Elevate Your Branding with Fully Customisable Transfers!

In the competitive world of promotional merchandise and branded apparel, making a lasting impression is crucial. Whether outfitting a sports team, designing high-visibility workwear, or creating stylish branded outerwear, the method of garment decoration plays a pivotal role. This is where specialised transfers shine.

At Screenworks, we provide premium transfer printing solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring durable and visually striking results. But what exactly are specialised transfers, and why should they be your go-to choice for garment decoration?

Why Use Specialised Transfers for Your Branding?

• They offer durable options: Silicone, flex & logo patch transfers are built to last, withstanding multiple washes without cracking or peeling. They’re ideal for outerwear & stretchy sportswear!
• Vibrant, High-Quality Designs: Achieve detailed and sharp designs that stand out.
• Versatility: Ideal for sportswear, workwear, outerwear, and promotional garments.
• Special Effects: Reflective, silicone, textured, or metallic effects can elevate your brand’s visual appeal.

Discover a range of styles below for inspiration!

Get Started with Specialised Transfers Today!

If you’re looking for a premium branding solution that lasts, our specialised transfers are the perfect choice.

Contact us today at sales@screenworks.co.uk to discuss your project and explore how we can bring your designs to life!

An inside look at our latest Puff print innovation: How to create a 3D photorealistic screen print!

In this blog, we’ll have a look at what puff printing is and how you can incorporate this technique into your designs to create unforgettable merchandise!

What’s puff printing and how does it work?

Puff printing is a form of screen printing that mixes specialty ink with a heat activated foaming agent. The ink is printed using a conventional screen printing technique. Then, when the garment passes through the dryer, the ink puffs up and expands.

This technique was popularised when it came out in the 1980s through sportswear brands like Nike, Adidas and Champion who used it to create bold, raised lettering and logos on their hoodies and T-shirts. As all trends come and go, the resurgence of Y2K fashion and bold textures brought puff printing back into demand, and today the technique is commonly used by brands like Off-White, Superdry and White Fox. Puff print isn’t going anywhere, and it’s the perfect technique to enhance the hand-feel of a beautiful design.

Puff printing is more versatile than you think!

We bet you thought puff printing was only used to accentuate lettering. Whilst yes, Puff print is typically only used as a single colour block print to emboss text, there are so many other designs that could be brought to life using this special effect!

Why not add 3D special effects to parts of your design by layering both puff ink and regular ink, like we did for this wrinkly old man.

This unique 3D technique was achieved by printing a thin layer of ink over the puff. This adds an extra dimension to the design by shading the puff layer, which makes the wrinkles pop out! This extra layer of ink is the key to achieving a level of detail not usually seen on block colour puff prints.

Greyscale designs are ideal to create highly detailed photorealistic puff prints, however this effect can also be achieved on less detailed full-colour designs. As you can see, Puff print doesn’t have be reserved just for text. Instead, try using this technique in creative ways as pictured below, and you might be surprised just what Puff print can do.

Why not try:

1. Tone on tone text puff print for a clean, classic look.
2. All over puff effect on a digital design – to make it pop!
3. B&W Greyscale photorealistic puff print – to emphasise parts of a photo!

Within a few years, puff printing has gone from being used as a simple textured effect to a bolder artistic statement commonly used in fashion retail. It’s proving to be one of the most exciting innovations in screen printing to this day, and could make your branded clothing that much more memorable to the end user!

To learn more about this technique or place an enquiry, please reach out to us at sales@screenworks.co.uk

Sources used to write this blog: 

img1: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/815573814720215153/

img2: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/323907398219795461/

img3: Puff ink monkey done in-house. 

All about Stanley/Stella’s New Button-up Styles

Our official partners Stanley/Stella have just launched their new Spring & Summer collection of 2025 and we’re here for it! Alongside fresh Polos & popular T-shirt styles, the sustainable apparel company has unveiled four new modern shirt styles, ready to brand! These premium shirts are made of 100% organic GOTS certified cotton making them ideal for processes like water-based screenprint and eco-embroidery.

