Custom Station: Screen Printing and Embroidery in Charleston

What Custom Station Offers

Custom Station is a screen printing and embroidery shop located in Charleston that handles custom apparel orders for individuals, small businesses, and organizations. They print directly onto t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other garments, and they also offer embroidery work for a different look and feel. The shop works with customers to design or refine artwork before production begins.

The business operates as a local print shop rather than an online-only service, which means you can walk in, see samples of their work, and discuss your project face-to-face. This setup is useful if you want to see how different ink colors look on actual fabric or if you have questions about what's possible with your design before you commit to an order.

Key Takeaways

• Custom Station prints and embbroiders custom apparel in Charleston and works with you to prepare artwork before production.
• You can visit in person to see samples, discuss design options, and understand pricing for your specific order.
• The shop handles both small personal orders and larger runs for businesses or organizations.
• Screen printing and embroidery produce different visual results—screen printing is flatter and works well for detailed designs, while embroidery creates a raised, textured finish.

How to Start a Project at Custom Station

Contact the shop directly by phone or visit their location to discuss what you need. Bring any artwork or design ideas you already have, or describe what you're looking for and ask what they recommend. They can tell you whether your design works better as screen printing or embroidery, and they can explain how changes to your artwork might affect the final cost.

Once you've settled on a design, you'll receive a quote based on the number of garments, the complexity of the artwork, and the printing or embroidery method. Payment and production timelines vary depending on order size and current shop capacity, so ask about turnaround time when you place your order.

Screen Printing vs. Embroidery at Custom Station

Screen printing uses ink applied through a mesh screen to create a flat, smooth image on fabric. It works well for designs with bold colors, fine details, or photographic elements. The ink sits on top of the garment and can feel slightly stiff, especially on heavier designs. Screen printing is typically the more affordable option for larger orders because the setup cost spreads across many garments.

Embroidery uses thread stitched into the fabric to create a raised, textured design. It produces a more durable, premium look and works particularly well for logos, monograms, and simpler designs with fewer colors. Embroidery is often the better choice for professional or formal wear because it conveys quality and craftsmanship. The cost per garment is usually higher than screen printing, especially for small orders, but the durability can justify the expense for items you'll wear for years.

Garment Options and Customization

Custom Station works with a range of blank garments beyond basic t-shirts. Hoodies, long-sleeve shirts, hats, bags, and jackets are common options. The specific inventory available may vary, so ask what blanks they stock or whether they can source a particular style for your order.

You can choose garment color, size range, and fabric weight depending on what's available and what suits your design. Some designs look better on certain colors—a light design on a dark shirt, for example—so discuss color combinations with the shop to make sure your final product matches what you're picturing.

Pricing and Order Size

Custom Station charges based on the number of garments, the complexity of your design, and whether you choose screen printing or embroidery. A small order of five shirts will cost more per shirt than an order of fifty because the setup work is the same either way. Embroidery typically costs more per garment than screen printing, particularly for orders under twenty pieces.

Ask for a detailed quote that breaks down the per-garment cost and any setup fees. This helps you understand whether ordering more garments at once would lower your per-unit price, which is useful if you're deciding between a small test run and a larger order.

Preparing Your Artwork

You don't need to arrive with perfect artwork. Custom Station can work with sketches, photos, rough ideas, or existing logos. However, the cleaner and more detailed your starting point, the easier it is for them to prepare your design for printing or embroidery.

If you have a digital file, bring it on a flash drive or email it ahead of time. If you have a physical logo or design, bring that too. The shop can scan it, clean it up, adjust colors, resize it, and prepare it for production. Be clear about any specific colors, sizing, or placement you want on the garment so there are no surprises when you pick up your order.

Turnaround Time and Pickup

Production time depends on order size and how busy the shop is. A small order might be ready in a few days, while a large order for a business or event could take one to two weeks. Ask about the timeline when you place your order so you know when to expect your garments.

You'll pick up your finished order at the shop location. Make sure you inspect the garments before you leave to confirm the design, colors, sizing, and overall quality match what you discussed. If anything looks off, address it with the shop right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Custom Station work with a design I found online?

Yes, but you need to own the rights to use it or have permission from the copyright holder. If you found a design you like but don't own it, the shop can help you create something original inspired by that style. Bringing a reference image is helpful for showing the shop the aesthetic you're after.

What's the minimum order size?

Custom Station typically works with orders as small as one garment, though pricing per item is higher for very small runs. Ask about minimums when you contact them, as they may vary depending on whether you're doing screen printing or embroidery.

Can I order different sizes in one order?

Yes. You can order a mix of small, medium, large, and extra-large garments in a single order. Let the shop know the size breakdown when you place your order so they can prepare everything correctly.

How do I care for screen-printed or embroidered garments?

Screen-printed items should be washed inside-out in cold water and air-dried to preserve the ink. Embroidered garments can be washed normally but should also be turned inside-out to protect the stitching. Ask Custom Station for specific care instructions when you pick up your order, as they may have recommendations based on the garment type and design.

Do you offer rush orders?

Some shops can accommodate rush requests for an additional fee, though availability depends on current workload. Contact Custom Station directly to ask whether they can speed up production for your timeline and what the extra cost would be.