accessories, branded bags stop being just bags… they become personalised brand experiences your customers will cherish for years to come.

👉 Ready to elevate your next promo campaign from nice-to-have to “I NEED that”?

Get in touch with our team and we’ll help design something unforgettable.

Wrapped in Victory: Design Attention-Grabbing Merch with Neon & Wrap around Screenprints

When the Lionesses won, they didn’t just take the title — they captured a feeling.
One of momentum, boldness, power.

That energy inspired our latest print: a full wrap around design in attention-grabbing neon ink, screen printed onto a B&C tubular tee for uninterrupted branding. It’s loud, confident, and built to move with you — just like the team that sparked it.

Because great merch shouldn’t whisper. It should roar.

Some marketing moments can’t be planned — they’re sparked. A sports win, a viral trend, a cultural shift… and suddenly, there’s energy in the air. The smartest brands don’t wait around — they react, fast.

That’s where bold decoration techniques come in. For branded merch — smart design choices turn a reactive campaign into brand-building momentum!

At Screenworks, we help clients tap into that energy fast, with decoration methods that are built for impact and speed to market.

Why Neon screenprint is the attention-grabber your branded clothing needs

Neon doesn’t behave like normal ink — and that’s exactly the point. Neon screenprints are made with fluorescent pigments which reflect more visible light than standard colours, making them appear brighter, especially in daylight or under UV blacklights. That’s why neon hues are used in high-vis gear, road signs and rave culture — they’re hardwired to grab your attention. For your merch, this means your branding:  → Grabs attention faster (yep, there’s science behind that) → Attracts High Visibility at Events  → Signals High-Energy or urgency And just so you know — our neon screen inks are 100% phthalate-free and hold an Eco Passport by OEKO-TEX. That means fewer weird chemicals, just bright, safe colour your clients can trust. A great choice if you’re working with consumer-conscious brands, wellness, retail, or anything with an ethical angle.

Get the 360 branding effect with Wrap around prints

This isn’t your standard chest logo. Wrap around prints flow across the garment — As though it was made to be worn in motion. It makes a tee look custom, intentional, and stand out from the rest! But you can’t just print this on any old T-shirt. This screenprint technique requires a tubular tee — which is built with no side seams. That’s what gives you a clean surface for continuous artwork and a smoother print finish. No seams = no breaks in the design. Just uninterrupted impact. Now your basic tee has turned into a dynamic storytelling space. It creates the illusion of motion and continuity — perfect for brands that want to feel bigger than the logo on the chest.

So, when should you chose this special effect?  

This style isn’t for the faint of heart — but that’s the point.

Whether you’re launching a product, sponsoring a team, or building hype for an event — this style demands attention and sparks conversations.

That’s why Neon wrap around prints are great for:

• ⚽ Sportwear, Team kits & Cycling gear

• 🎟️ Event, Festival & Nightlife merch

• ⚠️Workwear & Security Clothing

• 👟 Streetwear and youth brands

• Anyone wanting a “stop-the-scroll” moment online!

So whether you’re designing branded merch for an event launch or just want to bring the hype… Make them look twice! 

Want to Know More?

If you’d like to request a sample, an unbranded spec sheet, or a sharable version for your clients — just reach out to the Screenworks team.
We’re always happy to help!

Create Standout Merch with Metallic Foil & Discharge Print

Ever looked at a t-shirt and thought, “Wow – that’s striking”?
Chances are, it wasn’t just the artwork. It’s also the way it was printed.

• Discharge ink for a silky soft, breathable base

Contrast: The Key to Making it Pop!

In a fast-moving, over-saturated world, visual impact matters. 

People buy with their eyes — and bold, standout print is the best way to make sure they remember your brand.

That’s why contrast is so powerful. When you design with contrast in mind:  light & dark, matte & shine, soft & bold, it tells the eyes where to look.

By combining techniques intentionally, you create prints with texture and visual hierarchy. The difference in finish makes the artwork feel more dynamic and layered — making it pop!

Why This Print Works

When designing the Astrology Tee, we wanted the garment to look and feel luxurious. After experimenting with different styles, we opted to separate the artwork into two layers. Here’s why:

The soft matte layer allowed for in-depth details, while the foil added energy.

