FAQ
Embroidery and screen printing can seem a little mysterious but we'd like to clarify the most commonly asked questions! If there's anything you don't see in our FAQ that you would like to ask us about your project, please feel free to reach out through our online form, email or phone.
+ What’s the difference between embroidery, screen printing, patches, and sewing/alterations?
Products and services at VCE:
Embroidery - AVAILABLE
Embroidery uses thread to stitch your design directly into fabric. Machine embroidery uses computer generated designs and specialized industrial machines to stitch design into the fabric using thread
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Best for: Professional, long-lasting designs
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Pros: Durable, upscale appearance
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Common items: Uniforms, hats, outerwear
Screen Printing - AVAILABLE
Screen printing applies layers of ink on top of fabric using a mesh screen. It's great for bold, colorful designs, especially in bulk.
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Best for: T-shirts, perfomance fabrics, and team apparel
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Pros: Vibrant colors, cost-effective in large runs
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Common items: Event shirts, sportswear, branded tees
Patches - AVAILABLE but we cannot apply outside patches
Patches are separately made pieces—they can be embroidered, woven, leather, and PVC—that are sewn or heat-applied to a garment.
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Best for: Logos on heavy-duty gear or items difficult to embroider directly
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Pros: Can be pre-made in bulk, removable, and reusable
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Common items: Tactical gear, hats, jackets, backpacks
Products and services NOT at VCE:
✂️ Tailoring / Alterations
Tailoring involves modifying or repairing clothing to better fit or function, not decorating it.
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Best for: Hemming, resizing, zipper repairs
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Pros: Improves fit and extends garment life
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Common services: Pants hemming, sleeve adjustments, patching tears
Here's some good options for alterations shops near us!
+ Can I get my company logo on shirts, hats, jackets, quarter zips, sweatshirts, etc?
Yes, absolutely! We can put your logo on shirts, hats, jackets, sweatshirts, blankets, bags, beanies, aprons, and more! We specialize in making you and your team look good while promoting your own brand.
Why Branded Apparel Helps Your Business
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Boosts Brand Recognition – Every shirt or hat becomes a walking billboard for your company.
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Creates a Professional Look – Matching apparel builds trust and credibility with customers.
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Promotes Team Unity – Uniforms help employees feel part of the team and proud of where they work.
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Perfect for Events & Trade Shows – Branded gear makes your team stand out and look organized.
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Makes a Great First Impression – Customers notice polished, well-branded staff.
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Starts Conversations – Your logo on apparel sparks interest and makes networking easier.
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Doubles as Swag & Gifts – Give branded gear to customers or employees as a thank-you or incentive.
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Cost-Effective Advertising – One shirt can promote your business for years with no recurring costs.
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Ideal for Onboarding & Merch Stores – Create easy employee welcome kits or internal company stores.
Want to get started? Check out our next FAQ!
+ How do I get my company logo on apparel?
How to Get Branded Apparel with Your Logo
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Send Us Your Logo
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Preferred formats: .AI, .EPS, .SVG, or vector .PDF
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Don’t have one? We can convert your .png or .jpeg to a vector file for $25 or help you build a new logo from scratch
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Choose Your Apparel
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Browse options like t-shirts, polos, hats, jackets, and more from our extensive catalog.
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We carry fan-favorite brands like Carhartt, Nike, New Era, TravisMathew, OGIO, and The North Face in addition to Richardson, Columbia, and others!
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We’ll help you pick the best styles and brands for your team, event, or business.
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Pick a Decoration Method
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Embroidery for a premium, long-lasting look (no minimums)
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Screen printing for large designs on light weight apparel like t-shirts, performance fabrics, and sweatshirts, (minimum of 24 pieces)
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Approve the Proof
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We’ll send a digital mockup or embroidery preview for your review
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You can request changes before we go to production
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Get It Made!
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Most orders are completed in 2-3 weeks after approval
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Pick Up or Ship Out
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Choose local pickup or convenient shipping right to your door
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80 N. First Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: 317.733.3110
Retail hours: 10 am - 4 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays (and by appointment)
We accept: