This week, Aaron Montgomery goes live from the American Print and Supplies Open House. He and Terry will dive into the world of full cut-and-sew apparel decoration. Whether you’re curious about offering custom-made garments or wondering how to expand without sewing a stitch, this episode has you covered. We’ll talk about what makes cut-and-sew unique, from design and file prep to pricing and pattern considerations. Learn how to use cut-and-sew as a brand differentiator and how to market it. If you’re looking to add high-value products to your line without adding a whole new department, this show is for you.




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News
If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40a2AnHCZIw




Dad Joke
Terry: I love telling Dad Jokes on Cinco de Mayo
Yeah, that’s how “eye roll”  For our podcast listeners…



Cut and Sew POD
Aaron: How do you expand your business by just taking orders and cashing the check? Outsourcing can be a great and easy way to boost your revenue.
Terry: Outsourcing has been a growth part of the garment decorating industry for a long time. And I know so many decorators who love the idea of taking the order, and then cashing the check.
So Aaron, since you already had a scheduled trip to American Print & Supply this week, we thought using them as an example of an outsourced resource. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of this concept.
Terry: Let’s start with what you offer customers who want to outsource.
Are there services beyond just the printing? 
Do you do fulfillment? 
Custom packaging?
Private labeling?
And what about minimums?
Let’s say one of our listeners wants to order an all-over print custom garment. What’s the process?
(Show Some of the Videos)

Why this topic matters to decorators now (rising demand for custom, differentiation, etc.)

Segment 1: What is Cut-and-Sew?
Examples of popular cut-and-sew products (jerseys, fashion pieces, uniforms, etc.) (Show Samples)
For decorators unfamiliar with the term, what exactly is “cut-and-sew”?
What makes it different from print-on-blank apparel?



Segment 2: Why Add Cut-and-Sew to Your Business?

How it can elevate your brand’s perceived value?

Stand out from competitors with custom sizing, colors, and finishes
Higher margins and more control over product outcome



Segment 3: File Prep & Artwork Setup

How should decorators prep artwork differently for cut-and-sew projects?

Understanding bleed areas, seams, and alignment
Working with vector vs raster files



Segment 4: Pricing & Cost Strategy

What should a decorator think about when pricing cut-and-sew apparel?
Tips for quoting based on quantity, complexity, and material

Segment 5: Using Cut-and-Sew to Differentiate Your Brand

How can offering cut-and-sew give decorators a competitive edge?

Telling your brand story through fully custom products
Targeting niche audiences (e.g., sports, fashion, streetwear, events)



Segment 6: Marketing Your Cut-and-Sew Capabilities
Creating a “Wow!” product demo to get people talking
How should a shop promote these services to current and new customers?
Social proof, samples, photoshoots – American Print on Demand
The Secret Sauce
We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar.






OTHER EVENTS

Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.
Rising Tide Talks! – Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time.
Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.
Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago June 7-8.
Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD
The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time
Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell
Understanding Emblems  Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.



Trade Shows

DAX Nashville Farm Bureau Expo Center, Lebanon, TN – May 9-10, 2025
DAX Chicago Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL – May 30-31, 2025

Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals – May 30, 2025 at 2 PM
How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit – May 31, 2025 at 12:30 PM


Graphics Pro Expo Indianapolis, IN – June 19-21, 2025

Marketing Better in 2025: Grow Profits with Clarity and Connection – June 21, 2025 at 11 AM


DAX Twin Cities Hilton Doubletree, Bloomington, MN – August 1-2, 2025

Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals – August 1, 2025 at 2 PM
How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit – August 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM


Graphics Pro Expo Long Beach, CA – August 21-23, 2025
Graphics Pro Meadowlands, NJ – September 12-13, 2025
Impressions Expo Dallas, TX – October 2-4, 2025
Printing United Orlando, FL – October 22-24, 2025
Graphics Pro Charlotte, NC – November 6-8, 2025All dates and events are subject to change

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