In this guide · 8 practical sections
Screen printing
Screen printing can suit repeated artwork and larger runs, with setup influenced by colours and design. Ink system and curing must suit the fabric. Define print size, placement, colours and hand feel, then check the actual sample after the intended care process. Do not assume one print formula works for every blend.
DTF and transfer applications
DTF transfers can reproduce detailed multicolour artwork, but film, adhesive, application conditions and fabric compatibility affect the final result. Large areas can change breathability and handle. Check edge adhesion, stretch behaviour and wash appearance on the production substrate.
Embroidery, chenille and raised effects
Embroidery adds texture but also needle penetration, backing and local weight. Fine or stretchy fabrics need appropriate stabilisation. Dense stitching can distort a small garment panel. Define thread references, stitch coverage, backing expectations and placement, and approve an actual embroidery sample.
Prepare usable artwork
Supply vector files for suitable artwork or high-resolution raster files at the intended print size. Convert fonts or include the relevant rights and font information. A screenshot is rarely a production file. Specify dimensions in centimetres or millimetres and show placement from a defined garment reference point.
A small logo can still have a setup cost
Quote each artwork with its dimensions, placement, colour count, quantity and fabric. Embroidery digitising, print preparation and sampling are different from per-piece application charges. Confirm whether setup is reusable on a repeat order and whether a change in size or colour creates a new charge. Compare the finished appearance and care performance of a physical strike-off or sew-out before bulk approval.
Approve decoration on the real material
Stretch, texture, finish, shade and seams can affect the result. Provide the production artwork and placement measured from a stable point of measure. Request a trial on the intended fabric, then review appearance, feel, stretch behaviour where relevant and the agreed wash performance. A digital mock-up approves layout only; it does not establish transfer adhesion or stitch quality.
Compare 8 decoration routes
| Method | Useful starting case | Limitations to resolve | Sample approval points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen print | Repeated artwork; defined colours | Screen/setup by artwork; substrate and cure compatibility | Hand feel, colour, adhesion, post-care appearance |
| DTF transfer | Detailed multicolour artwork | Film coverage can affect hand and breathability | Edge adhesion, stretch response, care performance |
| Sublimation | Suitable polyester substrates | Fibre, base colour and heat sensitivity restrict suitability | Colour migration, registration and fabric heat response |
| Water-based print | Suitable ink/substrate systems | Absorption, opacity and curing require trials | Handle, coverage and wash result |
| Puff print | Raised graphic effects | Expansion changes dimensions and detail | Height, edge shape and care durability |
| Flat embroidery | Texture and defined stitched detail | Density/backing and fine details need engineering | Puckering, backing comfort, placement |
| 3D embroidery | Raised motifs and selected lettering | Foam/design/substrate compatibility | Edge coverage, shape and durability |
| Chenille | Textural patches and lettering | Bulk, attachment and minimum detail | Pile appearance, edge security, attachment |
Artwork handover checklist
Questions, answered
Which printing method is best?
There is no universal best method. Artwork, material, quantity, finish and care requirements determine the suitable process.
Can I put embroidery anywhere?
Access, seam locations, backing and fabric stability limit placement. Review the design before finalising the pattern and production sequence.
Can a print look identical on every fabric?
The substrate colour, surface, stretch and finish affect the result. Approve the actual method on the actual production fabric.
Does embroidery make a garment more durable?
Not automatically. Stitch density, backing and fabric stability matter; an unsuitable application can distort or damage the material.
Should I supply RGB or a physical colour reference?
Use digital files for communication, but agree physical approval for colour-critical work. Record the chosen reference and approved trial.
Is embroidery pricing based only on the logo width?
No. Artwork complexity, stitch requirements, size, colours, placement, material, quantity and setup can affect the offer. Provide the actual artwork for review.
Can I approve a transfer print from a digital mock-up?
Use the mock-up for layout. Approve a physical trial on the intended fabric for appearance, feel and the agreed care-performance requirements.