Insights

Customised Clothing

When it comes to customised clothing, you can choose from:Textile Printing Embroidery Transfer Embroidery

Sooner Than Later's Customised Clothing

Textile Printing

What is Textile Printing?

One of the most popular choices for customised clothing is Textile Printing. Textile Printing is the process that involves applying colour to fabric in definite patterns or designs.

Textile printing involves the production of a predetermined coloured pattern on a fabric, typically with a definite repeat. It can be described as a localised form of dyeing, applying colourant to selected areas of the fabric to build up the design. Textile printing, like textile dyeing, is a process for applying colour to a substrate. However, instead of colouring the whole substrate, as in dyeing, print colour is applied only to the desired pattern. This involves different techniques and different machinery with respect to dyeing, but the physical and chemical processes that take place between the dye and the fibre are analogous to dyeing.

Digital Textile Printing

Digital textile printing is also referred to as direct-to-garment printing (DTG Printing) or digital garment printing. It is a process of printing on textiles and garments using specialised or modified inkjet technology. Inkjet printing on fabric is also possible with an inkjet printer using fabric sheets with a removable paper backing. Major inkjet technology manufacturers can offer specialised products designed for direct printing on textiles, not only for sampling but for bulk production.

What is Textile Printing Used For?

When it comes to customised clothing, printing is often favoured for advertising or promotional uses. This is because it is low cost and can handle complicated artwork better than embroidery can. Printing works well with larger designs and can handle bright colours better. It tends to stand a lot more than embroidery, which is why printing is used so often in advertising. Printing is well suited for T-Shirt graphics. A printed logo on a company garment is clean and smart when done correctly. Some people prefer printing to embroidery on low GSM (grams-per-square-metre) T-shirts as embroidery can pull the fabric. Printed garments are often bought in bulk and are great value for money. Hand drawn or complicated designs are better suited to printing rather than embroidery.

Embroidery Transfer

Embroidery transfers are designs that are placed on a transferable material to be followed when doing embroidery. Most commercial examples are printed on iron transfer paper which is then pinned to the fabric on which it is to be placed. This transfer method allows for the creation of intricate needlework designs easier than with freehand methods. The designs are then sewn directly onto the fabric, unlike applique where they would be ironed or glued on.

Why is Embroidery Transfer Used?

Embroidery Transfer is a great option for customised clothing items such as hoodies or sweatshirts as it allows for complex designs to be added to the material at a high quality standard.

Embroidery

Embroidery is the process whereby a design or logo can actually be stitched onto a range of garments. This method of decoration is immediately eye-catching, colourful and multidimensional. It is also known as a very durable method of transferring graphics, often outlasting the garment itself! Smaller, simpler designs with multiple colours are ideal for embroidery. Therefore it is the preferred option for smaller sized designs or multiple colours.

Embroidery may cost more than traditional printing, however the longevity of the embroidery makes it cost effective.

What is Embroidery Used For?

The typical use of embroidery is for logos or smaller designs. 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 embroider. 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, it is said that embroidery is a lot more cost effective than printing.

What to Consider For Customised Clothing:

When it comes to making the decision to choose between textile printing, embroidery transfer and embroidery you should consider:

Design – Would your design look better if it was embroidered? Is it a complex design?
Material – What are you printing the design on? Embroidery works better on thicker materials such as hoodies whereas textile printing looks great on T-shirts.
Budget – How much do you have to spend – embroidery can be more expensive but is more long wearing which may make it more cost effective.
Purpose – What are the printed items being used for – embroidery works great for items such as uniforms as it is durable and lasts in the wash – textile printing will also last but it may not hold up as long as embroidery for an item used as frequently as a uniform.

No matter what choice you make, Sooner Than Later are here to ensure you get the highest quality prints with the design that suits you!

Still unsure what method will work best? Contact us today for advice and a quote!