Printing a design on fabric is really a thrilling activity. Thus, a plain t-shirt becomes special. Fabrics can likewise look different from what they usually would. But, the great news is that one can print on cloth using multiple techniques. Some of them are ideal for home sewing projects while others make it possible to mass-produce items.
In this writing, you will learn all you need about this process. We will go through the ways that are mostly used. Among others, you will get an insight into the process of screen printing and modern digital methods. Besides that, you will discover how to choose the best method according to your project. Moreover, you will also learn the techniques for getting the most favorable results. This guide will be useful for crafts persons, designers, and business people.
Getting Familiar with the Ground Rules: Main Ideas
Before we talk about specific methods let’s establish some basic ideas. Understanding these terms will guide you on the various options you have for printing a design on cloth.
What is Textile Printing?
Textile printing refers to the addition of colors onto the fabric in the form of patterns or designs. This type of art has been in existence since ancient times. It developed over time from block printing to modern, digital machinery. Textile printing therefore always involves the idea of beautifying a fabric.
Fabric vs. Garment Printing
These two processes are fundamentally different from each other. In fabric printing, the design is applied to rolls of raw material. After that, the printed roll is cut and sewn into the final products such as dresses or furniture covers.
Garment printing is the application of design or logo on the clothing using it as a substrate. That means adding a logo to a pre-made t-shirt. Additionally, it also means adding a design to a tote bag. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is the term often used to describe this.
Key Factors That Influence Your Print
There are four main points that affect the size, look, and feel of the final print on the fabric.
- Fabric Type: The use of natural fibers like cotton and linen varies as compared to the use of synthetic ones such as polyester. The type of fabric you select for your item is what in turn determines the applicable printing method.
- Design Complexity: A basic logo having just one color requires different materials compared to an image in full color.
- Durability: How much of the print needs to hold up to washing?
- Hand-Feel: This term refers to the actual feel of the print on the fabric. Is it part of the cloth? For example, it can be soft. On the other hand, it could be a thicker layer of ink on top.
A Thorough Overview of Top Printing Techniques
Next, we will introduce the most typical printing methods that people use on fabric. Each technique offers its unique advantages. Additionally, some of them are more suitable for certain types of projects.
Screen Printing: The Reliable, Bright Workhorse in Fabric Print
Screen printing is a traditional, time-tested, and workhorse way for fabric printing. It is a process of pushing ink through a mesh screen onto the fabric. The screen is blocked by the stencil. With this technique, you create bright, eye-catching colors that survive for a long time. Every ink color you add requires making a new screen. So, it works best for designs with few colors. Besides, if you order more, it will cost you less. You can find out more in our comprehensive guide to screen printing.
Specialty Techniques: Puff and High-Density
Besides that, screen printing can also be used for getting fabulous textures. Specialty inks can be used to make the design elevate the fabric. You will have the opportunity to see and touch this effect in 3D. Further info can be found in our ultimate guide to puff screen printing.
Digital Printing (DTG & DTF): The Modern Approach
The digital printing of fabrics has significantly changed the way we print on cloth. With it, you are not only able to print a multi-colored design but to also have very minute details added. This is done without requiring much time before you set it up as screen printing does.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG)
You should think about DTG (Direct-to-Garment) technology as a printer for fabric. The device however does not inkjet. It sprays water latex directly to the cloth’s surface. The dye (which is latex free) gets absorbed by the cellulose in the fabric. This is the best technology for fabrics with complex graphics and high color counts. DTG is great for small orders and unique items. Here is a good example of this concept when comparing different fabric printing methods.
Direct-to-Film (DTF)
DTF is the latest digital process. Initially, the image is printed on a special type of film. The film is then adhered to the garment with the use of a heat press. The main reason why DTF is so popular is that it can be used on various fabrics. It can also be applied to both cotton and polyester as well as blends. Furthermore, it produces vibrant, durable prints.
Dye-Sublimation: For Imperceptible Prints
Dye-sublimation is an innovative method that is only applicable to synthetic fabrics, such as polyester. This method involves first printing a design on special paper. Then, with a combination of heat and pressure, the ink gasifies and bonds directly to the fabric fibers.
The output is a permanent, invisible print. You don’t feel it at all. The pattern will never peel, crack, or fade you see it one day. It is the best choice for using designs all over on sportswear and activewear.
Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): The DIY Favorite
Heat Transfer Vinyl or HTV is the go-to choice for home crafters and small projects. A design is cut out from a colored vinyl sheet. It is then placed onto the cloth. You can apply it to the fabric using a heat press or a home iron.
With HTV, one can easily create simple texts and shapes. The good thing about it is it is simple to start using. It also offers a wide range of unique finishes including glitter, and metallic. Additionally, it’s the most straightforward method to use. However, it is important to note that its lifespan is potentially shorter than professional printing techniques.
