When it comes to custom t-shirts, tote bags, and other apparel, choosing the right printing method can make all the difference. It not only affects the quality and durability of your prints but also the overall appeal of your brand’s merchandise. At Stitch 99, based in the heart of London, we pride ourselves on offering the best quality printing for brands of all sizes. Whether you’re creating custom shirts for a corporate event, team uniforms, or launching your own clothing line, knowing which Perfect printing method suits your needs is crucial.
This article will guide you through the various printing methods available, helping you select the perfect one for your brand.
1. Screen Printing: Best for Large Quantities and Simple Designs
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing London, also known as silk-screen printing, is one of the most traditional and popular methods for printing on apparel. It involves creating a stencil (known as a screen), and using it to apply layers of ink on the fabric. This method is ideal for bold and simple designs that don’t require intricate detail.
Why Choose Screen Printing?
- Cost-effective for bulk orders: Screen printing becomes more affordable as the order quantity increases. The setup process involves creating screens, which can be costly for smaller runs but ideal for large volumes.
- Durable and long-lasting: The inks used in screen printing are thick, making the print highly durable. They withstand washing and wear over time, maintaining the print’s vibrant colours.
- Best for simple designs with few colours: Screen printing works best for logos or graphics with solid colours and minimal detail. Each colour in the design requires its own screen, so it’s not suitable for designs with a high number of colours or gradients.
When to Use Screen Printing at Stitch 99:
If you need to produce t-shirts for a company event or sports team, and you’re ordering in bulk, screen printing is the best choice. It will give you high-quality, durable prints at a lower cost.
2. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Best for Complex, Detailed Designs
What is DTG Printing?
Direct-to-Garment printing, often abbreviated as DTG, is a more modern printing technique that works similarly to an inkjet printer. It directly applies ink onto the fabric, allowing for a full range of colours and details to be printed without the need for separate screens.
Why Choose DTG Printing?
- Perfect for detailed and multi-colour designs: DTG allows for high-resolution images and complex designs with multiple colours, gradients, and fine details. It’s excellent for photographic prints or intricate illustrations.
- No setup fees for small orders: Unlike screen printing, DTG doesn’t require creating screens, making it a cost-effective solution for smaller orders or one-off prints.
- Soft to the touch: Since the ink is absorbed by the fabric rather than sitting on top, DTG prints have a soft, almost undetectable feel.
When to Use DTG Printing at Stitch 99:
If you’re creating a limited-edition run of t-shirts with intricate artwork or photo-realistic designs, DTG printing is your best bet. It’s also great for smaller orders where you want the flexibility of multiple colours without the added cost of screen setup.
3. Heat Transfer Printing: Ideal for Versatile and Custom Designs
What is Heat Transfer Printing?
Heat transfer printing uses heat to transfer a design from a special vinyl material or paper onto fabric. This method includes vinyl heat transfer and sublimation printing, both of which offer unique benefits depending on the material and design requirements.
Why Choose Heat Transfer Printing?
- Best for small quantities or on-demand customisation: Heat transfer is ideal for short runs or one-off prints where you need to personalise each item (like names or numbers on shirts).
- Versatile: Heat transfer can be used on a variety of fabrics and materials, making it perfect for creating custom designs on not only apparel but also accessories like tote bags, hats, or even hard surfaces.
- Great for vibrant, full-colour designs: Sublimation heat transfer, in particular, works well for full-colour designs on polyester fabrics. The colours are vibrant and long-lasting.
When to Use Heat Transfer Printing at Stitch 99:
For personalised merchandise or when you need individual customisation (such as adding names to shirts), heat transfer printing is the ideal choice. If you’re working with polyester fabrics, sublimation heat transfer is an excellent option for vibrant, all-over prints.
4. Embroidery: Best for Premium, Professional Finish
What is Embroidery?
Embroidery involves stitching a design onto the fabric using coloured threads. It’s often used for logos, text, or simple designs, giving garments a professional and high-quality finish. This method is commonly used for uniforms, polo shirts, caps, and other promotional items.
Why Choose Embroidery?
- Durability: Embroidery lasts much longer than most printing methods. The thread is stitched into the fabric, making it resistant to fading and wear.
- Premium appearance: Embroidery gives a high-end, textured look to the design, making it ideal for creating a professional image. It’s perfect for branding logos on corporate or staff uniforms.
- Suitable for thick fabrics: Embroidery Services London best on heavier fabrics like polo shirts, jackets, and caps, where other printing methods might not hold as well.
When to Use Embroidery at Stitch 99:
If you’re looking to produce uniforms or corporate apparel with a professional finish, embroidery is the way to go. It’s also ideal for smaller logos or text-based designs that need to last for a long time.
5. Dye-Sublimation: Best for All-Over Prints
What is Dye-Sublimation?
Dye-sublimation Perfect printing method is a specialised process that uses heat to transfer dye onto polyester fabrics. It’s the go-to choice for all-over printing on garments, allowing you to cover the entire surface with your design.
Why Choose Dye-Sublimation?
- All-over prints: This method is perfect for creating designs that cover the entire garment, such as jerseys or promotional t-shirts. The dye bonds with the fabric, allowing for a seamless, high-quality finish.
- Permanent, vibrant colours: Sublimation produces vivid, long-lasting prints. The dye becomes part of the fabric, so the colours won’t fade, crack, or peel over time.
- Great for light-coloured polyester: While sublimation works best on lighter fabrics, it’s an ideal choice for polyester-based materials where the design needs to be vibrant and durable.
When to Use Dye-Sublimation at Stitch 99:
If you’re designing sports jerseys, or looking for an all-over print that covers the entire t-shirt, dye-sublimation is the best method. It’s also ideal for creating promotional products like banners, flags, or custom sportswear.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Printing Method
At Stitch 99, we offer a wide variety of Perfect printing method techniques, each with its own advantages. The key to selecting the Perfect printing method lies in understanding your design, the type of fabric you’re working with, your budget, and the quantity you need.
- Screen Printing is best for large runs of simple designs with solid colours.
- DTG Printing is ideal for complex, detailed designs and small orders.
- Heat Transfer Printing works well for personalised or custom designs in small quantities.
- Embroidery is the go-to choice for professional, long-lasting designs on thicker fabrics.
- Dye-Sublimation is perfect for vibrant, all-over prints on polyester fabrics.
Still unsure which method is right for your project? Get in touch with us at Stitch 99. We’re here to help you choose the best T Shirt Printing London method for your brand, ensuring your custom merchandise not only looks great but stands the test of time