FAQ – We’re Here to Help

Find answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you need more help, feel free to contact us.

General/DTF Basics

What are DTF transfers?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers are full-color digital prints produced on a special PET film using textile inks and adhesive powder. Once cured, the design can be heat-pressed onto garments and other textiles. DTF transfers work great on cotton, polyester, blends, fleece, canvas, tote bags and more, and are ideal for detailed, multi-color artwork and small runs.

What makes Fashion Stitches different from other DTF providers?

We focus on consistency, speed and quality. All of our transfers are printed on high-grade 22" PET film using professional equipment, high-vibrancy inks and carefully dialed-in curing. We offer same-day or next-day production, no order minimums, local pickup in Riverside, CA, and responsive support from real decorators who use these transfers every day.

Who are your DTF transfers best for?

Our transfers are used by clothing brands, print shops, small businesses, schools, gyms, event organizers, nonprofits, influencers and creators who need reliable, professional-grade prints without investing in their own equipment.

Artwork & File Setup

What file types do you accept for DTF transfers and gang sheets?

We accept PNG, PDF, AI and PSD files. For most orders we recommend transparent PNGs for the cleanest edges and easiest setup.

What resolution (DPI) should my artwork be?

We strongly recommend 300 DPI at the final print size. Lower resolution artwork may look blurry or pixelated when printed. If you’re not sure, export your design at 300 DPI or send the highest-resolution version you have.

Do I need to mirror my artwork before uploading?

No. Please upload your artwork in a normal, readable orientation. We handle mirroring automatically on our end before printing.

Which color profile should I use (RGB or CMYK)?

We accept both RGB and CMYK files. If you’re working digitally, sRGB is perfectly fine. Our workflow converts colors to the correct output profile for our printers.

Do you remove the background from my images?

If you upload a transparent PNG, the background will not print. If your file has a solid white or colored background, that background will print. Please remove any unwanted backgrounds before uploading.

How do I make sure my artwork prints with clean edges?

Use a transparent PNG with a clean cutout around your design, and avoid fuzzy/low-resolution edges. Hard edges and high DPI make the biggest difference in print quality.

Can you fix or edit my artwork?

We review artwork for major issues such as extremely low resolution, missing transparency, or corrupted files. Minor fixes may be made at our discretion. For full edits, recreations or complex design work, please contact us to discuss custom artwork services or design support.

What about fonts — do I need to outline them?

For PDF and AI files, we recommend converting text to outlines or embedding fonts to avoid any unexpected font substitutions. PNG and PSD files are rendered exactly as you export them.

Do I need bleed or cut lines around my designs?

No bleed or cut lines are necessary for DTF transfers. We print exactly what you submit. If you do include cut lines, make sure they are part of the design you want printed.

Gang Sheet Builder & Ordering

What is a DTF gang sheet?

A gang sheet is a 22"-wide sheet where you can place multiple designs together to maximize space and lower your cost per print. You can mix logos, left-chest prints, back prints, sleeve designs and more on a single sheet.

How do I use your gang sheet builder?

Choose your gang sheet size, then open the online builder on the product page. Upload your artwork, then drag, resize, rotate and duplicate designs to fill the sheet. Everything inside the boundary will print exactly as shown in the preview.

Can I put multiple different designs on one gang sheet?

Yes – you can add as many different or repeated designs as you can fit within the printable area. This is one of the biggest advantages of DTF gang sheets.

How do I know if my gang sheet layout is correct?

The builder preview shows exactly what will be printed. Make sure:

  • All designs fit fully inside the sheet boundary

  • Nothing important is cut off

  • Designs are sized correctly (check the measurement tools if provided)

What happens if part of my artwork is outside the print area?

Anything outside the print area boundary will not be printed. Always double-check that all important elements are completely inside the print zone before submitting your order.

Can you resize my designs for me after I submit the order?

We print your gang sheet exactly as it appears in the preview. If you need resizing or layout changes, please adjust them in the builder before placing your order.

What are your available gang sheet sizes?

All gang sheets are 22 inches wide with various length options (for example 22x24, 22x60, 22x120, 22x144, 22x200). Check the product page for current preset and custom options.