Selecting the Right Print Method: A Practice Guide
Printing on cloth is an easy job because you can choose among different ways. But how do you know which of them is the best? This largely relies on the volume, design, fabric, and budget factors you have in mind. For this reason, we have created this table to easily help you compare the methods.
| Printing Method | Best for Volume | Fabric Compatibility | Design Complexity | Durability | Hand-Feel | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | High (50+) | Cotton, Blends, Many Others | Simple, fewer colors | ★★★★★ | Slightly raised layer | $$$$ (setup), $ (per piece) |
| DTG | Low (1-20) | Cotton, Natural Blends | Photographic, unlimited colors | ★★★★☆ | Soft, integrated | $$$ (per piece) |
| DTF | Low to Medium | Cotton, Polyester, Blends | Photographic, unlimited colors | ★★★★☆ | Soft, flexible layer | $$$ (per piece) |
| Sublimation | Any Volume | Polyester Only | Photographic, unlimited colors | ★★★★★ | None, part of fabric | $$$ (per piece) |
| HTV | Low (1-10) | Cotton, Polyester, Blends | Simple shapes, text | ★★★☆☆ | Flexible layer on top | $$ (per piece) |
Beyond the Print: Prep and Aftercare
As a company specialized in textile production, we are aware that printing a high-quality product is not just about the machine. The preparation and post-printing processes affect the final quality as well as the longevity of your cloth.
Preparing Your Design and Fabric
Arranging your files and fabric is crucial. Bypassing these arrangements may lead to unworthy results.
- File Preparation: Always a high-quality file should be used. The recommended resolution is 300 DPI (dots per inch). This will definitely ensure that your print is not blurry but sharp. The best type of file for non-complex graphics is a vector file (like AI or EPS). It can be enlarged or reduced without loss of quality. With photos, a raster file (like PNG or JPG) works fine.
- Fabric Prep: We always suggest pre-washing 100% cotton fabrics. The reason is that cotton usually shrinks after being washed for the first time. So together with the washing you will ensure that your print will not get warped or bent later on. Before printing, make sure that the fabric is clean, dry, and absolutely flat.
Essential Aftercare to Maximize Durability
Similar to the pre-printing process, how you care for the garment after printing is equally important. Caring for the garment properly will help it remain bright for years to come.
- Curing: The majority of printing inks require curing through heat. This defines the ink by making it permanent and also water-resistant. Screen printing, DTG, and DTF all have specific times and temperature requirements. This is achieved in a heat play or conveyor dryer. For making the product last, this is the most crucial step.
- Washing Instructions: To keep your custom print on cloth looking its best, follow these rules:
- Always turn the garment inside out before washing.
- Use cold water, and a moderate amount of detergent.
- Dry on a low setting or air dry.
- Ironing directly on the printed area is not allowed.
Working with a Professional
If your project is for a business, brand, or large event, working with a professional printer is often the best choice. They have the right equipment and experience. They can deliver high-quality results every time.
What to Look for in a Printing Partner
Choosing the right partner is key to a successful project. Look for a company that has:
- Clear expertise in the printing method you need.
- A willingness to provide samples or a swatch kit.
- Clear pricing with no hidden fees.
- Good reviews and examples of past work.
Preparing for Your Order
Having clear information allows the process to be smooth. You need to determine the quantity you want, the fabric type, and where you want your design placed. It is also important to have your artwork in the right format.
Great partners may also assist with more complex projects. For example, the making of a custom puff print hoodie consists in both making the garment and the application of the special print.
Are you Ready to Start Your Project?
Creating a design, then bringing it to life on cloth is a plus you should not miss. As a fully-fledged clothing manufacturer, we have the know-how to walk you through every step. From choice of the best fabric to perfect print execution, we are here to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most durable method to print on cloth?
For synthetic fibers such as polyester, dye-sublimation is the most durable method available. The dye bonds permanently with the fibers of the substrate making it impossible to chip or crack. For natural fibers like cotton, a well-cured screen print is incredibly durable. It will serve for many years.
Can I print a photo on a t-shirt at home?
Yes, you can. If you want the simplest way, you can use iron-on transfer paper. Most craft stores have it for sale. You print your photo onto the special paper using a regular inkjet printer. Then, you use a home iron to press the design onto the shirt. The method would not be as effective as the professional techniques but it is a wonderful choice for one-time projects.
What’s the best printing method for a small business?
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF) are perfect for small businesses. They have very low setup costs. This makes them great for small orders or even single items. This flexibility lets you offer many designs without needing a large inventory. The rise of digital fabric printing online services has made this very easy to access.
Why can’t I use sublimation on a 100% cotton shirt?
The sublimation process is a chemical reaction. The special ink is designed to bond with man-made polyester fibers when heated. Cotton is a natural fiber. It does not have the right structure for the ink to stick to. If you tried to sublimate on cotton, the design would look faded. It would wash out completely.
What is the difference between hand-feel in screen printing vs. DTG?
A traditional screen print usually feels slightly raised. This is a result of the ink sitting as a thin layer on top of the fabric. On the other hand, DTG ink absorbs into the cotton fibers directly. This is especially true on light-colored shirts. This leads to very soft print with minimal hand-feel. It feels like cotton fabric that is original.