If you ask us, they couldn’t have picked a better time to launch. According to HubSpot research, 40% of purchasing decisions happen in the 1st quarter of the year when budgets are approved and spending is planned. The coming weeks are a critical time for businesses to make purchasing decisions, making it the perfect time to renew your workwear.

Are shirts even relevant to the UK workwear & promo markets?

Shirts are often overlooked in the British promo market, likely due to the rise in remote working in recent years. Some still appreciate having a polished look for face-to-face client meetings, making them ideal for branded workwear. As for promotional clothing, there’s a new opportunity for branded shirts thanks to the growing popularity of Workwear shirts being worn casually by the younger generations.

In 2025, the revenue in the Shirts & Blouses market in Europe was $24.51 billion, with the UK contributing $5.56 billion. While the UK market may be smaller compared to its continental counterparts, there’s still a demand for stylish, branded shirts – especially those that are versatile, sustainable, and modern.

Below, we’ll break down the different styles offered by Stanley/Stella and have a look at inspiration from the fashion retail world for some unique ways to brand your shirts for the promo and workwear markets.

The Breezy Poplin Shirt

The Stanley/Stella Styler Poplin shirt comes in both men & women’s cuts. Defined by its lightweight and smooth finish, it’s the most professional style, making it suitable for smart occasions and business meetings.

Embroidery on the left breast is a popular choice for corporate branding, offering a subtle yet professional touch. For a retail inspired branding approach feel free to decorate the front panels with large transfers or consider combining different techniques to give your design a layered, textured effect.

The Styler shirt is ideal for:

• Corporate workwear
• Hospitality
• Retail uniforms

The Classic Oxford Shirt

The Oxford Shirt has been a staple in professional wardrobes for decades! Its slightly thicker texture and distinctive basketweave makes it an excellent choice for smart-casual business styles. It comes in both men & women’s cuts, and the button-down collar ensures the shirt stays in place throughout a long work day.

This timeless shirt provides a solid base for embroidery, which is the most used decoration technique for this style. Like the Poplin shirt, the pleats on the lower back panel make it difficult to decorate in this area. Consider making a statement by branding the upper back with a larger logo or motivational slogan for a standout look!

The Stanley/Stella Oxford is ideal for:

• Corporate Workwear
• Hospitality
• Retail uniforms

The Unisex Heavyweight Worker Shirt

The trendiest option on the market!

Unisex Worker shirts are a go-to for all ages due to their highly versatile wearability. This heavyweight cotton shirt can both be worn traditionally or layered over a T-shirt for a casual look. Everyone wants one: The worker shirt was first popularised by iconic retail and workwear brands: think Carhartt, Levi’s and Dickies (it’s everyone’s favourite for a reason!).

Thanks to its thicker fabric and flat back panel, the decoration options on this shirt are practically endless. This shirt can easily fit extra large prints on the back and the fabric creates an ideal canvas for large or applique embroidery designs.

The Worker Shirt is perfect for a variety of industries, including:

• The Entertainment industry as elevated music merch
• Hospitality; think hip cafes and restaurants
• Retail & Event wear
• Workwear: made the trades, after all!

The Durable Stanley/Stella Denim Shirt

The iconic denim shirt needs no introduction! Always in style, the Stanley/Stella denim shirt allows you to recreate classic vintage workwear looks with custom-made leather & embroidered patches. Like the Worker Shirt, the durable heavyweight fabric makes it suitable for almost any decoration technique, and the flat back panel creates the perfect surface for extra large prints or embroidery. Why not get creative and combine both techniques for a truly elevated look? This style is also available in both men & women’s cuts!

The Stanley/Stella Denim shirt is ideal for:

• Entertainment industry & music merchandise
• Hospitality; think hip cafes and restaurants
• Retail & Event wear
• Workwear: the denim shirt has long been a staple of hard-working industries!

For more ideas on how to decorate shirts or to inspire your clients, have a look at our Pinterest board linked here: Button up shirts on Pinterest

Sources used to write this blog:

1. blog.hubspot.com/sales/quarterly-sales-report
2. Shirts & Blouses – Europe | Statista Market Forecast
3. Shirts & Blouses – UK | Statista Market Forecast

Nightcapit: The Innovative Product Helping Brands Promote Safety on Nights Out

In recent years, drink spiking has become a growing concern, both globally and here in the UK. Whether at a nightclub, festival, university event, or bar, young people are increasingly aware of the dangers. As businesses, agencies, and brands, there’s an opportunity to show your customers you care about their safety!