Do you have a minimum order for DTF transfers or gang sheets?

No. We do not have order minimums. You can order a single gang sheet or place a large bulk order — whatever your project requires.

Can I reorder the same gang sheet later?

Yes. You can reorder from your account order history or upload the same artwork/layout again. If you plan to reorder frequently, we recommend saving your files with clear names for easy reference.

Production & Turnaround Times

How fast do you produce DTF transfers and gang sheets?

We offer very fast turnaround:

  • Orders placed early in the day typically ship or are ready for pickup the same day

  • Orders placed later in the day ship or are ready the next business day

Large or complex orders may require additional time; if timing is critical, please contact us before placing your order.

Do you offer rush or same-day printing?

Yes. Most standard orders qualify for same-day production if submitted early enough. For urgent or time-sensitive projects, please reach out and we’ll confirm what’s possible.

Do you cut the designs apart for me?

Unless otherwise noted, gang sheets are shipped uncut on a continuous roll or sheet. Most customers cut them apart as needed. If you need cutting services for a specific project, contact us for availability and pricing.

How do you ensure consistent print quality?

We use a calibrated workflow, premium PET film, high-quality inks, and carefully controlled curing temperatures and times. We also inspect prints throughout the day to maintain color consistency and clean detail across every order.

Shipping & Local Pickup (Riverside, CA)

Where are you located?

Our storefront and production facility are located at:

Fashion Stitches
6680 Doolittle Ave
Riverside, CA 92503

Do you offer local pickup?

Yes. Local customers can select “Local Pickup” at checkout. Once your order is ready, we’ll notify you by email or text with pickup instructions and hours.

What are your pickup hours?

Standard pickup hours are:

  • Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PST)

  • Friday: By appointment

  • Saturday–Sunday: Closed

If you need a special pickup time, contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Which shipping carriers do you use?

We primarily ship via UPS and USPS, with multiple speed options (Ground, Priority, etc.) depending on your location and order size.

How long does shipping take once my order is produced?

Transit times depend on your selected service and destination. Most U.S. customers receive their orders within 1–5 business days after shipment.

Will I receive tracking information?

Yes. Tracking details are emailed to you as soon as your order ships. You can also view tracking from your account page if you created an account at checkout.

How are DTF gang sheets packaged for shipping?

Gang sheets are carefully rolled and protected to prevent creasing, scratching or contamination. We use protective sleeves and sturdy mailers or boxes to ensure your transfers arrive in excellent condition.

Pressing, Application & Wash Care

What pressing settings do you recommend for your DTF transfers?

 

  • Verify that your press is reaching accurate temperature (many presses run 20–40° off)

  • Increase pressure slightly

  • Ensure the garment had a quick pre-press (3–5 seconds) to remove moisture

  • Try pressing 2–3 seconds longer

  • Always ensure the print is completely cool before peeling

What types of fabrics can I apply DTF transfers to?

Our transfers work well on:

  • 100% cotton

  • Cotton/poly blends

  • Polyester and performance blends

  • Fleece hoodies and crewnecks

  • Canvas totes and bags

  • Many other textiles

If you’re unsure about a specific fabric or specialty material, we recommend testing a small area or contacting us first.

How durable are your DTF prints after washing?

When properly pressed and cared for, DTF transfers are very durable. We recommend:

  • Washing garments inside out

  • Using cold or warm water

  • Avoiding bleach and harsh detergents

  • Tumble dry low or hang dry

Following these care instructions helps maintain color vibrancy and adhesion over many washes.

My transfer didn’t fully adhere. What should I check?

The most common causes of adhesion issues are:

  • Temperature too low or inaccurate

  • Pressure too light

  • Uneven heat (cold spots on the platen)

  • Press time too short

  • Garment surface contamination (lint, oils, fabric treatment)

Try increasing pressure, verifying your press temperature with a laser thermometer, and adding a second press with a cover sheet. If you continue to have issues, contact us with details and photos and we’ll help troubleshoot.

Do you recommend pre-pressing garments?

Yes. Pre-pressing garments for 3–5 seconds removes moisture and smooths wrinkles, helping transfers adhere more evenly.

