Custom Embroidered Caps for PASTL: A Los Angeles Community Collaboration

We recently had the chance to work with PASTL on a colorful custom cap project. Before getting into the embroidery, I think it is worth introducing the organization behind the hats because the work they are doing is really what gives this project meaning.

PASTL works with neurodivergent youth through sports, physical activity and community-based programs. Their approach is built around helping young people become more comfortable participating, communicating and connecting with others in environments that are often challenging.

What Is PASTL?

PASTL is a Los Angeles-based organization working with neurodivergent youth ages 10–17. Sports and physical activity are a big part of what they do, but the goal goes beyond learning how to play a game. Their programs are also designed around communication, confidence, social development and building meaningful connections.

The organization is led by Executive Director Mike Kavanaugh, often referred to as Coach Mike. His work with PASTL centers on giving young people more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities in ways that work for their individual needs.

Programs Built Around Different Needs and Interests

PASTL offers both individual and group programs because not every child needs the same kind of support or enjoys the same activities. Some programs focus on school and sports participation, while others give kids a chance to connect through shared interests.

PE and Recess Preparation

PE and recess can involve much more than physical movement. They also mean joining games, following group activities, communicating with classmates and handling a busy social environment. PASTL’s PE and recess programming is designed to help participants become more comfortable with those parts of the school day.

Sports-Specific Sessions

PASTL also offers sessions centered around specific sports. These can give participants more time to become familiar with the movement, rules, equipment and sensory experience involved before taking part in a larger group setting.

Interest-Based Groups

Not every connection has to start with a sport. PASTL’s interest-based groups bring together young people who enjoy similar things, giving them another setting where they can participate, communicate and spend time around shared interests.

Swimming Sessions

Swimming is another part of PASTL’s programming. These sessions give participants a more focused environment to work on swimming skills and become more comfortable in the water.

PASTL Summer Camp

PASTL also offers summer programming that brings several of these ideas together—physical activity, group participation and time spent with other members of the community.

Collaborative Programs

PASTL also works with other professionals and organizations on collaborative programming. That gives the group room to bring in activities and expertise beyond its core sports sessions.

What I like about the way PASTL is structured is that there is not one single activity being presented as the answer for every child. The programs give families several ways to explore participation based on the young person’s interests, comfort level and needs.

If you want to see the full list of current programs, schedules and information for families, visit PASTL’s official website.

Building Community Beyond Regular Sessions

PASTL’s work also extends beyond regular sessions. Community gatherings give participants another opportunity to take part in a larger social setting while still being surrounded by people who understand the group and its purpose.

Mike Kavanaugh described one of those gatherings in a way that says much more about the experience than a general description could:

“For our group, it was the first major social gathering/community event they participated in. We had lots of community members working through fears, overcoming anxieties, improving self-confidence, meeting new friends, and socializing while engaging in healthy physical activity for service. It’s hard for me to convey in words how absolutely amazed I am with this group and how excited we are for the next opportunity to gather for progress.”

— Mike Kavanaugh, Executive Director of PASTL

Follow them on Instagram: @pastlorg

How the PASTL Cap Project Came Together

PASTL came to Mr. Stitch with a clear idea for the hats: their logo, embroidered onto bright neon caps that already matched the colorful feel of the organization. We did not need to overcomplicate it. The strongest part of the design was already there—the logo and the color direction.

The bright colors are what make these caps memorable. The embroidery feels like part of the hat instead of something added afterward because the thread and mesh are working in the same visual direction.

For any organization ordering embroidered hats, that is something worth thinking about. If you already have recognizable colors, use them. Your cap, logo and thread colors should support each other rather than compete for attention.

You can look through our available thread colors if you are planning a similar embroidered cap project.

Why Branded Apparel Can Make Sense for Community Organizations

For a nonprofit, school, team or community organization, branded apparel can give people an easy way to recognize the group. A cap is especially simple because the logo stays visible without needing a full uniform or complicated design.

I would start with the identity the organization already has. Look at the logo, existing colors and how the hats will actually be used. From there, you can decide whether the embroidery should be subtle or whether the cap should be as colorful as PASTL’s.

If several people will be wearing the same design, readability becomes important too. A clear logo at the right size will usually do more than trying to squeeze a lot of small wording onto the front of a cap.

The PASTL project is a good example of keeping that process simple: recognizable logo, strong colors and a cap style that supports the design.

Working With Los Angeles Community Organizations

Being based in Sherman Oaks means we get to work with organizations, schools, businesses and community groups from around Los Angeles. Projects like PASTL’s are a good reminder that custom embroidery is not always about merchandise—it can simply be part of how a local organization presents itself.

A Project We Were Glad to Be Part Of

What started for us as a custom hat order gave us a chance to learn more about the organization behind the logo. PASTL is doing much more than running sports sessions, and I think understanding that background makes the finished caps a lot more interesting.

If you want to learn more about PASTL, visit their website or follow their current programs directly. And if your school, nonprofit, team or community organization needs custom embroidered caps or apparel, send us your logo and project details and we can help you work through the embroidery.