DECORATION HANDBOOKSummer 2018

It’s your life. Take it by�torm.

Table of Contents

Decoration Types and Tips 3

Recommended Decoration Methods by Style 7

Storm Creek Thread Color Chart 8

Apparel Decoration Locations 9

Order Information Check List 10

Proof Approval Form Example 13

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DECORATION TYPES AND TIPS

EMBROIDERY

Embroidery is by far the most common decoration style. The logo first needs to be digitized (recreated for use on an embroidery machine)—the result is a .dst file. The customer may already have a .dst file, which – if in the same size as desired on the new garments – can be reused and save the cost of digitizing. There are other types of embroidery files, such as .emb and .ofm. If a customer thinks they have an embroidery file, please send it to art@stormcreek.com to have it verified as compatible to ensure the digitizing fee can be waived.

When starting a project, appropriate thread colors need to be chosen for each color in the logo. Storm Creek has a thread color chart that shows thread choices and their PMS color equivalent. Special colors (not on our chart) can be used, at an upcharge. The customer will receive a digital proof of their digitized logo, with selected thread colors, on a digital swatch of their chosen apparel fabric. A physical sew-out sample can be requested and sent ($8.00 plus shipping).

KEEP IN MIND: • The sheen of the thread and the subtle texture of the embroidery add a rich

look and feel to any garment.• Embroidery is more durable and less susceptible to fading/peeling from

washing than other decoration methods.• Intricate designs and small lettering on an original logo may need to be

simplified/enlarged or otherwise edited for the best digitizing results.• The price is based on number of stitches so large and/or intricate logos can

result in a high stitch count and thus higher cost.• Knowing which garment will be decorated in advance of digitizing is important.

For instance, if it’s going on a lightweight garment, the logo should be digitizedwith fewer stitches so the finished product does not “pucker” in theembroidered area.

• Some garments have features which may limit the size/location of theembroidery. Also, be mindful that the men’s version of a style may work for acertain size/location, but the women's companion piece may not (i.e. there maybe different pocket locations.)

• If a customer has already had their logo embroidered but does not haveaccess to the digitized file, it is still very helpful have a photograph of the lastembroidery they did. This helps us both match the previous (approved) designas closely as possible and show us what modifications have already been madeto the official logo that the customer may not notice/be aware of.

• If a design has a high level of detail or a high stich count it can be beneficial toconsider a printed applique or type of patch. We have access to several

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different types of patches that may meet the customer’s needs in a more cost-effective way.

• If a design is very large an applique should be considered. This uses coloredtwill to cover large monochromatic areas of the design in order reduce thestitch count. It is also great for large lettering.

Artwork required: DST, JPEG, EPS or PDF files. If DST file is provided and used as is, no digitizing fees will apply.

HEAT TRANSFER

Think of this method as a more advanced and higher quality “iron-on transfer.” The actual transfer is created digitally, in sheets, and applied using regulated heat and pressure to bond, or seal, the graphics onto the fabric. This method is appropriate for lightweight and woven (think “slippery” or “smooth”) fabrics. It is not an option for textured and knit fabrics like Storm Creek’s waffle knit or sweaterfleece.

KEEP IN MIND: • This method can accommodate logos with finer details and smaller text better

than embroidery.• Transfers are available in many different finishes, we will recommend the right

one(s) for your selected garment.• Full color and PMS matching is available, as well as reflective.• Heat transfer should not be done on certain fabrics that can’t be exposed to

the high heat from the press. A specific temperature range for the pressing willbe specified.

• This can be more cost effective than screen printing for smaller orders.• There are many placement possibilities for heat transfer because you don’t

have to worry about fitting a hoop anywhere, or having embroidery backingshowing.

• Instead of standard “flat” transfers, you can order emblems, patches and otherthree-dimensional transfers to be applied via the same method.

Artwork required: Ai (Illustrator), EPS or vector-based PDF files. $40 set-up fee will be added if the artwork needs to be vectorized (for artwork sent as a JPEG, TIFF or PDF/EPS with placed images).

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LASER ETCH

Laser Etching involves a computerized laser to precisely “burn” a logo or design into the top layer of the fabric. The type and color of fabric is key to knowing if this method is appropriate. This method of decorating apparel is really growing in popularity and is a great way to add a logo in a subtle and unique way.

KEEP IN MIND: • Intricate designs can usually be laser etched with precision; however, laser

etching is at the mercy of the fabric. A smooth fabric will laser more cleanly.Fleece can be lasered, but fine details may be lost in the pile of the fabric.

