StretchLearn Course

Design Merch That Actually Prints

Take a graphic from idea to a production file your printer can run without a single question.

Beginner9 hrSelf PacedRegistered

Course Overview

What this course is designed to develop

This course turns a graphic concept into a production-ready apparel and merchandise design. You will learn how screen printing, DTG, DTF, and embroidery each constrain your artwork, how to prep separations and Pantone-matched files, and how to choose the right blank garment. By the end you can present photoreal mockups and a tech pack a printer can run without questions.

Learning Outcomes

What the learner should be able to understand, build, or execute.

01

Match a graphic design to the correct print method based on color count, garment, and run size

02

Prepare print-ready files with correct resolution, color mode, and bleed for each method

03

Build accurate spot-color separations and Pantone-to-thread or CMYK conversions

04

Select garment blanks by fabric, weight, color, and print compatibility

05

Produce photoreal apparel mockups and flat-lay presentations for client approval

06

Assemble a complete merch tech pack and print spec sheet for handoff

Curriculum Preview

Inside the curriculum: a structured path from fundamentals to execution.

Preview the course structure, see how the modules build on one another, and understand the path this program is designed to take you through.

Module 1

Module 1: Print Methods and What They Demand of Your Art

Understand how screen printing, DTG, DTF, and embroidery each shape what you can design. Choose the right method before you draw a single curve.

3 lessons
Screen Printing vs DTG vs DTF vs EmbroideryContent · 45 min
Preview Enabled
Color Count, Run Size, and Unit EconomicsContent · 45 min
LMS Access
Placement, Print Areas, and Standard SizingContent · 45 min
LMS Access
Module 2

Module 2: Print-Ready File Preparation

Turn a concept into files that print correctly. Master resolution, color mode, vectors, separations, and bleed.

3 lessons
Vector vs Raster, Resolution, and Color ModeContent · 45 min
LMS Access
Spot Colors, Pantone, and Color SeparationContent · 45 min
LMS Access
Bleed, Trim, Safe Zones, and File HandoffContent · 45 min
LMS Access
Module 3

Module 3: Garments, Blanks, and Material Choices

Select the right blank for the brand and budget. Learn fabric, weight, fit, and how garment choice changes your art.

3 lessons
Reading a Garment: Fabric, Weight, and FitContent · 45 min
LMS Access
Choosing Blanks: Brands and CatalogsContent · 45 min
LMS Access
Beyond Tees: Caps, Bags, Hoodies, and AccessoriesContent · 45 min
LMS Access
Module 4

Module 4: Mockups, Tech Packs, and Presentation

Present designs that win approval and hand off cleanly. Build photoreal mockups, flat lays, and a complete tech pack.

3 lessons
Photoreal Mockups and Flat-Lay PresentationContent · 45 min
LMS Access
Building a Merch Tech Pack and Spec SheetContent · 45 min
LMS Access
Approvals, Sampling, and Production HandoffContent · 45 min
LMS Access

Built for Application

A complete learning path, not a one-off inspiration hit.

This program is designed around progression: focused lessons, structured modules, applied resources, assessments, and a course rhythm that turns information into usable capability.

apparel designscreen printingDTG printingembroidery digitizingmerch designprint specsmockup presentationtech pack