The 7 textile printing techniques: we guide you!

1. Screen printing: one of the oldest and most widely used textile printing techniques
2. Embroidery: the most refined textile decoration technique
3. Sublimation: for an indestructible design on white or light-colored polyester
4. Transfer printing: for flocking of simple designs and bright colors
5. Vinyl transfer, another “flocking” type process
6. Direct to Garment (DTG) digital printing: for perfect finishes and reduced environmental impact
7. Direct To Film» (DTF): the latest revolution in textile customization!

Printing technology has come a long way in the fashion apparel industry, with many different print techniques now available to create stunning designs on clothing. From screen printing to digital printing, each method offers its unique advantages and disadvantages. So, which printing technique should you choose for your next apparel project? In this blog, we'll take a closer look at some of the best printing techniques for apparel.

 

1) Screen Printing 

Screen printing is a traditional and one of the most popular printing techniques that's been used for decades to create high-quality designs on apparel. The process involves creating a stencil or screen, which is used to transfer ink onto the fabric. Each color is applied separately, and the ink is layered to create the final design.

Screen printing is ideal for designs with bold, solid colors, vibrant colors and designs, and it is also very cost-effective. It can be used on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends. 

This technique is also very durable and can withstand multiple washes without fading or peeling. Also, it is the best recommendation used for simple designs with limited colors.

Advantages:

1. Durability: Screen printing is known for its durability and can withstand multiple washes without fading or peeling, making it a popular choice for sports jerseys and other apparel that gets a lot of wear and tear.
2. Vibrant colors: Screen printing offers vibrant colors that can be layered to create a wide range of effects, including gradients and shading.
3. Cost-effective: Screen printing is generally more cost-effective than other printing techniques, especially for larger orders with fewer colors.
4. Versatile: Screen printing can be used on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
5. High Quality: Screen printing produces high-quality prints with crisp lines and sharp details.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited color Options: Each color in a screen printing design requires a separate stencil, which can be time-consuming and costly, making it less ideal for designs with many colors.
2. High Setup Costs: The setup costs for screen printing can be higher than other printing techniques if it is a low quantity, as each color requires a separate stencil and setup time.
3. Not Ideal for Small Orders: Screen printing is best suited for larger orders, as the setup costs can be high, making it less cost-effective for small runs.
4. Not Suitable for Complex Designs: Screen printing is not ideal for designs with a lot of fine detail, such as photographs or small text, as the ink can bleed and lose sharpness.

In Organic Blank, we recommend the following items: 

1. Kariban K3032IC - Camiseta orgánica de cuello redondo 190 gramos 
   
2. Kariban K4025: Sudadera de cuello redondo ecorresponsable Kariban
3. Kimood KI0262 - Bolso Shopper Clásico De Algodón Orgánico

      

2) Embroidery 

Embroidery is an ancient art form that has been used for centuries to decorate clothing, accessories, and home decor. There are many different types of embroidery, including hand embroidery, machine embroidery, cross-stitch, crewelwork, and appliqué. Embroidery is a great way to add a personal touch to any item and express yourself creatively. It can also be used to preserve memories and commemorate important events in your life. Embroidery is truly a refined textile decoration technique that will never go out of style.

Advantages of embroidery:

1. Durability: Embroidery is known for its durability and can withstand multiple washes without fading or peeling, making it a popular choice for clothing and textiles that get a lot of wear and tear.
2. Elegance and sophistication: Embroidery adds a sense of elegance and sophistication to clothing and accessories, making it a popular choice for high-end fashion brands and designer labels.
3. Versatility: Embroidery can be used on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, silk, wool, and synthetic blends, making it a versatile decoration technique.
4. Customization: Embroidery allows for customization, as designs can be created to fit a specific garment or accessory.
5. Handmade quality: Embroidery adds a handmade quality to clothing and accessories, making them unique and one-of-a-kind.

