We put logos on clothing three ways: screen printing, DTF printing and embroidery. Each one fits a different kind of order. We look at your logo, the clothing, your budget and your date, then recommend the one that fits.
the three methods, side by side.
| Screen printing | DTF printing | Embroidery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Ink is pressed through a screen, one color at a time | Design is printed on film, then pressed on with heat | Logo is stitched in thread |
| Minimum | 12 per design | None | None |
| Colors | Each color adds a $20 setup fee | Any number, same price | Price is based on stitches, not colors |
| Best for | Big orders of one design | Small orders, full-color designs | Polos, hats, jackets, workwear |
| Usual time | 15–20 business days | 7–10 business days | 7–10 business days for a new logo |
screen printing: best for big orders.
Screen printing presses ink through a screen onto the shirt, one color at a time. Each color needs its own screen and setup fee, which is why there’s a 12-piece minimum. The more you order, the less each shirt costs.
It’s a great fit when you need a lot of the same design and have a few weeks: 5K shirts, school events or a big crew.
DTF printing: best for small orders and full color.
DTF stands for direct-to-film. We print your design on a special film, then press it onto the clothing with heat. A photo or a ten-color logo costs the same as one color.
It works on cotton, polyester and blends, so one order can mix tees, hoodies and athletic shirts. There’s no minimum. A company event next week, or one shirt for a new hire? DTF printing is a good fit.
embroidery: best for a professional look.
Embroidery stitches your logo into the fabric. It has a raised look and holds up wash after wash. That’s why it’s the top choice for polos, hats, jackets, quarter-zips and workwear like Carhartt.
The first time, we set up your logo for the embroidery machine. That’s a one-time fee, and we keep the file so reorders are easy. Pricing is based on stitches, not colors: $7 a piece for up to 7,000 stitches, then $1 for every 1,000 more.
Very small text can be hard to stitch. You’ll see a preview of your logo before we start.
which one is right for you?
Ask three questions:
- How many of the same design? Fewer than 12, choose DTF printing or embroidery. For bigger orders, screen printing is an option too.
- When do you need them? If it’s less than three weeks away, choose DTF printing or embroidery.
- What are you decorating? Polos, hats and jackets usually get embroidery. Tees and hoodies with big or colorful designs usually get printed.
Still not sure? Tell us about your order and we’ll recommend one. Brenda Brewer said we “were very helpful in guiding us through all the options and where to start.”
frequently asked questions.
What’s the difference between DTF and DTG printing?
DTG prints ink straight onto the shirt and works best on cotton. DTF prints on film first, then presses it on, so it works on cotton, polyester and blends. We use DTF.
Is embroidery more expensive than printing?
It depends on the size. A small chest logo often stays at $7. Large designs take more stitches, so printing usually costs less for those.
Can I use more than one method in one order?
Yes. You can stitch polos for the office and print tees for the crew, or put a stitched logo on the chest and a printed design on the back.
not sure yet? just ask.
Tell us what you need, how many and when through our quote form. We’ll recommend the method that fits. Learn more about screen printing, DTF printing and embroidery.