• Laser is always a tone-on-tone look.• The resulting decorated area has a softer “built-in” feel, versus embroidery,

heat transfer, or screen print.• Laser etching permanently changes the garment, and it will never crack, fade,

peel or fray.• You can laser etch over zippers, pockets, etc. in ways not possible with other

decoration methods.• Pricing is calculated by logo/design size.

Artwork required: Ai (Illustrator), .EPS or Vector-based PDF files.

SCREEN PRINT

Screen printing is the way to achieve art detail and vibrant colors, matched exactly to your brand standards. Screen printing involves creating a stencil (a "screen"), and then using that stencil to apply layers of ink on the fabric. Each color is applied using a different stencil, one at a time, combined to achieve the final look.

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KEEP IN MIND: • Screen printing is most cost effective for large quantity orders. The minimum

order quantity on screen printed items exists because of the extra materialsand labor time associated with this printing method.

• Unlike our other decorating methods, screen print pricing is a one-size-fits-all,meaning you can get a larger front or back design for the same price as a leftchest.

• You can match any PMS color you need, which is great for adhering tobranding standards.

• Screen printing is a good option for designs that require a high-level ofvibrancy or when printing on dark shirts.

Artwork required: Ai (Illustrator), .EPS, or Vector-based files.

DYE SUBLIMATION

Dye sublimation is the transfer of heat activated dyes directly into the weave of the fabric. This method creates vibrant, full color images. This decoration type is very permanent and feels like it is part of the fabric instead of adhered to it.

KEEP IN MIND • From full-color photographs, to multi-colored logos, the color will be vibrant

and steadfast.• This method works best on white, 100% polyester garments. It can be used on

colored 100% polyester garments; however, the colors of the artwork will blendin with the colors of the fabric—and white ink cannot be printed.

• Dye sublimation can be a more cost-effective option for designs that cover thefull front/back of the garment.

Artwork required: Ai (Illustrator), .EPS, .PDF, or high-resolution images of 300 DPI or higher.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP The Storm Creek Customer Experience Team is here to help you through decoration questions and orders from start to finish. We are happy to consult with you in the early stages of an order, so that we can direct you and your customers to the right options and considerations from the beginning. Share the logo/design as soon as possible so we can present solutions. Even if a design looks simple, it may turn out to be much more complicated than expected and this early consultation can alleviate customer frustration and lost time.

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DECORATION METHODS INDEX

STYLE # STYLE NAME RECOMMENDED DECORATION METHOD RECOMMENDED

LOCATIONS

2420/2425 Smart Stretch Pullover Freedom/Liberty Embroidery, Heat Trasfer Screen Print Lft chest, Rt chest bicep, back, hip

2530/2535 Bamboo Pullover Carlos/Carli Embroidery, Heat Transfer Screen Print Lft chest, Rt chest bicep, back, hip

2920/2925 Waffle Knit Pullover Jarrett/Janica Embroidery Lft chest, Rt chest bicep, yoke, hip

3120/3125 Quilted Thermolite® Vest Kasper/Katrina Embroidery, Heat Transfer Lft chest, back, hip

3140/3145 Thermolite TravelPack Jacket Will/Anne Embroidery, Heat Transfer Lft chest, Rt chest bicep, back, hip

3150/3155 Thermolite TravelPack Vest Max/Mikeala Embroidery, Heat Transfer Lft chest, Rt chest bicep, back, hip

3160/3165 Quilted Thermolite® Jacket Kerrin/Karrine Embroidery, Heat Transfer Lft chest, bicep, back, hip

3410/3415 IronWeave Jacket Devon/Danielle Embroidery Lft Chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

3510/3515 Heather Performance Fleece Jacket Bret/Briana Embroidery, Heat Transfer, Screen Print Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

4000/4005 High-Stretch Fleece-Lined Softshell Jacket Fredric/Hilde Embroidery, Heat Transfer, Laser Etch** Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

4050/4055 High-Stretch Fleece-Lined Softshell Vest Dimitri/Deidra Embroidery, Heat Transfer, Laser Etch** Lft chest, back, hip

4200/4260 Velvet-Lined Softshell Jacket Sean/Shayla Embroidery, Heat Transfer, Laser Etch** Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

4620/4625 Sweaterfleece Jacket Callum/Celine Embroidery, Laser Etch** Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

4630/4635 Sweaterfleece Vest Guy/Christa Embroidery, Laser Etch** Lft chest, back, hip

4640 Snap-Front Sweaterfleece Pullover Vic Embroidery, Laser Etch** Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

4670/4675 Feather Sweater Pullover Edmond/Hillary Embroidery Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

5705/5705W Rugged Insulated Jacket Tucker/Tanya Embroidery, Heat Transfer Left chest, bicep, back, hip

