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The Common Thread

Your go-to guide for custom apparel, branded merchandise, and graphic design trends. As a leading custom merch provider based in the Pacific Northwest, College Hill shares expert insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes info to help your brand stand out!

Why the Promotional Products Industry is Now Branded Merchandise
Why the Promotional Products Industry is Now Branded Merchandise
August 3, 2026

Why the Promotional Products Industry is Now Branded Merchandise

For decades, our industry has been known as the promotional products industry. Pens, stress balls,...
How To Select the Best Material for Your Custom Apparel
How To Select the Best Material for Your Custom Apparel
July 27, 2026

How To Select the Best Material for Your Custom Apparel

We help our clients blend eye-catching designs with comfortable, high-quality apparel that people actually want...
The True Cost of 'Free' Design: Why Templates Are Costing Your Business
The True Cost of 'Free' Design: Why Templates Are Costing Your Business
July 20, 2026

The True Cost of 'Free' Design: Why Templates Are Costing Your Business

When businesses attempt to DIY their graphic design, the real expenses show up later in...
The Rise of the Rope Cap: Why This Vintage Trend is Everywhere
The Rise of the Rope Cap: Why This Vintage Trend is Everywhere
July 13, 2026

The Rise of the Rope Cap: Why This Vintage Trend is Everywhere

We've seen increasing demand for rope caps across industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to...
Interactive Booth Ideas: The Custom Koozie Patch Bar
Interactive Booth Ideas: The Custom Koozie Patch Bar
July 6, 2026

Interactive Booth Ideas: The Custom Koozie Patch Bar

At the CougsFirst! Westside Show in Seattle on May 29th, we wanted our booth to...
Custom Hats: Choosing the Best Headwear for Your Brand
Custom Hats: Choosing the Best Headwear for Your Brand
June 29, 2026

Custom Hats: Choosing the Best Headwear for Your Brand

Not all hats are created equal. To ensure your investment becomes a daily staple rather...
The Fabric of Our Identity: A History of the Graphic Tee
The Fabric of Our Identity: A History of the Graphic Tee
June 22, 2026

The Fabric of Our Identity: A History of the Graphic Tee

Let's explore a brief history of how the graphic tee has evolved over time.
The Event Hero: Why Utility-First Giveaways Win at Summer Events
The Event Hero: Why Utility-First Giveaways Win at Summer Events
June 15, 2026

The Event Hero: Why Utility-First Giveaways Win at Summer Events

We always recommend creating and buying branded merchandise that provides an immediate, practical use, but...
How Our Client Services Team Drives Successful Production
How Our Client Services Team Drives Successful Production
June 8, 2026

How Our Client Services Team Drives Successful Production

From artwork approvals and decoration details to production scheduling and vendor coordination, every order goes...