Frequently Asked Questions & Studio Guide
TM Design Lab is an independent, made-to-order apparel studio and music workshop in San Diego. We don’t mass-produce cheap clothing or keep warehouse overstock. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about our made-to-order releases, our custom embroidery process, and our digital audio downloads.
Why does fulfillment take 4 to 6 weeks?
We don’t mass-produce inventory to sit on warehouse shelves. When you place an order during a release, your specific piece is prepared, cut, machine-embroidered, and individually finished by hand right here in San Diego. It takes 4 to 6 weeks because it’s crafted with care specifically for you.
Can I change my size or cancel my order?
Because every garment is strictly made to order and individually embroidered in our San Diego studio upon purchase, all sales are final. Once your order is confirmed, custom textile allocations and machine scheduling begin immediately. We cannot accept cancellations, refunds, returns, or size exchanges. Please consult our garment measurements carefully before placing your order.
Do you take custom embroidery projects for clients or businesses?
Yes! Through our studio, we welcome custom embroidery projects for brands, small businesses, teams, and individuals. We specialize in converting artwork, logos, and custom lettering into clean, durable embroidery on hoodies, crewnecks, hats, jackets, and canvas bags.
Can you embroider any photo or graphic?
Unlike flat ink printing, embroidery is stitched with physical thread. Every design must be digitally translated into a stitch map—calculating thread tension, underlay, and density. Vector files (.AI, .EPS, .SVG, or .PDF) give the sharpest results. High-resolution .PNG and .JPG files work great too, and we will advise you if any tiny text or details need slight adjustments to stitch cleanly.
Can I bring or send my own garments?
Yes, we accept customer-supplied garments for custom projects. Because embroidery requires firm fabric stability to prevent bunching or puckering, we simply review your item’s fabric composition first to make sure it will hold up beautifully under our commercial embroidery needles.
Where on a garment can you embroider?
Flat areas—such as the chest, center front, back panels, and thighs—give the largest embroidery area. We can also stitch sleeves, cuffs, collars, and pockets, depending on the garment's seam construction and whether it fits securely into our machine embroidery hoops.
How is custom embroidery priced?
Custom pricing is straightforward and transparent, based on: (1) Digitizing Setup: a one-time fee to convert your artwork into a tested embroidery file; (2) Stitch Count & Machine Time: the size and thread density of your design; and (3) Garment Selection: whether you purchase our ultra-heavyweight blanks or bring your own. Volume discounts are available for larger batch orders.
Why are your prices higher than bulk overseas screen printers?
We don't manufacture disposable promotional merch. We operate as an independent studio in California, using premium lint-free Fil-Tec Glide threads, ultra-dense 16 oz fleece, commercial multi-needle machinery, and hand inspection on every single item. When you order from us, you’re investing in durable, high-density craftsmanship that won't peel, fade, or unravel in the wash.
How do I receive my music and album files?
When you acquire a digital album or release from TM Sonic Lab, full-resolution, master-quality 24-bit / 48 kHz WAV files are dispatched automatically to your email via the Single app immediately upon payment confirmation. Because master digital assets are delivered instantaneously, all digital audio sales are final and non-refundable.
Have a question not listed here? Email us directly at contact@tmdesignlab.co