5 design mistakes to avoid when POD apparel
Avoid common POD design mistakes and learn how Tapstitch ensures high-quality apparel printing with Brother and Kornit machines that bring your designs to life.
Designing a T-shirt might look easy. But if you're building a real brand with Print on Demand, what you see on your screen doesn't always match what ends up on the shirt.
At Tapstitch, we help creators turn digital designs into wearable fashion—every single day. And trust us, we’ve seen a few print fails. From blurry images to cracked prints, small design mistakes can ruin a product’s potential. Here's how to avoid five of the most common ones and how Tapstitch helps you get it right.
1.Using Low-Resolution Images
That image you pulled from the web or screenshot from your phone? It might look fine on screen, but when printed, it often turns into a pixelated mess.
Why it happens:Even with high-end machines like our Brother GTX and Kornit Atlas, low-quality files result in poor output. These machines are precise, but they’re not miracle workers.
Tapstitch Tip:
- Always upload artwork at 300 DPI
- Use high-res PNGs, PSDs, or vector files (like AI or SVG)
- Avoid overly compressed JPEGs or screenshots
Need help? Our team reviews every file before printing and flags potential issues for you.
Say goodbye to blurry prints. Try Tapstitch for studio-quality results.
2.Ignoring the Garment Color
Your design looks amazing on a white canvas. But print it on a navy hoodie or an olive tee—and suddenly the contrast disappears. Text gets lost. Colors fade into the fabric.
What’s going wrong?
Fabric color affects how ink appears. On darker garments, light inks can be absorbed unless properly backed with white ink. If the contrast isn’t strong enough, the design won’t pop.
Tapstitch Fix:
We automatically apply a white underbase when needed, and you can preview how your design looks on different garment colors using our mockup tools. Just remember:
- Use bold contrasts
- Add outlines to light text on dark fabrics
- Always review mockups before approving
3.Tiny or Overly Complicated Fonts
Your customers won’t zoom in on a T-shirt. If your text is too small or your font is too thin, they simply won’t be able to read it—or worse, it will blur in production.
Common issues:
- Script or handwritten fonts bleed on fabric
- Thin lines disappear or blur
- Light text fades into the background
Tapstitch Rule of Thumb:
- Stick to at least 12pt text size
- Use bold fonts like Bebas Neue or Impact
- Ensure strong contrast between text and background
Remember, your shirt should make a statement even from a few feet away.
4.Not Understanding Print Area Limits
Every garment has print limitations. If your design goes beyond the safe area or is placed incorrectly, the result may look off-center—or worse, get cut off.
For example, a standard T-shirt offers:
- Front: Up to 30 × 40 cm
- Back: Up to 32 × 45 cm
- Sleeves and hems require special setups
How to avoid placement issues:
- Use Tapstitch-provided templates
- Leave at least 1 cm margin inside the print area
- Tapstitch offers an extremely wide range of printing designs.
5.Choosing the Wrong POD Provider
Not all POD services are equal. Many use cheap heat-transfer methods or low-grade inks. The result? Faded colors, cracked designs, and customer complaints.
Here's how Tapstitch compares:
Why Tapstitch excels:
- Industrial-level machines: Brother GTX pro for high-detail jobs, Kornit POLY Pro for sustainable mass printing
- Advanced white ink layering for dark garments
- Human + AI-powered file review for every order
Don’t settle for cracking prints—Tapstitch delivers quality that lasts.
Ready to Print Like a Pro?
Your design deserves the best. Tapstitch offers file pre-checks, realistic mockups, and top-tier tech to bring your apparel to life with quality that sells—and lasts.
FAQ
What kind of design files are best for printing?
We recommend 300 DPI PNG, PSD, AI, or SVG files. Avoid low-res JPEGs, screenshots, or images pulled from social media.
What printing machines does Tapstitch use?
We use Brother GTX and Kornit POLY Pro printers, both known for exceptional color accuracy and industrial-grade durability.
Will the print fade after washing?
Not with Tapstitch. Our prints maintain color and clarity for over 50 washes thanks to our ink tech and curing process.
Can I get help reviewing my design?
Absolutely. Every file is reviewed before production, and we’ll reach out if anything needs adjusting to ensure top quality.