Nightcap, the anti-spiking scrunchie, is already a global success, with over 600,000 units sold in 40 countries. It’s been featured on the US version of Dragon’s Den (Shark Tank) and has gained massive attention on TikTok, with 470,000 followers and videos reaching 20 to 40 million views. Today, 50% of Nightcap’s revenue comes from direct-to-consumer sales, with successful partnerships including 150+ college campuses distributing scrunchies to students at events, and collaborations with brands like Bumble dating, Forever 21, the latter of which purchased 8,500 scrunchies to sell in 400 retail stores!

Nightcap is more than just a product—it’s a solution to a real problem, helping to protect individuals from drink spiking while offering your brand a unique promotional opportunity

The Drink Spiking Problem: Why It Matters

• 11% of UK women have reported being victims of drink spiking.
• Over 2,600 drink spiking incidents were reported to police in England and Wales in the last year alone.
• Young people aged 18-24 are particularly vulnerable at events and nightlife venues.

For brands, supporting solutions like Nightcap is a chance to align with a meaningful cause and take action to protect customers while building trust and awareness: values that strongly resonate with the younger generation.

What’s a Nightcap?

Nightcap is an innovative, wearable drink cover hidden inside a stylish scrunchie. Here’s how it works:

PS: They also come in Key-chain form for those who don’t sport luscious long locks!

Why Brands Should Get Behind Nightcap:

1. Show You Care : Associating your brand with Nightcap shows your commitment to social responsibility and safety. Today’s consumers are drawn to brands that take a stand on meaningful issues. Nightcap demonstrates that you’re not just selling a product—you’re actively contributing to keeping people safe.

2. Customisation Made Easy: Nightcaps are available in black as standard, but can be customised with multiple colours to match your brand’s style. Using DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, you can add your full-colour logo, slogan, or design, making it a bold and memorable promotional item.

3. Leverage a Proven Success Story: Nightcap has already sold over 600,000 units across 40 countries, this proven success makes it easier for you to pitch with confidence!

Addressing Client concerns: “What if someone gets spiked while using this product?

Here’s the reality:

While no product can offer 100% protection, Nightcap is a proactive step towards safer nights out. It empowers people to take precautions and reduces the opportunity for drink spiking to occur. By aligning your brand with Nightcap, you’re not claiming to eliminate the issue—you’re showing leadership in tackling it.

Customers will see your efforts as responsible, empathetic, and socially aware. In today’s market, these are qualities that are essential to resonate with audiences and build brand trust.

How and Why to Market Nightcaps:

Ideal for university events, festivals, and nightlife promotions, it appeals to socially conscious audiences. Drinks brands like Red Bull or Coca-Cola, and venues such as Wetherspoon can use customised Nightcaps to build trust and showcase their commitment to safety. Local councils and universities can also integrate it into anti-spiking campaigns, making a positive impact while enhancing brand recognition.

By offering branded Nightcaps, you’re giving your clients a meaningful product they’ll feel proud to share with their audiences.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Contact us now to discuss customisation options, pricing, and how this game-changing product can help you deliver impact for your clients.

Resources used to write this blog:

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office

https://www.forbes.com/sites/zoyahasan/2024/01/26/how-this-under-30-founded-drink-spiking-prevention-tool-landed-a-spot-on-forever-21-shelves/

The Magic of Appliqué: How to elevate your branding this Christmas and beyond!

’Tis the season for standing out and appliqué embroidery is here to make it happen! To celebrate the occasion we decorated these super-soft fleece hoodie blankets, inspired by none other than the classic Christmas movie, Home Alone 2.

From luxurious leather-look fabrics to smooth velvets , appliqué offers a treasure trove of options to suit every style and brand. This versatile technique transforms clothing and accessories into show-stopping promotional items that clients will cherish long after the holidays.

With the holiday promo industry projected to grow by 6.4% annually, there’s no better time to elevate your branding game. Let’s dive into how appliqué embroidery—and its variety of fabric options—can bring magic to your merchandise.

