General FAQs
How do I request a quote?
You can fill out our Request a Quote form online or give us a call—we’ll follow up with any additional details we need.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
Minimums vary by product and service. For most screen printing and embroidery orders, we recommend at least 12 pieces for the best value. Promo products often have higher minimums depending on the item.
What is your turnaround time?
Turnaround times depend on the size and complexity of the order, but most jobs are completed within 7–10 business days after artwork approval. We’ll give you a clear timeline when you place your order.
Can I supply my own garments or items?
Yes, we can work with customer-supplied items in many cases. However, we always recommend checking with us first to confirm compatibility with your chosen decoration method.
Do you offer design help?
Absolutely. We can clean up your existing artwork, prepare it for print, or connect you with a designer to design something from scratch.
What is your turnaround time?
Depends on the order, however, most Screen Printing/Embroidery orders are completed within 14 days of final approval. Promotional Products may take 4-6 weeks depending on the order.
Where did the name ‘Up The Creek’ come from?
The name came about as a joke when registering the new company in the early 90’s. ‘Western Canadian Garments’ and ‘Northern Garments’ were the first choices, but both were taken. Up The Creek was the 3rd option, because “that’s where we’ll be if this company doesn’t take off!”
Screen Printing FAQs
How does screen printing work?
Screen printing involves creating a stencil on a mesh screen using a lightsensitive emulsion and your design. Ink is spread across the screen, passing through the stencil to transfer the design onto the surface below. Finally, the printed item is cured to make the design permanent. The more colours in your design, the more screens are needed to create it!
What types of garments can you screen print on?
We print on t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, bags, and more. We’ll help you choose the right garment for your project.
Can you print full-color designs?
Yes—we offer full-color printing using spot color, simulated process, or our upcoming DTG/DTF technology for more complex graphics.
Will the print fade over time?
Our prints are made to last and hold up well with proper care. We use high-quality inks and professional curing processes.
Do you do vinyl?
Yes, we heat press vinyl.
Do you do heat transfers / t-shirt transfers?
Yes, we print and press direct-to-film heat transfers.
What is the difference between vector and raster artwork?
Vector artwork is made up of scalable mathematical paths, so the edges stay sharp/clear at any size and is ideal for logos and illustrations. Raster artwork on the other hand is composed of pixels, making it resolution-dependent and better suited for detailed images like photographs. The key difference lies in scalability—vector art can be scaled to any size and remain sharp whereas raster artwork cannot.
Can you vectorize my logo?
Most likely! We would have to see the logo to know for sure but we will redraw most logos for a fee.
Can you put this photo onto a shirt?
Absolutely! The best options for photo’s are direct-to-film heat transfers or direct to-garment printing. Contact us to discuss the best option for you!
What is the maximum size for screen printed logos?
Our max size is approximately 15″ wide by 17″ tall. Minimum depends on the level of detail of your logo.
Can I bring in my own clothes to be screen printed?
Generally, we don’t print on NOG (not our goods) apparel as we cannot guarantee the quality of the print or how the garment will react to our printing process. We do make some exceptions to this policy however, please note that if any damage or quality issues occur, the garment will not be replaced and we will not reimburse the cost. Contact us to discuss further!
DTG / DTG FAQs
Direct to Garment / Direct to Film
What is DTG?
I’m glad you asked. DTG or Direct-To-Garment printing is a newer style of printing custom apparel. Picture an ink jet printer that you might use to print pictures off of the computer… now make it 5 times bigger, and use a t-shirt as the paper and you have DTG printing! This type of printing opens all kinds of doors for custom apparel that traditional screen printing struggles to replicate – gradients, photos and complicated logos are a breeze.
Are there limits to DTG?
Yes, DTG does have its limits. Currently, we only DTG print on 100% cotton garments, as this produces the best results. DTG also struggles to replicate neon or fluorescent colours.
Why would I pick DTG over DTF?
Though DTG is the more expensive option, it makes up for that in overall quality. The print feels more embedded or printed into the fibres of the garment whereas DTF feels a bit more papery sitting on top of the garments surface. The longevity and washability of DTG garments are much better than DTF when following a proper garment care routine.
What is the maximum size for DTG / DTF?
13″ x 15″ max, no minimum.
Embroidery FAQs
What’s the difference between embroidery and screen printing?
Embroidery uses stitching and is ideal for logos on polos, hats, and workwear. Screen printing is best for large, colorful designs on t-shirts and hoodies.
What items can be embroidered?
We embroider hats, polos, jackets, bags, towels, and more. If it has fabric, we can likely stitch it!
Can I bring in my own things to be embroidered?
Yes! Although there may be some things we can’t fit into our embroidery machines. Please note that we will not replace or reimburse for NOG orders. we recommend bringing your item beforehand to check if we can stitch it!
Can you make patches using my logo?
Yes! we can make all sorts of patches to bring your vision to life. They can be sewn on or heat pressed.
Is there a setup fee?
Yes, there is typically a one-time digitizing fee to prepare your logo for embroidery. Once it’s in our system, you won’t be charged again for repeat orders.
What are the maximum and minimum sizes for embroidered logos?
Maximum size of the logo usually depends on the space we have to work with on the garment. Really small text can present some troubles and may lose detail and readability. Contact us to discuss the needs of your project!
Promotional Products FAQs
What’s the most popular promotional item?
Yes—samples are available for many items. Let us know what you’re considering, and we’ll guide you through the options.
Do you offer bulk pricing?
Yes, the more you order, the better the pricing. We’ll always quote based on volume and help you get the most value.
Bring Your Brand to Life.
Whether you’re outfitting a team, launching merch, or planning the perfect giveaway — we’re here to make it happen.
