Decorating garments is not always about creating a uniform, selling music merch, or promoting a team. Sometimes, it’s about making one person’s life a tiny bit easier to navigate. That’s precisely what Stitch It did when it printed and embroidered these hidden disability shirts for young Asher.
Lancashire-based garment decorator Stitch It was approached by Asher’s mum Janine to create some personalised clothing for her son.
“This order really stayed with us,” states Nicola Campbell, Stitch It’s company director. “Asher’s mum reached out with a personal request. Her son is autistic, non-speaking, and won’t wear a hidden disability lanyard. But she still wanted something that would help others understand, without needing to explain every time they were out and about.”
Hidden disability scheme
“She worked with a designer to create a meaningful design using the yellow and green colours from the hidden disability scheme. The goal? To turn that message into something wearable, comfortable, and empowering for her son.”
Janine ordered an embroidered AWDis Kids’ Hoodie and Kids’ AWDis Sweat, and DTF-printed Stanley/Stella Mini Creator 2.0 T-shirts.
“The T-shirts were specially made for a family holiday abroad. S, ,they needed to be soft, breathable, and easy to wear. That’s why we used DTF print rather than embroidery for those,” explains Nicola. The sweat and hoodie were both embroidered using a Happy Japan multi-head. Nicola used Madeira Classic 40 thread and tearaway stabiliser for a smooth, comfy inside.
She reports that Janine “was over the moon. She told us Asher looked great. More importantly, she felt reassured knowing he had something that helped others understand his needs without saying a word.”
Making life a little easier
Janine added: “Asher rocking his new clothes – designed by me! Thank you so much to the team @stitchitlimited – we love them!
“I’m just a mum trying to make life a little easier, not just for us but for any family who’s ever felt judged, stared at, or exhausted by explaining their child’s needs over and over again.”
As Nicola comments: “Not every job is about business branding. Sometimes, it’s about helping a family feel seen and supported through something as simple as a hoodie or a T-shirt. That’s the kind of work that means the most.”
Nicola of Stitch It embroidered Janine’s design on an AWDis hoodie and sweat