Disadvantages of embroidery:

1. Cost: Embroidery is a labor-intensive process that requires skilled artisans to create intricate designs and patterns, making it a more expensive decoration technique than other methods, such as screen printing or digital printing.
2. Time-consuming: Embroidery can be time-consuming, especially for large or intricate designs, which can increase the overall cost of the project.
3. Not ideal for small or intricate designs: Embroidery relies on thread to create the design, which can be difficult to work with for small or intricate designs. This can result in less sharpness or clarity in the final design.
4. Limited color options: Embroidery is limited to the colors of thread available, which may not match the exact colors of the design.
5. Unsuitable for certain fabrics: Embroidery may not be suitable for certain fabrics, such as those that are too thin or stretchy, as it can distort the fabric or cause puckering.

Overall, embroidery is a refined and elegant decoration technique that offers durability, versatility, and customization. This technique is ideal for adding texture and dimension to designs and is often used for logos or other branding elements.

Embroidery is very durable and can withstand multiple washes without fading or fraying. However, it's not ideal for printing large designs or designs with a lot of colors or gradients.

In Organic Blank, we recommend the following items: 

1. WK207: Eco-friendly polo shirt for men WK Designed To Work
2. Kariban K4027 - Sudadera con capucha ecológica para hombre
3. K-up KP890 - Gorro Reciclado Con Parche

3) Sublimation

Sublimation is a printing technique that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto materials such as fabric, plastic, or metal. The process involves printing a design onto a special transfer paper using sublimation inks, which are designed to turn from a solid to a gas when heated. The transfer paper is then placed onto the material and subjected to heat and pressure, which causes the ink to sublimate and bond with the fibers of the material. As a result, the design becomes part of the material itself, rather than sitting on top of it like other printing methods.

Advantages of sublimation:

1. Vibrant colors: Sublimation produces bright and vivid colors that are long-lasting and resistant to fading, even after multiple washes.
2. Durability: The sublimation process creates a permanent bond between the dye and the fibers of the material, making it resistant to cracking, peeling, and flaking.
3. Customization: Sublimation allows for customization of designs, including photographs, with no loss of image quality.
4. No texture: The sublimation process does not add any additional texture to the material, so the finished product remains soft and smooth.
5. Eco-friendly: Sublimation is an environmentally friendly printing method, as it uses water-based inks and produces minimal waste.

Disadvantages of sublimation:

1. Limited materials: Sublimation can only be used on materials that have a special coating designed to bond with the sublimation inks, which limits the range of materials that can be used.
2. Limited colors: Sublimation is limited to lighter colored materials, as the inks are transparent and will not show up on dark materials.
3. Initial cost: The equipment and materials needed for sublimation can be expensive, making it a less accessible option for small businesses or individuals.
4. Not suitable for all designs: The sublimation process is not suitable for designs that require precise color matching or high levels of detail, as the inks can sometimes bleed or blur.
5. Production time: The sublimation process can be time-consuming, as each item must be printed and pressed individually.

Overall, sublimation is a high-quality printing method that produces bright and long-lasting designs. While it may not be suitable for all materials or designs, it offers excellent durability and customization options.

In Organic Blank, we recommend the following items: 

PA4030 - PROACT Men's Two-Tone Raglan Sleeve T-Shirt

PA480 - PROACT Men's Short Sleeve Polo Shirt

PA101 - PROACT Sports Shorts

4) Transfer printing

Transfer printing is a printing method that involves transferring a design from a transfer paper or film onto a material using heat and pressure. The process involves printing a design onto transfer paper or film using special inks or toners. 

The transfer paper or film is then placed onto the material, such as fabric or plastic, and subjected to heat and pressure using a heat press or similar machine. The heat and pressure cause the design to transfer from the transfer paper or film onto the material.

Advantages of transfer printing:

1. Versatility: Transfer printing can be used on a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, nylon, and more.
2. Customization: Transfer printing allows for customization of designs, including photographs, with no loss of image quality.
3. Cost-effective: Transfer printing can be a cost-effective option for small runs of custom designs, as it does not require large quantities to be produced to be cost-effective.
4. High quality: Transfer printing can produce high-quality, detailed designs with vibrant colors and sharp lines.
5. Easy to use: Transfer printing can be done using a relatively simple and easy-to-use heat press machine, making it accessible to small businesses and individuals.

