How to Design Branded Dishcloths for Your Business

From idea to finished dishcloth: file formats, colours, sizes and packaging, step by step.


Designing a branded Swedish dishcloth starts with your artwork and ends with a printed, 100% biodegradable product ready for distribution. At TekoTryck in Sölvesborg, Sweden, we have guided customers through this process since 1994. Here is everything you need to know to create your own branded dishcloth.

Step 1: Choose Your Product and Size

TekoTryck offers five dishcloth sizes for custom printing:

Size Dimensions Print Area Best For
Standard 172×200 mm 152×180 mm Giveaways, retail, souvenirs
Japan 150×258 mm 130×238 mm Elongated designs
Large 258×303 mm 238×280 mm larger designs
Extra Large 350×303 mm 320×270 mm Maximum design area
XXL 400×303 mm 370×270 mm Full-size artwork display

The standard dishcloth (172×200 mm) comes in 14+ stock colours: white, blue, orange, yellow, purple, grey, apple green, turquoise, cerise, green, rose, sand, and graphite grey. Additional colours (light blue since March 2026) are regularly introduced.

Step 2: Prepare Your Artwork

File format requirements:

For solid colours (most screen prints):

  • Vectorised files: .ai, .eps, or .pdf (preferred)
  • Created in Adobe Illustrator or similar vector software
  • All colours separated and specified

For pixel images, photos, or gradients (digital prints):

  • High resolution: minimum 300 dpi
  • File formats: .psd, .jpeg, or .pdf

A mock-up showing desired placement goes a long way to ensure correct positioning on the cloth.

Step 3: Specify Your Colours

Colour specification is critical for accurate reproduction. TekoTryck accepts:

  • Pantone Solid Uncoated (PMS U) — preferred
  • TPX/TPG scale
  • Physical colour sample from you

Our Master of Colours blends exact colour tones in our colour lab in Sölvesborg. We use water-based colours — developed in-house for optimal quality.

Important: Screen printing allows up to 8 colours per artwork. The more colours, the larger the quantity needed to keep the product affordable.

Step 4: Understand the Screen Printing Process

Once your artwork and colours are confirmed, the process begins:

1. One printing screen is created for each colour in your design

2. TekoTryck is the only printing company in Sweden that manufactures its own screen frames, using a tensioning system acquired in 1990 3. Your colours are blended in our colour lab 4. The design is printed on our five fully automated printing Machines 5. Products pass through an oven to permanently fixate the colours 6. Quality checkpoints verify the result at every stage

Step 5: Choose Your Packaging

TekoTryck offers several packaging solutions:

  • Paper banner/bellyband with your own custom print — a popular option
  • EAN barcode stickers
  • Inner cartons or units for retail distribution
  • Gift set configurations
  • Bulk packaging in cardboard boxes (default)

Packaging is fully customisable to your specifications.

Step 6: Shipping and Delivery

  • Within Sweden: Postnord
  • International: TNT, FedEx, or DHL
  • Customer pickup: Available if you have your own shipping arrangement

TekoTryck delivers to more than 60 countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, and throughout Europe.

Design Tips from 40+ Years of Experience

Contrast works: Bold designs with clear colour contrast reproduce best in screen printing.

Consider the cloth colour: A design that works on white may need adjustment for a coloured cloth. Our team can advise.

Think about the end use: A giveaway dishcloth may benefit from prominent logo placement, while a retail design product might prioritise artistic appeal.

Fewer colours can be striking: Some of the most effective designs use just 1-2 colours. This also keeps costs lower for smaller quantities.

Use the full print area: The print area is generous (152×180 mm on standard). Use it to create maximum visual impact.

Who Designs Branded Dishcloths?

Our customer base includes:

  • Design companies and independent artists
  • Promotional products distributors
  • International retail brands
  • Souvenir and gift companies
  • Cultural institutions (we hold a William Morris Society licensing agreement for over 20 classic patterns)
  • Schools and organisations for fundraising

About TekoTryck

Founded 1984 in Solvesborg, Sweden. First company in the world to screen-print on Swedish dishcloths (1994). CEO: Johanna Olofsson. 2,450 sqm facility, five automated printing machines, 800+ customers, 70+ countries. Di Gasell 2023, AAA credit rating 15 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum order quantity?

Contact us at info@tekotryck.se for current minimum quantities based on your design specifications.

How long does the process take?

Timeline depends on quantity and complexity. Contact us with your deadline and we will confirm feasibility.

Can you help with design?

Yes. We work closely with customers on design placement, colour matching, and production feasibility. A mock-up from your side helps ensure the best result.

Do you offer other products besides dishcloths?

Yes: kitchen towels (50% linen, 50% cotton or 100% linen), velour towels, tote bags (100% cotton), and make-up pads.

Contact

TekoTryck AB

Thure Carlssons vag 14, SE-294 35 Solvesborg, Sweden

Phone: +46 456 132 53

Email: info@tekotryck.se