When you want to make your own printed sweaters, there are many possibilities – but which is the best? To find out, you can read this post.
When you want to create your own printed sweaters, the choice of shirt printing method is one of the first choices you need to make. In this post, we’ll help you understand more about the different technologies and give you a quick guide to make your choice easier.
There are four current established printing methods for making printed sweaters. To begin with, I thought I’d tell you a little about these so that you can later understand the background to my recommendations.
Screen printing on shirts
Of the four options, screen printing is often considered the best and is therefore also the most popular. Screen printing is performed by pushing a layer of ink through a fine-mesh cloth to form a pattern. A separate stencil is created and the process must be repeated for each ink. This means that the number of colors in the print largely determines the price, and the method is best suited for larger editions where the print on each Jersey is identical. At Dallas Shirt Printing, we almost exclusively use screen printing to decorate sweaters, precisely because quality is important to us.
Transfer printing on shirts
Transfer printing is done by pressing pre-printed marks onto the garment. The unit cost can be quite high, but in low and short deadlines it can be a good option.
We like to differentiate between digital and traditional transfer printing
For digital transfer, we print a design directly on a foil that is attached to the garment with a heat press. This can give a good result, and is photorealistic. The colors may fade slightly over time, unlike if you use screen printing.
Traditional transfer is made by attaching cutouts in a colored foil to a transfer sheet, which is then pressed onto the garment. The transfer paper is removed, and the foil remains. Since the design consists of several layers of colored foil, this method has some color limitations, but while the foil is transparent, it ensures that the print lasts a very long time.
The disadvantage of transfer printing is that it can be perceived as quite “tight” when you decorate large surfaces because it is a foil that sticks to the clothes. The garment also does not breathe as well when using transfer, but if only a small motif on the chest is to be printed, this is not a problem.
We often use transfers when the design is to have different names. For example. sports clubs and associations often want each garment to have a unique name on it. Then transfers are perfectly suited.
Sublimation printing
Sublimation printing is a technique where a design is printed on a special paper which is then transferred to the garment. The ink is heated until it melts into the garment. This means that the print lasts longer, and is perceived as part of the garment rather than a print. If you want to make a Sweater with a print from seam to seam, this technique is used. However, remember that for best results you need to decorate the fabric before it is sewn together as a Sweater, so it will be expensive.
DTG (direct-to-garment)
DTG is a method where we use a special printer that can print directly on the garment, just like a normal printer prints on paper. This technology has very few limitations in terms of colors, but it does have some limitations in terms of the materials it can print on. However, this is not a problem when talking about Sweaters, as it is usually a matter of printing on cotton.
DTG is a relatively new method of making sweaters with prints, but a method that is here to stay. If you want to make a garment with a complicated print, DTG is a good option. DTG is a bit more expensive, but gives a more comfortable result.
Embroidery on sweaters
Embroidery may sound expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Brodyr has a small start-up cost of about SEK 500, but then it doesn’t cost that much per unit as long as the desired motif is fairly small. It is the number of stitches that determines how long it takes and thus the cost. On many sweaters, embroidery looks very nice, it often looks a little more exclusive. In addition, the durability is unbeatable.
How to choose the right printing method?
There are two factors that influence when it comes to choosing the printing method:
- What size print are you looking for?
- How complicated is your design?
- How long/tough should the clothes be used?
How many shirts do you want to make?
The first thing you need to decide is how many Sweaters with the same print you will make. If you are going to produce a small print that requires fast delivery, DTG is probably the right printing method for you. Then you get start-up costs and a good product that can be delivered relatively quickly.
Should you be submitting a larger order, perhaps up to 20 identical Shirts or more, then consider Screen Printing. The result is always good and the unit price is low. If the motif is relatively simple, perhaps you only need to print a logo or other message with a few colors, you should always check the price of screen printing at Printtt Val. We produce as few as 10 Printed Shirts at very low prices.
Would you like a larger order, with 20+ garments where the logo is small. Consider embroidery, or why not a combination of both embroidery and screen printing, or transfer printing.
The design determines which method is best
The design is the most important aspect when it comes to choosing a printing method. If the design contains many different colors, intricate details or photographs, DTG is the right solution.
You probably already have an idea of how you want the design to look. Is it a photograph? Is it black and white? Or just text?
If you are going to decorate the entire front of the garment, from seam to seam, it also provides guidelines on the printing method.
How long should the clothes be used?
Sometimes you just need to have them as cheaply as possible. If it is Jerseys that are connected to an event that will only be used once, it is not so important that the print is of the highest quality. Keep in mind that in 99% of cases it will be more worthwhile to simplify the message than to choose a printing method other than screen printing. Often the most sensible thing to do is to print with black on a white sweater. It will be cheap, the message will be very clear – and you will get the best quality!
Use the chart below to find out what you should choose to make your printed sweaters:
Are you still unsure? It does not matter! Printed Choice will always be able to give you good advice for your project. We help you with the right pressure for the best results for your project. What you can be sure of is that we will find a solution together – no matter what you need. Ask us via email, phone or chat if you have any questions!