Print Quality, Colors & Troubleshooting

Will the printed colors match what I see on my screen?

We do our best to achieve accurate, vibrant colors using a calibrated workflow. However, monitors are often brighter and more saturated than print, and every screen displays color differently. If color matching is critical, we recommend ordering a small test print or sample first.

Why does my artwork look slightly different on film than on my monitor?

Differences can be caused by monitor calibration, color profiles, artwork resolution, and how certain colors translate to print. Neons, extremely bright digital colors and out-of-gamut shades may not reproduce exactly as seen on screen.

My design has very small text/details. Will it print clearly?

Very thin lines and tiny text (especially below 6–7 pt depending on font) can be difficult to reproduce cleanly in DTF. When designing, try to keep fine details reasonably bold to ensure good legibility once printed and pressed.

What should I do if I receive a print I’m not happy with?

Please contact us as soon as possible with your order number and clear photos of the issue (before pressing if possible). We’ll review what went wrong and work with you on the best solution, which may include reprinting if there is a production defect.

Payments, Accounts & Ordering

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept a variety of secure payment methods, including:

  • All major credit and debit cards
    (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)

  • Zelle

  • Bank transfer / ACH
    (Contact us if you prefer to pay via bank transfer for larger or business orders.)

All payments are processed safely and securely. If you need help with payment arrangements or business billing, feel free to reach out.

Do I need an account to place an order?

You can check out as a guest, but we highly recommend creating an account. Having an account allows you to:

  • View your order history

  • Reorder past jobs easily

  • Track shipments

  • Save your contact information

Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?

Because we often begin production very quickly, changes or cancellations are only possible before printing starts. If you need to make a change, contact us immediately with your order number. Once printing has begun, we may not be able to modify or cancel the order.

Do you charge sales tax?

Sales tax is applied where required by law based on your shipping or pickup location. If you are a reseller or tax-exempt business in a qualifying state, please contact us to provide the necessary documentation.

Returns, Reprints & Policies

What is your return policy for DTF transfers?

Because each order is custom-printed, we cannot accept returns for reasons such as incorrect size, color preference, or artwork errors made by the customer. However, if there is a clear production defect or your order arrives damaged, please contact us and we will make it right.

What if the issue is caused by my artwork (spelling, low resolution, etc.)?

We print your artwork exactly as submitted. We cannot be responsible for spelling mistakes, incorrect layouts or low resolution in files that were approved and submitted by the customer. Please carefully review your design, text and layout before placing your order.

What if my order arrives damaged or misprinted?

If your transfers arrive damaged, creased or with clear print defects, let us know right away. Send your order number and photos of the issue and packaging. Once verified, we will reprint or otherwise resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Do you offer refunds?

In most cases, issues are resolved through reprints or credit rather than refunds, since these are custom products. If a refund is appropriate, we will review your situation and handle it on a case-by-case basis.

Custom Apparel, Promo Products & Large Format

Do you offer custom apparel printing and embroidery, or only DTF transfers?

Yes, in addition to DTF gang sheets and transfers, we also offer full-service apparel decoration, including screen printing, embroidery and other methods. If you’d like us to supply and decorate garments for you, please contact us for a custom quote.

Can you provide blank garments as well as printing?

Yes. We can source quality blanks from our suppliers for T-shirts, hoodies, polos, hats and more. Let us know what you’re looking for, and we can recommend options based on budget and quality.

Do you print promo items or large-format products?

Yes. We can assist with banners, decals, stickers, signs, vehicle graphics and other large-format or promotional products. Reach out with your project details and we’ll let you know the best options.

How do I get a quote for custom apparel or large-format work?

Use our Contact page or email us with the following information:

  • Type of item (T-shirts, hoodies, banner, decals, etc.)

  • Quantity

  • Print locations & number of colors or a sample artwork file

  • Deadline or event date

  • Any special requirements

We’ll respond with pricing and next steps.

Still Need Help?

What should I do if my question isn’t answered here?

We’re here to help. If you’re unsure about anything — artwork setup, pressing, shipping, or a specific project — just reach out:

We’ll respond as quickly as possible and help you get the best results from your DTF transfers and custom printing.