How to choose a print method

The six methods

These are the methods printers on Printmyshirt offer. Each printer confirms the method in its quote.

• Screen print: Bold, hard-wearing designs with only a few colours. Best for bigger orders, about 24 or more. Each colour needs its own set-up, so small orders cost more per piece.
• Direct to garment (DTG): Detailed, colourful or photo prints on cotton. Good for small orders, up to about 100. No set-up cost for each colour.
• DTF (direct to film): Colourful prints that stay soft, on cotton, mixed fabrics and polyester. Good for small and medium orders, from 1 to about 300.
• Embroidery: Logos and short words, sewn in thread. A smart, lasting look on caps and hoodies. Good from about 6 pieces. Best for small, simple logos. Big, detailed art costs more.
• Heat transfer (vinyl): Names, numbers and simple one or two colour shapes. Good for small orders and personal names or numbers, up to about 50.
• Sublimation: Full-colour prints that cover the whole item and never crack or peel. Only works on polyester and on mugs. Good for small and medium orders, from 1 to about 200.

Start from your design

• One to three flat colours, lots of pieces: screen print.
• Photo or many colours, few pieces: DTG on cotton, DTF on most fabrics.
• A small logo that should look smart: embroidery.
• A name or number per person: heat transfer.
• An all-over print on polyester: sublimation.

Then check the fabric

The blank limits the choice. Sublimation only shows on polyester or a coated mug, and DTG looks best on cotton. In the request form, a note appears when your choice and your fabric do not fit.