What’s Appliqué Embroidery?

Think of appliqué embroidery as a stylish layering game. In house, we use specialised tear-away fabrics which are directly sewn onto garments alongside embroidery for added texture and dimension. Typically, appliqué fabrics are the perfect solution for easily creating badges, patches and large area lettering. Whether you want a metallic gold look or sleek leather effects, there’s an appliqué fabric to match your needs. Here’s a look at the fabric options that can transform your designs:

1. Metallic Fabrics: Add a touch of sparkle, perfect for premium campaigns and bold logos.
2. Leather-Look Fabrics: Bring a luxurious, textured feel to outerwear and bags.
3. Velvet Appliqué: Soft and indulgent, ideal for winter promotions.

How it’s done:

Here’s why Appliqué is the go-to special effect for your branded wear: 

[THE PERKS] Appliqué fabrics make your designs unforgettable by:

• Adding Texture: Research shows that tactile elements in branding improve memorability by up to 70%.
• Being super versatile: Appliqué can be used on most fabric types as well as items including bags, clothing or baseball caps.
• Creating visual appeal: Metallic and velvet fabrics draw attention to logos, ensuring your brand outshines the competition.
• Offering Durability: Studies indicate that embroidered items last 25% longer than printed counterparts, making them a more durable, sustainable choice.

[THE CONS] Whilst there’s plenty of perks, it’s important to consider that:

• Simple Designs Work Best: Intricate details or tiny text can get lost in the effect.
• Size Matters: Larger items like hoodies and bags are ideal, while smaller items may not showcase the full impact of the technique.

But don’t let these limitations dampen your holiday spirit—our expert team can help tweak your design to suit your needs!

For December’s product of the month design, we combined regular & metallic embroidery with a faux leather-look fabric sourced at Madeira UK.

Here’s how you can integrate appliqué embroidery into your merchandise:

• Outerwear: Think oversized hoodies, padded jackets, or even windbreakers!
• Caps & Bags: Combine appliqué fabrics with embroidery for stylish headwear or durable accessories.
• Team Gear: Perfect for sports teams or corporate events, creating a standout, cohesive look.

In a market overflowing with standard branding, appliqué embroidery allows your designs to break the mould. Its combination of durability, bold aesthetics, and versatility makes it the ultimate choice for companies looking to leave a lasting impression.

Ready to take your designs to the next level? Reach out to us today!

To request a free sample for your clients email us at sales@screenworks.co.uk

Sources used in this blog: 

https://www.eventcube.io/blog/key-event-industry-statistics-data-trends-and-insights-in-2024

https://www.quadrant2design.com/the-events-industry-key-statistics/

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/events-industry-market

Enhance your merchandise with glow-in-the-dark embroidery!

Who said embroidery had to be boring? Light up the sky with the glow-in-the-dark embroidered scarf & beanie set! Inspired by the cult Japanese anime Howl’s Moving Castle’s sassy fire character, Calcifer was especially chosen to illustrate this month’s glowy special effect. 

To highlight this unique technique, we’ve collaborated with Beechfield original headwear to personalise their super soft knitted scarf & beanie set, which comes with a customisable cardboard packaging, perfect for gift giving season!

A look into how it’s done:

To embroider on a thick knitted beanie or a scarf, it’s best practice to apply a flattening stitch before embroidering the rest of the design. We do this in order to create a structured canvas by reducing the bulk and ensuring the fabric holds its shape, which gives the final design a cleaner, professional finish.

Then, the rest of the design is embroidered on top, incorporating the Luna glow-in-the-dark thread as a satin stitch which makes the details pop! For more information about this special effect thread visit: Glow In The Dark Embroidery Thread | Madeira Luna

The perks of glow-in-the-dark embroidery:

• It’s perfect for day and night visibility: This technique is ideal to enhance your brand’s visibility as it keeps your brand logo vibrantly bright even in low-lighting conditions, making it ideal for dimly lit environments.
• It’s memorable: Glow-in-the-dark products are fun, unique, and memorable, which makes recipients more likely to remember you!
• Its social media and viral appeal: This decoration method look great in photos, especially in low-light settings, encouraging recipients to share pictures on social media. It’s a great opportunity to extend your brand’s reach by creating organic buzz.
• It’s event-friendly: Glow-in-the-dark effect is especially effective for night events, concerts, festivals, or trade shows to generate interactive engagement!
• Versatile applications: Embroidery is ideal for incorporating special effects to a wide range of products such as outerwear, hoodies, caps & garments where other decoration methods are less suitable.
• It’s a durable & sustainable decoration method: This embroidery method is durable and will retain its glowing effect even after multiple washes! This ensures that your brand message continues to shine over time – what’s not to love?

