EBI Embroidery and Customz: Custom Stitching and Screen Printing in South Carolina
What EBI Embroidery and Customz offers
EBI Embroidery and Customz is a screen printing and embroidery shop that handles custom orders for apparel, hats, bags, and other items. The business combines two techniques—machine embroidery and screen printing—so you can choose which method works best for your design, budget, and timeline. They work with individuals ordering single pieces, small teams needing uniforms, and larger organizations running promotional campaigns.
The shop handles the full process from design consultation through production. If you arrive with a finished design, they can work from that. If you need help developing one, they can guide you through the options. They print and embroider on blank garments you provide or source items for you, depending on what you prefer.
Key Takeaways
- EBI offers both embroidery and screen printing, so you can choose the technique that fits your design, budget, and how quickly you need the order.
- The shop works with custom designs you bring or helps you develop one from scratch if you need design input.
- Orders range from single pieces to bulk runs for teams, events, and businesses.
- You can bring your own blank garments or have EBI source them for you.
Embroidery versus screen printing: which to choose
Embroidery uses thread stitched by machine directly onto fabric, creating a raised, textured finish. It works well for logos, small detailed designs, and items like polo shirts, hats, and jackets where durability and a polished look matter. Embroidered pieces tend to cost more per item but hold up through many washes and look professional on work uniforms or branded merchandise.
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen onto fabric, laying down flat color. It's faster and cheaper for large runs, works on almost any garment, and produces bright, bold graphics. Screen printing is the better choice if you need 50 t-shirts for an event, want photographic images, or need the lowest cost per piece. The trade-off is that screen-printed designs can crack or fade after heavy washing, though quality work lasts years with normal care.
EBI can advise which method suits your specific design and order size. A small run of five polo shirts might make more sense as embroidery; 200 t-shirts for a fundraiser almost always means screen printing.
How to place an order
Contact EBI directly to discuss your project. Have ready a description of what you want—the garment type, the design or image, how many pieces you need, and when you need them. If you have a finished design file (a logo, artwork, or photo), bring that. If not, describe what you're picturing and ask whether they can help refine it.
EBI will give you a quote based on the technique, garment, design complexity, and quantity. Pricing varies significantly by order size; a single embroidered polo costs far more per piece than 20 of the same shirt. Once you agree on price and timeline, they'll produce a sample or proof for your approval before running the full order.
Turnaround time depends on how busy the shop is and how complex your design is. Simple orders might be ready in a week; larger or more detailed runs can take two to three weeks. Ask about their current timeline when you call.
Bringing your own garments versus sourcing through EBI
You can bring blank t-shirts, polos, hats, or other items you've already purchased, and EBI will print or embroider them. This works if you have a specific brand or fit you prefer, or if you've already bought inventory. Make sure garments are clean and unwrinkled before dropping them off.
Alternatively, EBI can source blank garments for you. This is often simpler if you're ordering a large quantity or don't have a strong preference on brand. They'll handle finding the right size range and quality level for your budget, then customize everything in one process. Ask about pricing for both options when you get your quote.
Design help and file requirements
If you're starting from scratch, EBI can work with you to develop a design. Bring reference images, describe your vision, and discuss what will work best for your chosen technique. They understand how embroidery and screen printing each handle detail, color, and size differently, so they can steer you toward a design that will look good and stay within budget.
If you already have artwork, provide it as a digital file—typically a PDF, AI, or high-resolution image file. EBI will let you know if the file needs adjustments for printing or embroidery. Very small or intricate designs may not work well in embroidery; very fine lines or gradients may not translate cleanly in screen printing. They'll flag these issues early so you can adjust before production starts.
Pricing and order minimums
Screen printing and embroidery pricing depends on several factors: the number of pieces, the number of colors in your design, the garment type, and the complexity of the artwork. A single embroidered item costs significantly more per piece than 50 of the same thing. Screen printing becomes more economical at higher quantities because the setup cost is spread across more pieces.
EBI does not have a strict minimum order size, but very small orders (one or two pieces) will cost more per item. Ask about pricing for your specific quantity and design when you contact them. They can often suggest ways to adjust your design or order size to bring the cost down without sacrificing quality.
When to use EBI for different projects
EBI is a good fit for work uniforms, team apparel, promotional merchandise, event t-shirts, personalized gifts, and branded items for small businesses. If you need 10 embroidered polos for a sales team, 100 screen-printed t-shirts for a 5K race, or a single custom hat, they can handle it. They're also useful if you want to test a design on a small batch before committing to a large order.
The shop works within South Carolina, so you can visit in person to discuss your project, see samples of their work, and drop off garments or pick up finished orders. This direct relationship often makes the design and approval process smoother than working remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom order usually take?
Turnaround depends on order size and current shop volume. Simple orders may be ready in a week; larger or more detailed runs typically take two to three weeks. Call ahead to ask about their current timeline before placing your order.
Can I bring a design on my phone or a printed picture?
A printed picture or phone photo can work as a reference, but EBI will need a digital file to actually print or embroider from. If you only have a photo, ask whether they can convert it or recommend a designer who can create a file suitable for your chosen technique.
What if I don't like the sample or proof?
EBI will show you a sample or proof before running your full order. If something isn't right—color, placement, size—tell them before production starts. They can adjust the design or setup and show you another proof. Changes after full production has begun may incur additional costs.
Do you offer rush orders?
Rush orders may be possible depending on shop capacity. Call and explain your timeline. They'll let you know if they can accelerate your order and what the additional cost might be.
Can embroidery or screen printing be done on items other than t-shirts?
Yes. Both techniques work on polos, hoodies, hats, bags, jackets, and many other items. Ask EBI what garment options they stock or can source, and they'll let you know what's possible for your design.