Table of Contents
Watch the video: “How-to for Garment Decoration Services” by dsGRID
If you’ve ever paused mid-order wondering which file to upload or where to apply your discount, this walkthrough will save you time and prevent costly do-overs. The DSGRID platform makes ordering embroidery and DTF printing straightforward—provided you follow a few essentials like file formats and invoice numbers.
What you’ll learn
- How to navigate the DSGRID portal and choose decoration positions.
- The exact file requirements for DTF and embroidery.
- How sizing affects pricing (DTF) and how stitch count pricing works (embroidery).
- Checkout tips: applying discounts, logging in, and entering instructions.
- Why passing your invoice number to your garment distributor is critical.
Navigating the DSGRID Platform for Decoration Services Accessing the DTF Portal Head to dtf.davidsharp.co.uk and select Garment Decoration Service Only. You’ll land on a page with a clear spread of garment illustrations and highlighted placement options.
Understanding Decoration Positions From here, click the position you need—Left Chest, Large Front, sleeves, beanies, and more. Each position opens a focused view with a bounding box, so you know exactly where your design will sit.
Pro tip
- If you’re doing multiple placements (say a left chest embroidery and a large front DTF print), add the first item to your basket, then use Start New Design to add the second.
Watch out - Using the wrong file type will slow your order. The platform posts an Important—Accepted Files reminder on position pages; read it before you upload.
Uploading Your Design Files DTF Printing File Requirements (EPS, PDF, PNG) For DTF, the platform accepts EPS, PDF, or PNG files. Artwork should be at least 300dpi and have a transparent background (the video notes these requirements in the accepted files section). This helps maintain crisp edges and accurate color rendering in print.
Quick check
- If your DTF artwork includes a background color layer, remove it before uploading to avoid an unintended solid block behind your design.
Embroidery File Requirements (Wilcom EMB, Madeira Colors) For embroidery, upload a Wilcom EMB file with Madeira Classic 40 colors assigned. DSGRID is set up to read those thread colors immediately when your file processes. After you click Start Designing and choose Add Embroidery Design, upload the EMB file; the system displays a short processing dialog and maps your colors.
Watch out
- Non-EMB formats won’t be accepted for embroidery on this platform. If you need help preparing a compatible file with Madeira Classic 40 colors, the video suggests contacting the team.
Configuring Your Decoration Sizing and Placement for DTF For DTF, use the on-screen handles to scale and rotate your art within the chosen area. As you enlarge or reduce the design, the price adjusts automatically—larger prints cost more. The live price feedback makes it easy to pick a size that balances impact and budget.
Pro tip
- Start with a size you think is right, then nudge it up or down while watching the price update in real time. This is the fastest way to land on a sweet spot for both visibility and cost.
Automatic Stitch Count and Pricing for Embroidery For embroidery, upload your EMB file and confirm you hold rights to the logo. Once it appears on the garment preview, the platform shows your design size and automatically calculates a stitch count. Pricing is based on a base rate of 20p per thousand stitches, with a £1.10 minimum (as stated in the video). This auto-calc helps you understand how complexity translates into cost.
Watch out
- If colors don’t match what you expect, revisit your Wilcom file to confirm Madeira Classic 40 assignments. The platform uses those thread definitions to preview correctly.
From the comments
- There were no publicly visible comments provided alongside the video for this article. If you have a question, consider the FAQ below or contact grid@davidsharp.co.uk.
Adding to Cart and Checkout Process Applying Discount Codes After configuring your first item (e.g., an embroidery left chest), enter the quantity and click Add to basket. Add additional placements by starting a new design and repeating the steps. When you’re ready, open the cart: you’ll see both embroidery and DTF items summarized. If you have a discount code, apply it in the Enter coupon code field before proceeding.
Providing Billing and Shipping Information Click Check Out to continue. Important: log in with your DSGRID username and password—email login is not accepted for this portal. Then, fill out the billing address, add a shipping address if it differs, and include any specific notes for production (e.g., exact placement requests) in the order options. There’s a field for a customer PO number if you use internal purchase orders.
Pro tip
- Use the Add Instructions field to capture practical details that prevent guesswork: “Center 8 cm below neckline,” or “Align left chest 7 cm from placket edge.” Clear notes save revision time later.
Important Notes for Seamless Production The Critical Role of Your Invoice Number Payment is taken at the time of order. After checkout, you’ll receive an invoice number. Pass this exact invoice number to your garment distributor (e.g., BTC, Pink Kerry, Ralawise, Unique) and ask them to include it with your shipment. The invoice number ties your incoming blanks to your decoration order. If garments arrive without it, production can be delayed.
Quick check
- Before your distributor dispatches the garments, confirm the invoice number is printed on the delivery paperwork or box label.
Contacting Support for Artwork Assistance If you’re unsure whether your files are compliant—or if you need help preparing an EMB with the correct Madeira palette—reach out to grid@davidsharp.co.uk. It’s better to confirm specs before uploading than to lose time later converting files.
Why Choose DSGRID for Your Garment Decoration Needs? Quality and Precision
- The platform’s embroidery workflow reads Wilcom EMB files and displays Madeira Classic 40 color mapping, helping ensure color intent carries through to production.
- Stitch count pricing is automatic and transparent, so you can estimate cost implications as you place your art.
- DTF pricing updates live with size changes, giving you clarity at a glance.
Efficiency and Ease of Use
- You can configure multiple placements in one session by adding items and starting new designs.
- Checkout is consolidated: enter your coupon code, confirm addresses, and add PO numbers and instructions in one guided flow.
- Production receives your instructions directly from the order, minimizing back-and-forth.
FAQ: Quick Answers Q: What file types are accepted for DTF printing? A: EPS, PDF, or PNG files with a transparent background at a minimum of 300dpi.