By using glow-in-the-dark embroidery, your brand can create captivating promotional items that engage with your audience in ways regular embroidery or printing often can’t achieve. Ready to take your designs to the next level? Reach out to us today!

A special thanks to our friends & partners at Beechfield brands for supplying us with these super soft Beechfield scarf & beanie sets.

To request a free sample for your clients email us at sales@screenworks.co.uk

A look at under-peak DTF decoration!

To celebrate the spooky season in style, this month’s product is inspired by none other than the latest Joker movie Folie à Deux. Much like the mixed movie reviews, this cap is designed to spark conversation by breaking convention. We haven’t seen anything like this before – have you?

Decorated with a combination of DTF transfer topped with a soft white 3D silicone on the front panel, the Joker snapback surprises you by featuring an unexpected vibrant design right underneath its peak. Why so serious? At Screenworks, we’re all about experimenting to push the boundaries of what’s possible, what’s innovation without a little fun? Keep reading to learn how to ace this new process.

How it’s done:

1. Conceptualise your design: Start by brainstorming designs that tie in together to reflect your brand! Think about how the under-peak DTF can enhance your messaging—whether it’s adding intricate logos, featuring a written message or creating a bold, eye-catching graphic, this is a real opportunity to customise your product!

2. Prepare & apply the transfer: Print the design on specialised DTF film. Once the cap has been pre-pressed, heat press to transfer the design on the peak. We use specially made heat plates shaped for caps. Let it cool before peeling off the film to ensure the design has fully transferred.

3. Add the silicone transfer: For an added touch, apply a 3D silicone transfer to the front of the cap. This combination of techniques creates a striking, high-quality finish that stands out (PS: these are available in many different shades).

Why decorate the under-peak of a cap?

We hear you, this is likely not the first area you think of decorating on a cap! If you ask us, under-peak DTF decoration is a game-changer in the world of promotional merchandise. For one, it’s a brand-new process; we’ve just developed it!

Here’s a few reasons why your brand will benefit from this technique:

1. It adds an element of surprise: Akin to the unexpected plot twist in a suspenseful thriller, under-peak decoration adds an element of surprise. It’s a hidden gem that catches the eye only when worn, making it a conversation starter for anyone wearing it!

2. It maximises your design space! Utilising the bottom of the cap allows you to maximise the design space on your cap. This means more room for creativity & customisation without cluttering the main branding areas.

3. It’s fresh & memorable: In a sea of standard caps, an under-peak design sets your merchandise apart. It’s a unique feature that clients will remember and appreciate – get in on it before everyone else does!

4. The world is your oyster: Whether it’s a detailed logo, a colourful graphic, or a subtle pattern, DTF transfers can handle it all with precision and vibrancy.

Pro tips to achieve the best results with under-peak decorating:

• DTF is ideal for photo-realistic & highly detailed artwork with vibrant colours!
• For a seamless finish, opt for a design that blends into the colour of the cap.
• Keep in mind this decoration appears in the wearer’s field of vision when designing!
• Tie in this space with the front panel design to emphasise your brand’s messaging.

Combining different techniques and transfers is the simplest way to achieve the striking quality finishes often found in retail; this is what will set your merchandise apart from the rest. If you’d like to know more about what processes work well together, reach out to our team and we’ll advise you the best way forward.

Ready to take your designs to the next level? Reach out to us today – let’s create something amazing together!

A special thanks to our friends & partners at Ralawise.com for supplying us with these high quality Beechfield Original Baseball caps!

