Understanding Decoration Types

Embroidery

What it is: Stitched threads form your design directly on the fabric.

• Strengths: Ultra-durable; premium feel; great for logos and lettering.
• Weaknesses: Not ideal for very fine detail or photographic artwork.
• Colour cost: A digitization fee will apply to new orders; the fee will be based on the number of stitches in your logo.
• Minimums: 8 pieces
• Turnaround: 2-4 weeks after artwork approval.

Screen Printing

What it is: Ink pushed through a stencil (“screen”) onto your garment.

• Strengths: Crisp, vibrant colours; excellent for large runs.
• Weaknesses: Each colour needs its own screen; not cost-effective for small runs.
• Colour cost: Setup fee per screen/colour.
• Minimums: 12 pieces.
• Turnaround: 2-4 weeks after artwork approval.

Direct-to-Film (DTF)

What it is: Printed film transfer that’s heat-pressed onto the garment.

• Strengths: Photographic detail, unlimited colours in one pass; no colour-based setup fees.
• Weaknesses: Slightly thicker hand feel than DTG; adhesion can vary by fabric.
• Colour cost: All-in-one: you pay ink by coverage, not per-colour setup.
• Minimums: Typically, 8 pieces (ideal for small runs).
• Turnaround: 2-4 weeks after artwork approval.

Each method has its trade-offs—need help deciding? Let’s chat about your artwork and find the best fit for your budget and timeline.