Disadvantages of transfer printing:

1. Durability: The durability of transfer printing can vary depending on the quality of the transfer paper or film used, and may not be as durable as other printing methods such as screen printing or embroidery.
2. Texture: The transfer paper or film can sometimes leave a texture on the material, which may be undesirable for certain applications.
3. Limited color range: Transfer printing is often limited in the range of colors that can be produced, particularly when compared to other printing methods such as sublimation or screen printing.
4. Limited material compatibility: Transfer printing may not be compatible with certain materials that cannot withstand high heat and pressure.
5. Production time: Transfer printing can be time-consuming, particularly for larger runs of designs, as each item must be printed and pressed individually.

Overall, transfer printing is a versatile and cost-effective printing method that can produce high-quality designs. While it may have limitations in terms of durability and texture, it remains a popular option for small businesses and individuals looking to produce custom designs.

In Organic Blank, we recommend the following items: 

PA4013 - PROACT Women's Recycled Material Crew Neck Sports T-Shirt

WK3021 - DayToDay Women's Short Sleeve WK T-Shirt. Designed To Work

K427 - K-Up 5 Panel Polyester Cap

5) Vinyl transfer

Vinyl transfer, also known as heat transfer vinyl (HTV), is a printing method that involves cutting a design out of a vinyl material and transferring it onto a material using heat and pressure. The process involves creating a design using software, cutting the design out of a sheet of vinyl using a plotter or cutter, and then using a heat press or similar machine to transfer the design onto the material.

Advantages of vinyl transfer:

1. Versatility: Vinyl transfer can be used on a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, nylon, and more.
2. Customization: Vinyl transfer allows for customization of designs, including text, logos, and graphics, with a high level of precision and accuracy.
3. Durability: Vinyl transfer designs can be highly durable and long-lasting, withstanding multiple washes and wear.
4. Easy to use: Vinyl transfer can be done using a relatively simple and easy-to-use heat press machine, making it accessible to small businesses and individuals.
5. Cost-effective: Vinyl transfer can be a cost-effective option for small runs of custom designs, as it does not require large quantities to be produced to be cost-effective.

Disadvantages of vinyl transfer:

1. Limited color range: Vinyl transfer is often limited in the range of colors that can be produced, particularly when compared to other printing methods such as sublimation or screen printing.
2. Limited texture: Vinyl transfer can leave a plastic-like texture on the material, which may be undesirable for certain applications.
3. Limited design complexity: Vinyl transfer is best suited for simple designs with solid colors and sharp edges, and may not be suitable for highly detailed designs or designs with a lot of gradients.
4. Production time: Vinyl transfer can be time-consuming, particularly for larger runs of designs, as each item must be cut and pressed individually.
5. Difficult to remove: Once applied, vinyl transfer designs can be difficult to remove, particularly if they have been applied for a long time or subjected to multiple washes.

Overall, vinyl transfer is a versatile and durable printing method that can produce high-quality designs. While it may have limitations in terms of color range and texture, it remains a popular option for small businesses and individuals looking to produce custom designs.

 

In Organic Blank, we recommend the following items: 

KP157 - Content Here

KI0727 - Kimood cotton toiletry bag

K818 - Organic cotton dress socks Origin France - Kariban

6) Direct-to-Garment Printing

Direct to Garment (DTG) printing is a printing method that involves printing a design directly onto a garment or fabric using a specialized inkjet printer. The process involves creating a design using software, loading the garment or fabric onto the printer, and then printing the design directly onto the material.

