How Does Embroidery vs Screen Printing on Shirts Work?

Embroidery vs Screen Printing on Shirts: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to creating custom t-shirts, embroidered and screen printed designs are two of the most popular options. While both methods can produce high-quality results, there are some key differences between the two. Here, we’ll take a closer look at how embroidery and screen printing on shirts work, so you can decide which option is best for your needs.

Embroidery on Shirts.

Embroidery involves sewing a design onto a garment using a special machine. Here’s how the process works:

1. DIGITIZING: First, the design is digitized using specialized software. This involves converting the design into a series of stitches that the embroidery machine can follow.

2. HOOPING: Next, the garment is hooped, which involves stretching it taut over a frame. This keeps the fabric steady while the machine sews the design.

3. EMBROIDERY MACHINE: The embroidery machine then sews the design onto the garment using colored thread. The machine automatically follows the digitized pattern to create the design.

4. FINISHING: After the design is complete, any excess thread is trimmed away and any backing material is removed from the inside of the garment.

Screen Printing on Shirts.

Screen printing involves using a stencil to apply ink to a garment. Here’s how the process works:

1. DESIGN: First, the design is created on a computer or drawn by hand. Then, a stencil is made of the design and affixed to a mesh screen.

2. INK: Ink is then pushed through the screen and onto the garment using a squeegee. The ink is only applied to areas that were not covered by the stencil.

3. DRYING: After the ink is applied, the garment is dried to set the ink. This typically requires heat, which can be applied using a conveyor dryer or heat press.

Embroidery vs Screen Printing: Pros and Cons.

Embroidery and screen printing both have their pros and cons. Here are some of the key factors to consider when deciding which method to use:

Embroidery Pros:

- High-quality, professional look.

- Durable and long-lasting.

- Can be used on a variety of fabric types.

- Supports small, intricate designs.

Embroidery Cons:

- More expensive than screen printing.

- Limited in the number of colors that can be used.

- Can be uncomfortable to wear on certain fabrics.

Screen Printing Pros:

- Cost-effective for large orders.

- Can use a wide range of colors.

- Works well on light or dark fabrics.

- Can produce vibrant, eye-catching designs.

Screen Printing Cons:

- Not as durable as embroidery.

- Can crack or fade over time.

- Limited in the type of fabric that can be used.

- Less precise for small, detailed designs.

Choosing the Right Option for You.

Ultimately, the choice between embroidery and screen printing on shirts comes down to your specific needs. If you want a high-quality, durable design that will last a long time, embroidery is the way to go. If cost is a concern, or if you need a design with many colors or a vibrant, eye-catching look, screen printing may be a better option. Consider the pros and cons of each method, as well as the type of fabric you’ll be using, when making your decision.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of sublimation vs heat transfer on mugs, 55 gsm Sublimation Jumbo Roll, 100 GSM High Speed Dye Sublimation Paper. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.