6270/ 6275 Packable Lightweight Stretch Wind Jacket Adrian/Amelia Embroidery, Heat Transfer, Screen Print Left chest, bicep, back, hip

6300/6305 Executive All-Season Jacket Donald/Eleanor Embroidery, Heat Transfer, Laser Etch Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

6310/6315 Elite Fleece-Lined Jacket Cary/Lindsey Embroidery, Heat Transfer, Laser Etch** Lft chest, bicep, back, hip

6320/6325 Luxe Thermolite® Insulated Jacket Stein/Sophia Embroidery, Heat Transfer, Laser Etch** Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

6510/6515 2.5 Layer Waterproof/Breathable Jacket Henry/Steph Embroidery, Heat Transfer Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

6520/6525 Ultimate Stretch 10K/10K Rain Jacket Martin/Victoria Embroidery, Heat Transfer Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

6560/6565 Waterproof Packable Jacket

Rupert/Rachel Embroidery, Heat Transfer

Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

MADE-TO-ORDER

MTO3120/3125 Quilted Thermolite® Vest Kasper/Katrina Embroidery, Heat Transfer Lft chest, back, hip

MTO3160/3165 Quilted Thermolite® Jacket Kerrin/Karrine Embroidery, Heat Transfer

Lft chest, bicep, back, hip

MTO4000/4005 Microfleece Lined Softshell Fredric/Hilde Embroidery, Heat Transfer, Laser Etch**

Lft chest, Rt chest, bicep, back, hip

** Decoration technique recommended for select colors. Please email art@stormcreek.com for more information.

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STORM CREEK STANDARD EMBROIDERY THREAD COLORS

Madeira PMS Madeira PMS Madeira PMS

Color Number Equivalent Color Number Equivalent Color Number Equivalent

1001 663 1221 7598 1028 278

1800 Process Black C 1379 179 1029 279

1010 441 1598 FLUO. ORANGE 1042 8184

1011 421 1025 131 1043 289

1012 429 1068 116 1076 2728

1041 431 1069 123 1166 2747

1086 427 1070 141 1177 2935

1118 429 1125 1225 1243 2768

1164 8605 1137 137 1277 534

1241 432 1159 117 1467 8782

1415 430 1049 360 1842 2131

1918 10388 1051 2252 1112 2090

1039 200 1103 3435 1122 7664

1146 485 1169 377 1055 155

1147 1795 1248 367 1056 146

1238 201 1950 I FLUiiilME I 1058 175

1109 212 1250 3415 1071 9285

1110 219 1090 2235 1082 2316

1021 167 1095 638 1136 7531

1065 151 1297 2193 1138 9183

1078 021 1376 302 1344 10356

Effective 06/01/18 Thread Color Change: $20 (a) per color change. Additional charges apply on colors not shown above.

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DECORATION ORDER INFORMATION CHECKLIST

To ensure your decoration order moves smoothly through the process, please use this checklist to make sure all information is provided when submitting your order:

✓ Customer name

✓ Customer ship-to address

✓ PO number

✓ Items ordered with style # and/or name, colors and sizes

✓ Type of decoration – Embroidery, Heat Seal, Laser Etch, Screen Print, or DyeSublimation

✓ Artwork in .JPEG, .EPS or .PDF format for new art to be digitized or providea .DST file (embroidery orders)

✓ Logo location and size of logo if known (length x width)

✓ Thread colors or PMS colors to match (.DST files do not contain colors of thelogo, we will need that information if customer is providing a .DST file)

✓ Does the order have a firm in-hands date? Any details about this (for anevent, etc.) are helpful

✓ Email address to send proofs and all correspondence

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STORM CREEK"

624 Spiral Blvd. Hastings, MN. 55033 (651) 480-3000art@stormcreek.comhttps:// distributor. stormcreek. com

TAPE# Color 1 Color 2

5941 11001 White

5942 11001 White

5941 --

Color 3

LOGO NAME

TAPE NUMBER

LOGO SIZE

STITCH COUNT

LOCATION

DIGITAL PROOF

7 59

41 59

42

3Wx .SH 3Wx .5H

2522 2522 ·- 1-------- -

Left Chest Left Chest -·---

ORDER ID

f 4-7

9

_4

_8

=i CUSTOMER PO# _3_9

791·1 _____________ =i

Color 4 Color 5 Color 6 Color 7 Color 8

r- ,- 7 J I I I I

5942 L

Specific colors are noted above in color blocks, proof image color accuracy on screen and print will vary.

Approved by:

Notes:

Signature:

The timeline for production begins upon proof approval received by Storm Creek.

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