Decoration

There are numerous ways to decorate a garment. Whether you want a crisp, simple screenprint or are aiming to use multiple techniques for a varied texture, we can meet your needs.

A variety of decoration techniques

Just some of the printing methods we use:

  • Screenprint (silk screen)
    • This classic technique involves ink being pushed through mesh screens onto fabric, one color at a time. Finer mesh can be used for more precision. Cost-effective and durable, with vibrant colors, this is the go-to for bulk garment decoration. There are other effects you can create with screen printing, such as puff printing and high density printing.
  • Direct-to-Garment (DTG)/Digital Textile Printing
    • Just like a home printer, an inkjet DTG printer will print water-based inks directly onto either fabric or garment pieces. Photographs and other designs with complex colors can be printed with high detail. Industrial scale printers can print directly onto fabric rolls, allowing for complex designs for large runs.
  • Direct-to-Film (DTF)
    • In this process, a design is printed on film, coated with adhesive powder, and then heat-pressed onto the garment. This method works on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends, and has vibrant colors with a full color range, like DTG printing. 
  • Sublimation Printing
    • In this process, the design is first printed on transfer paper. When the paper is placed on the fabric in a fusing machine the ink is sublimated and bonded to the fabric. This process can only be done with polyester fibers and is popular for activewear and sports uniforms because of the ability to do allover prints. Like printing on paper, white fabric is required otherwise the design will be tinted by the base color.
  • Discharge Printing
    • This type of printing is done with screens, but there’s a twist—the dye is removed from the fabric and replaced with the color of the print. Because the dye is removed, the hand feel is soft and you can’t feel the ink as much. This printing is popular for a vintage effect, but the colors are limited, partially because the fabric needs to be dyed with special dyes.

What about embroidery?

  • Flat Embroidery
    • This is the typical embroidery decoration seen on garments, in which the design is stitched directly into fabric. It is more expensive than printing and has limited detail for very small text or design elements, but gives a premium look and offers tactile interest. The fabric must be heavy enough that it can handle the weight of a finished embroidery.
  • Chain Stitch Embroidery
    • For a more decorative look, chain stitch embroidery can be done with a typical industrial embroidery machine. Fine details cannot be done due to the thickness of the “chains,” but this is a popular option for vintage designs.
  • Chenille Embroidery
    • Looping yarn creates a fuzzy, textured surface. This is popular for varsity jackets and vintage and/or athletic styled apparel. Its limited ability to handle detail can be overcome by using flat embroidery for any detailed areas.
  • 3D/Puff Embroidery
    • In this method, foam is placed underneath to lift up the embroidered thread, creating a dimensional effect. It isn’t suited for intricate detail, but creative designers can use it for a unique appearance. It’s particular popular for caps.
  • Appliqué Embroidery
    • Appliqué simply means that fabric pieces are stitched onto the garment and finished with embroidery. A wide variety of techniques can be combined here (for example, printing on the appliqué fabric piece, then sewing it down). While it requires precise cutting and placement and is a bit more complex to produce, it makes garments stand out.

There are more embellishments, such as:

  • Rhinestones/Studs
    • Stones can be applied with heat adhesive for high visual impact and sparkle. These are typically available on heat transfers and different sizes, colors, and styles of stones can be mixed and matched.
  • Sequins
    • These can not only be sewn, but also bonded onto fabric for extra glimmer. In casual wear, this is most commonly seen on kids’ clothes, but can be creatively used for adults.
  • Embossing
    • A combination of heat and pressure is used to create raised patterns in the fabric. This technique can be combined with other techniques like screen print to create creative combinations of decor.
  • Flocking
    • In this process, adhesive is applied, then short fibers are added for a velvet-like texture. This is especially popular for children’s garments, but can be used to great effect for adults as well.
  • Garment Dyeing
    • After the garment is constructed, the entire thing is dyed. This could be tie dye or dip dye, or acid wash for a vintage effect. The unique variations and retro appeal of this technique is currently very trendy.

Products we’ve made

Shoot us a message to get started