Blazon Apparel + Print: Custom Screen Printing and Embroidery in Charleston

What Blazon Apparel + Print Does

Blazon Apparel + Print is a screen printing and embroidery shop in Charleston that produces custom apparel for individuals, small businesses, nonprofits, and events. They handle orders ranging from single pieces to bulk runs, working with customers to design and print t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other garments. The shop prints directly onto fabric using screen printing methods and adds embroidered logos and designs when that finish works better for a project.

The business operates as a local production facility, meaning your order is made in Charleston rather than shipped from a national vendor. That proximity matters if you need revisions, rush timelines, or want to see samples before committing to a large order. Blazon works with local nonprofits, sports teams, corporate groups, and individuals launching small brands or commemorating events.

Key Takeaways

• Blazon handles both screen printing and embroidery, so you can choose the finish that fits your design and budget.
• They work with orders of any size, from single custom pieces to hundreds of shirts for events or businesses.
• As a Charleston-based shop, you can visit in person to discuss designs, review samples, and adjust orders before production starts.
• Turnaround time and pricing depend on order size, design complexity, and how many colors you want printed.

Screen Printing vs. Embroidery at Blazon

Screen printing works best for designs with bold colors, large coverage areas, or photo-quality detail. The process pushes ink through a mesh screen onto the fabric, creating a durable print that holds up through many washes. Screen printing costs less per piece when you order in volume because the setup cost spreads across more garments. A design with five colors costs more to set up than a single-color design, but once the screens are made, each additional shirt adds only the cost of ink and labor.

Embroidery stitches thread directly into the fabric, giving a raised, textured finish that feels premium and lasts indefinitely. Embroidery works well for logos, smaller designs, and pieces where you want a polished, professional look—think corporate polos or team uniforms. It costs more per piece than screen printing, especially for small orders, but the per-piece cost drops as order size grows. Embroidery also works on items screen printing cannot handle well, like structured hats or jackets with seams.

Blazon can advise which method suits your design during the consultation. Many customers use both—screen printing for the main design and embroidery for a small logo on the sleeve or back neck.

How to Start an Order with Blazon

Contact Blazon with your project details: what garment you want (t-shirt, hoodie, hat, etc.), how many pieces, your design or design idea, and your timeline. You can visit the shop in person, call, email, or use their online contact form. Bring a sketch, photo, or description of what you're imagining. If you don't have a finished design, Blazon can work with you to develop one or recommend a designer.

Once Blazon understands your project, they'll provide a quote that includes the garment cost, setup fees (for screen printing), ink or thread, and labor. The quote will also include an estimated turnaround time. For screen printing, setup typically takes a few days; for embroidery, it depends on stitch count and complexity. Rush orders are often possible but may cost more.

After you approve the quote and design, Blazon produces a sample or proof for your review. This step catches any color mismatches, sizing issues, or design adjustments before the full run prints. Once you sign off, production begins. For large orders, Blazon may produce them in batches and notify you as pieces are ready for pickup or shipment.

Pricing and Order Size Considerations

Screen printing pricing depends on how many colors are in your design and how many garments you order. A single-color design on 12 shirts costs less per shirt than the same design on 3 shirts because the screen setup cost is fixed. Most shops, including Blazon, have minimum order quantities—often 6 to 12 pieces for screen printing—though they may negotiate for special projects or rush orders.

Embroidery pricing is based on stitch count (how many stitches the design requires) and the number of pieces. A small logo might be 5,000 stitches; a large back design could be 20,000 or more. The per-piece cost is highest on small orders and drops significantly as you order more. Blazon can estimate stitch count from your design file.

Garment costs vary by style, quality, and where Blazon sources them. A basic cotton t-shirt costs less than a premium blend or a structured hoodie. Asking Blazon about garment options helps you balance quality and budget. Some customers bring their own blank garments; confirm whether Blazon accepts that before ordering.

Turnaround Time and Rush Orders

Standard turnaround for screen printing is typically 5 to 10 business days from design approval to finished product, depending on order size and shop workload. Embroidery may take slightly longer if stitch counts are high or the shop is busy. These timelines assume no major design revisions after approval.

If you need your order faster, ask Blazon about rush options when you first contact them. Rush production usually costs more—sometimes 25 to 50 percent extra—but can compress timelines to 2 to 3 business days. Rush availability depends on current shop capacity, so the sooner you contact them, the better your chances.

For events with firm deadlines, build in buffer time. Communicate your event date clearly when you request a quote, and confirm the delivery date in writing before production starts. If your event is in two weeks and you're just starting the design process, that's tight but often manageable with Blazon's local turnaround.

Design Preparation and File Requirements

Blazon accepts designs in several formats: digital files (PDF, AI, EPS), images, sketches, or descriptions. If you have a logo or design already, provide the highest-resolution version you have. Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) are ideal because they scale without losing quality. Raster images (JPG, PNG) work too, but very small or low-resolution images may not print cleanly at large sizes.

If you don't have a design file, describe what you want and Blazon can point you toward a designer or create something simple in-house. Some shops charge a design fee; confirm Blazon's policy upfront. Color matters: specify exact colors or provide a color reference (Pantone numbers are standard in the printing industry). What looks red on your screen might print orange, so discussing color expectations prevents disappointment.

Placement on the garment is also part of design prep. Do you want the design centered on the chest, on the sleeve, on the back? How large should it be? Blazon will help you visualize placement and sizing before production.

When to Choose Blazon Over Online Bulk Printers

National online printers offer convenience and sometimes lower per-piece costs on very large orders. But Blazon's local presence gives you advantages for smaller runs, custom work, and tight timelines. You can walk in, see samples of their work, and talk through your project face-to-face. If your design needs tweaking after you see a proof, you're not waiting for email responses across time zones.

Blazon is also the better choice if you're building a brand or launching a small business and want to test designs before committing to hundreds of pieces. They can produce 12 or 25 shirts for a market test, then scale up once you know what sells. National printers often have higher minimums and longer lead times, making them better suited to established businesses with predictable, large orders.

For nonprofits, events, and community groups in Charleston, working with a local printer also keeps money in the local economy and builds a relationship for future orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own blank t-shirts for Blazon to print?

Many screen printing shops accept customer-supplied garments, but policies vary. Contact Blazon directly to ask whether they allow it and whether there's a fee for printing on outside blanks. If they do accept them, confirm the garment quality and fit so the finished product meets your expectations.

What's the difference between a proof and a sample?

A proof is usually a digital mockup or printed image showing how your design will look. A sample is an actual printed or embroidered garment. Blazon may provide a digital proof for free, but physical samples sometimes cost extra. Ask which they offer and whether the sample cost is refunded if you move forward with the full order.

How do I care for screen-printed or embroidered shirts to make them last?

Wash screen-printed shirts inside-out in cold water and air-dry to protect the print. Avoid bleach and high heat. Embroidered pieces should also be washed gently and air-dried. Both methods are durable and withstand many washes if cared for properly. Blazon can provide care instructions specific to your garment and print method.

Do you offer discounts for large orders?

Most screen printing shops offer volume discounts—the per-piece cost drops as order size increases. Contact Blazon with your order size and they'll provide pricing. Discounts typically kick in at 25, 50, or 100 pieces depending on the design and method.

Can Blazon print on items other than t-shirts?

Yes. Blazon works with hoodies, hats, bags, jackets, and other apparel. Some items work better with screen printing, others with embroidery. Ask about your specific garment when you contact them, and they'll let you know what's possible and what the cost looks like.