One technique alone fell flat, but when combined they complement each other perfectly.

How we did it:

• Discharge printing removed the black dye from the cotton and replaced it with a soft golden base. This creates a breathable, silky soft print that feels like part of the fabric.

• Then we printed a liquid gold adhesive layer and heat-pressed the metallic foil to accent key areas. The result? A highly reflective golden finish!

Watch the process here! 

Top Tips for Combining Print Techniques

If you’re thinking about combining finishes, consider the outcome you want. Use contrast with purpose – pair soft with shiny or flat with raised. Pick one hero effect and let it lead the design.

Here’s what we recommend when combining techniques:

1. Use contrast intentionally
Play with texture, size & colour: Pair opposites to create visual interest.

2. Don’t overdo it
If everything’s bold, nothing stands out. Let one effect be the hero.

3. Think about the garment choice
Not every fabric suits every technique: Discharge print requires 100% cotton whilst foil works best on smooth garments.

Garment colour is also best friend! Here, the Metallic gold effect pops against the black T-shirt base.

4. Plan with your printer 
Talk to us early. We’ll help you tweak the artwork so it works perfectly with your chosen finish.

Got a bold idea? Let’s engineer the right finish to bring it to life

At Screenworks, we believe decoration should support design — not limit it. That’s why we love helping brands combine techniques with purpose.

So next time you’re dreaming up a bold design, don’t stop at choosing what to print.
Think about how it should look, feel, and wear.

Got a concept that deserves a little something extra? 👉 Get in touch today! 

New in 2025: Embroidered Badges Now Available at Screenworks

Tell me you’re a 90’s kid without telling me you’re a 90’s kid.

We’ll go first: A bucket hat covered in custom embroidered patches.

This Pride, we gave one of the most iconic accessories of the decade a colourful refresh – decorating none other than the famous bucket hat, a staple of both 90’s streetwear and modern-day Pride merch.

Inspired by vintage (sorry!) patch culture, we went all-in on a bold, all-over badge look, using our latest decoration technique: fully bespoke embroidered badges.

What patches offer that print and embroidery can’t:

While patches aren’t a new invention, they offer real potential in the promo industry – not because they’re trending, but because they’re versatile, meaningful, and designed to last.

In a market saturated with throwaway giveaways, patches offer something different: a way for brands to tell a story. Whether it’s a limited-edition Pride design, or a branded team emblem, a well-made patch becomes something people want to wear, and keep.

For promo garments, they allow brands to introduce custom artwork, symbolism or cause-led messaging without redesigning a product from scratch.

They also solve a practical challenge: garments that are difficult to decorate directly. Think fleece linings, waterproof layers, or accessories with seams and panels,  which are ideal candidates for patch application. The result is a clean, premium-looking finish, without visible backing or compromise on comfort.

Simple in concept yet smart in application, patches unlock more storytelling, more flexibility, and more staying power – three things branded merch rarely achieves all at once.

Curious to see how they’re made? Watch the video!

Why choose embroidered badges for your next order? 

Here’s why they’re a smart choice:

• They offer a clean finish: No backing ensures you get a smooth finish, every time.

• Low MOQ: Get bespoke badges from 25 units

• Available on short lead times: Made in-house for a fast turnaround!

• Comfort first: Great for garments that come into direct contact with skin, especially for people who dislike the feel of backing stitches.

• Perfect for workwear! Fire-retardant & reflective thread options are ideal for the trades.

• Don’t let design limit your creativity: Badges can be cut to almost any shape.

When to Consider Other Options: 

While embroidered patches are ideal for bold logos and graphic shapes, they’re not the best fit for super fine detail or photographic-style gradients. If your design includes intricate linework or tonal shading, a woven badge may be a better fit.

The good news? We offer those too.

By working directly with Screenworks, you get access to a full range of branding techniques – including embroidered, woven, specialised badges and more, all with the convenience of managing it all through one trusted supplier.

Want to try it?

We’re already creating samples for some of our trade clients – and we’d love to show you what’s possible.

👉 Get in touch to see how embroidered badges could work for your upcoming campaigns.