Q: What file type is required for embroidery? A: A Wilcom EMB file with Madeira Classic 40 colors assigned.
Q: How is embroidery priced? A: 20p per 1,000 stitches, with a minimum charge of £1.10.
Q: What’s the turnaround time once blanks arrive? A: The video indicates 2 working days from receipt of garments at the decoration facility.
Q: Why is the invoice number so important? A: It ensures your incoming garments are tied to your order. Without it, production may be delayed.
Troubleshooting and Best Practices
- My DTF preview looks jagged: Ensure your file is at least 300dpi and that any background has been removed. PNGs with transparency are often easiest to inspect.
- My embroidery preview shows unexpected colors: Reopen your Wilcom file and confirm Madeira Classic 40 threads are assigned as intended.
- I can’t log in at checkout: Use your DSGRID username—not an email address—for this portal.
- My distributor forgot the invoice number: Contact them immediately to resend paperwork or labels that include the correct invoice number; notify DSGRID support with your order details.
Watch out
- Payment is required at point of ordering; the video states that decoration credit services are not offered at this time.
From prep to proof: A sample flow 1) Choose your position (e.g., Left Chest) and read the file requirements banner. 2) Embroidery: Start Designing → Add Embroidery Design → upload EMB → confirm rights → check size and stitch count → add quantity → Add to basket. 3) DTF: Start New Design → Change Product → select Large Front → Add DTF Printing/Design → upload EPS/PDF/PNG → size/rotate and note price updates → Add to basket. 4) Cart & Checkout: Apply coupon code → log in with username → enter billing/shipping → add instructions and PO → complete payment. 5) After order: Send your invoice number to your garment distributor and ensure it’s included with the shipment.
A note on preparing artwork
- Embroidery: Because the system relies on your EMB’s color assignments, ensure your digitizer uses Madeira Classic 40 and finalizes trims, densities, and underlays in your source file. If this isn’t set, you may see mismatches in the preview.
- DTF: Use vector art (EPS/PDF) where possible for scalable shapes. For pixel graphics, keep resolution at 300dpi minimum at final print size and remove backgrounds to leverage DTF’s edge fidelity.
Looking ahead: building a smooth reorder path
- Save your EMB and DTF files with clear names that include size and intended position (e.g., “Logo_LeftChest_80mm.EMB” or “Graphic_LargeFront_28cm.pdf”).
- Keep a record of stitch counts and DTF sizes used in your most successful orders. Those targets simplify your next quote and keep branding consistent.
- Maintain a single source of truth for your invoice numbers and PO references so your logistics team can include them without fail.
Micro-notes for teams
- Sales coordinators: Confirm the discount code is current and applied before you click Check Out.
- Artwork managers: Validate color mapping (Madeira Classic 40) for every new EMB.
- Logistics: Add the DSGRID invoice number to carton labels and packing slips—no exceptions.
Pro tip If you also handle in-house sampling or spec approvals, a simple way to keep language consistent across vendors is to jot standard phrasing in your instructions field. For example: “Embroider left chest; center of logo aligned 7 cm from placket; top of logo 11 cm below shoulder seam; use Madeira Classic 40 colors from EMB.” This turns your next order into a plug-and-play repeat.
A quick word for embroidery hobbyists reading along While this tutorial focuses on DSGRID’s service workflow, some readers who prototype designs at home may be familiar with accessories like magnetic embroidery hoops and premium clamps. Those can be helpful for testing placement before you send final files to production.
For small studio owners starting out If you’re still learning the craft on your own equipment, using an embroidery machine for beginners to trial logo sizes can give you confidence before ordering full production. You can mock up placement guides on spare garments to verify visibility and proportions.
Workspace habits that help
- Keep an embroidery frame or a printed template handy to visualize placement scale.
- Use a documented checklist—file type, colors, size, notes, invoice number—before hitting checkout. It’s the simplest way to prevent last-minute revisions.
DTF and embroidery—when to choose which
- Go DTF when you want large, colorful graphics and smooth gradients, or when you need quick size-based price visibility. The platform’s live price updates make it easy to iterate.
- Choose embroidery for classic, textured logos—especially for uniforms and staple merch. The auto stitch count gives quick cost insight.
Closing thoughts The DSGRID portal is designed to remove uncertainty: you see what fits, how much it costs, and what production needs from you to begin. With the right files, clear instructions, and that all-important invoice number, your order moves quickly from screen to stitch—or print.
From the studio bench Some decorators like to test their logo scale using a home accessory before committing to a run. Whether that’s a flexible hoop, a test sew-out, or even a “paper-on-shirt” mockup, a little rehearsal helps lock in proportions. If you prefer a stiffer grip during tests, you might have heard of mighty hoop devices in the maker community—they’re popular for holding fabric layers firmly during home trials.
Suppliers and creators often swap notes about hardware. For example, a “snap-frame” style clamp—sometimes called a snap hoop monster by hobbyists—can make fabric handling easier for personal trials. None of these are required for the DSGRID process, but they can sharpen your eye for placement before you upload.
Regional note If you’re sourcing apparel or testing concepts locally, many readers in the UK community simply search for embroidery hoops uk to find basic practice hoops for quick mockups at home. Again, practice tools aren’t part of the DSGRID order flow—just handy for your preflight checks.
Final reminder
- Use correct files (DTF: EPS/PDF/PNG, transparent, 300dpi; embroidery: Wilcom EMB with Madeira Classic 40 colors).
- Apply your discount code in-cart.
- Log in with your DSGRID username, not your email address.
- Add clear instructions and PO if applicable.
- Complete payment.
- Share the invoice number with your distributor so your garments are linked to your order without delay.
That’s it—you’re set to place a clean, production-ready order.