To request a free sample for your clients email us at sales@screenworks.co.uk

Learn how fringe embroidery can elevate your promotional clothing designs

In this blog, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to achieve this special effect, along with insider tips on fringe embroidery and how to incorporate it into your next project.

How it’s done:

To achieve a memorable special effect, start by brainstorming techniques that reflect the nature of the artwork. Conceptualizing the design with a chosen technique in mind is what leads to an impactful result. Sure, adding fringe embroidery to text is easy. The challenge lies in incorporating the special effect in the right context—like a western disco hat!

For this mixed media special effect, we created the artwork in two parts: first, the embroidered hat outline with the fringe, and second, the mirror transfer. We hand-drew the mirror transfer before converting it into a vector file using Adobe Illustrator. It’s crucial to ensure the artwork is clean and precise as transfers are lasered with exact accuracy.

How do I incorporate fringe embroidery into my designs?

Fringe embroidery is a highly versatile decoration technique. You can choose to use it traditionally, as we did with the cowboy hat or, you can let your imagination run wild by taking inspiration from the swatches below. Fringe is the perfect effect to add fluffy textures to a design, making it ideal for adding depth to flowers, animal motifs, or to add a soft touch 3D element to an otherwise flat embroidery design.

As you can see, fringe can be used to elevate text and can also be layered in multiple colours to achieve your desired look. Below, you’ll find examples of what you can achieve with fringe embroidery; however it doesn’t stop there. For more inspiration, check out Pinterest—it’s a fantastic resource for creative ideas!

A few things to consider before diving in:

• Fringe embroidery is suitable for multiple fabric types!
• The effect is ideal to decorate garments, bags, hats & accessories.
• It’s ideal for designs including; hair, fringe & tassels, feathering or any soft features.
• The fringe stitch is maximum 20mm in length – it’s an accent piece.

Curious to know how you can combine special effects for your design? There are so many to choose from; and it can be tricky to know how & when to use them. Luckily, our team are here to walk you through the process!

Article references:

Image 1: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/815573814561452289/ accessed 29.08.2024

Image 2: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/680606562456387258/ accessed 29.08.2024

Image 3: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/815573814572286242/ accessed 29.08.2024

Incorporating puff vinyl into your promo wear

An Inside look at the 3D Olympic Medal:

This project was inspired by the new B&C MyPolo 180 in Meta Gold which is a high quality metallic stand-out piece with a classic, modern cut made of a fine yet weighty 180gsm pique fabric. We’ve quite literally never seen anything like it before! This unique polo drove our lovely artwork lead to recreate the Paris 2024 Olympic medal in celebration of the games this summer.

Once the design was set, the team sourced this gold metallic puff vinyl which is partly made from recycled polyurethane (PU). The design was then cut out and carefully weeded before getting heat pressed on the limited edition garments.

Puff screen-print vs Puff transfer – which one should I pick?

With the popularity of puff ink printing, you might be wondering how puff transfer differentiates. Let’s break it down;

1. Puff transfers are ideal for smaller orders as they require fewer resources to set up, meaning they are a quicker and cheaper alternative to screen-printing.
2. Whilst puff ink achieves a great result, it’s best to opt for transfer for high-shine and metallic finishes. Additionally, they won’t fade or crack over time.
3. Well executed, puff transfers tend to be the more durable option, so long as proper care is taken when washing the garment.

What types of puff transfer are there?

Puff transfer is a versatile special effect, which is a great standalone for quick & easy branding whilst also combining well with other techniques. The technique creates high-impact designs, with a raised texture which adds depth to your graphics, making logos and messages more prominent and unforgettable.

A few things to consider before diving in:

• Puff vinyl can be applied to mixed fabric compositions, giving it wide range of application.
• The effect is ideal to decorate garments, bags, hats & accessories.
• Highly detailed designs should be considered when opting for puff transfer, as designs may require simplification for best results.

Curious to know how you can combine special effects for your design? Give us a call, our team will happily walk you through the process to find a solution for your specific requirements.

Article references:

Image 1: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/1080230660608748774/ accessed 18.07.24

Image 2: https://www.613originals.com/products/puff-multidimensional accessed 18.07.24

Image 3: https://www.tiktok.com/@shellyward05/video/7389235820894489899 accessed 18.07.24