Typical uses of printing
Printing is ideal for promotional events. They are a great way to help people identify your cause or organisation. Personalised clothing acts as a walking advertisement. Printing is low cost so it is often bought in bulk. Printing is popular with businesses, and charities. It is also commonly used for stag nights, hen dos and holidays. The print tends to be larger, brighter and more ‘in your face’. The objective of the T print is to get heads turning and focused on the cause or organisation listed on the garment. Printing allows for more complicated designs when compared to embroidery.
Typical uses of embroidery
Embroidery requires a high quality and thicker garment, such as a hoodie, polo or sweatshirt. This is because a thinner garment could pull the fabric when attempted to embroid. Typical use of embroidery is for logos or smaller designs. Many businesses choose embroidery in their uniforms. This is because embroidery looks professional and gives the garment a more solid feel. Embroidery is long lasting and will not fade in the wash.
For this reason, some argue that embroidery is a lot more cost effective than printing. Embroidery should be used on uniforms and garments that are designed to be long lasting.
What is DTF printing?
DTF printing involves printing a design onto a piece of PET film (a special film with a coating that helps transfer designs) using water-based inks and a special powder adhesive. Then, the design on the PET film is heat transferred to fabric using a heat press machine.
With embroidery
The logo is reproduced by stitching threads directly into the fabric. The actual stitching process is fully automatic and performed by computerised embroidery machines. Most commercial embroidery machines have twelve or more sewing heads with up to 15 needles per head. This means that 12 items can be embroidered simultaneously and the logo can use up to 15 threads.
CAD cut full colour printing
CAD Cut vinyl is actually the materialwhich is used to print onto the fabric – the material which is cut with the aid of the computer. CAD Cut vinyl uses a unique vinyl material which is specially cut and then printed onto the clothing using a heat press.