 

Advantages of DTG printing:

1. High quality: DTG printing can produce high-quality designs with vibrant colors, fine details, and gradients, resulting in a more natural and realistic look.
2. Versatility: DTG printing can be used on a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
3. Customization: DTG printing allows for customization of designs, including photographs, with no loss of image quality.
4. Eco-friendly: DTG printing uses water-based inks, which are less harmful to the environment than traditional printing methods.
5. Cost-effective: DTG printing can be a cost-effective option for small runs of custom designs, as it does not require large quantities to be produced to be cost-effective.

 

Disadvantages of DTG printing:

1. Limited durability: DTG printing designs may not be as durable as other printing methods such as screen printing or embroidery, particularly for darker fabrics.
2. Limited texture: DTG printing can leave a slightly raised or textured surface on the material, which may be undesirable for certain applications.
3. Limited production speed: DTG printing can be a slow process, particularly for larger runs of designs, as each item must be printed individually.
4. Limited color range: DTG printing is often limited in the range of colors that can be produced, particularly when compared to other printing methods such as sublimation or screen printing.
5. Limited material compatibility: DTG printing may not be compatible with certain materials that cannot withstand the heat and pressure required for printing.

Overall, DTG printing is a high-quality and versatile printing method that can produce realistic and detailed designs. While it may have limitations in terms of durability and texture, it remains a popular option for small businesses and individuals looking to produce custom designs.

In Organic Blank, we recommend the following items: 

K3026 - Kariban Men's Short Sleeve Seamless Neck Organic T-Shirt

WK302 - BIO150 round neck t-shirt for men Kariban

KI0288 - Kimood Organic Cotton Shopper Bag

7) Direct To Film» (DTF)

Direct To Film (DTF) is a relatively new printing method that involves printing a design onto a specialized film using a digital printer and then transferring the design onto a garment or fabric using a heat press. The process involves creating a design using software, printing the design onto the film using a digital printer, and then using a heat press to transfer the design onto the material.

Advantages of DTF printing:

1. High quality: DTF printing can produce high-quality designs with vibrant colors, fine details, and gradients, resulting in a more natural and realistic look.
2. Versatility: DTF printing can be used on a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
3. Customization: DTF printing allows for customization of designs, including photographs, with no loss of image quality.
4. Durability: DTF printing designs are highly durable and long-lasting, withstanding multiple washes and wear.
5. Eco-friendly: DTF printing uses water-based inks, which are less harmful to the environment than traditional printing methods.

Disadvantages of DTF printing:

1. Production speed: DTF printing can be a slow process, particularly for larger runs of designs, as each item must be printed individually.
2. Limited color range: DTF printing is often limited in the range of colors that can be produced, particularly when compared to other printing methods such as sublimation or screen printing.
3. Limited material compatibility: DTF printing may not be compatible with certain materials that cannot withstand the heat and pressure required for printing.
4. Texture: DTF printing can leave a slightly raised or textured surface on the material, which may be undesirable for certain applications.
5. Cost: DTF printing can be more expensive than other printing methods such as screen printing or a vinyl transfer.

Overall, DTF printing is a high-quality and durable printing method that can produce realistic and detailed designs. While it may have limitations in terms of production speed, color range, and cost, it remains a popular option for small businesses and individuals looking to produce custom designs.

In Organic Blank, we recommend the following items: 

 

WK210 - Two-tone eco-responsible short-sleeved unisex polo shirt WK. Designed To Work

WK6148 - Day-to-day Men's WK Vest. Designed To Work

KP011 - Orlando - K-Up 6 Panel Cap

Conclusion

There are several techniques to personalize your products, and all of them work in a phenomenons way it is applied to the correct product and for the necessities

We have analyzed the various printing procedures, and certain methods can only be used with particular textiles (sublimation on polyester, for example, or embroidery on thick and resistant fabrics). The degree of pattern intricacy, the amount of colors, and the level of fine finishing are further considerations. In order to make the best choice, it is our advice that you ensure you have all the information available in advance. The question of usage and frequency of use must be taken into account while choosing the appropriate material.

In Organic Blank, we can guide you through the selection process and also recommend the products that best adapt you your needs.