Screen printing, DTF or embroidery: choosing a method

Choose screen printing, DTF or embroidery by looking at the design, material, finished appearance and quantity together. A small uniform logo and a full-front illustration require different production decisions, even when both are printed on a T-shirt.

Screen printing: compare it for repeat designs

Screen printing suits a repeated design across a run of garments, especially when the artwork uses a small number of distinct colours. Setup is connected to those colours. Dark garments can need an additional underbase, affecting both production and price.

The setup cost is spread across the order, so compare the complete job at your intended quantity. A configured setup waiver may apply at a larger quantity. Increasing quantity does not guarantee a lower price for every specification: the garment variants and current margin rules also matter.

DTF: compare it for detailed and multicolour artwork

Direct-to-film decoration transfers printed artwork onto the garment. It can suit multicolour logos and illustrations. The area of the placed artwork is an important price input; a large back graphic is different from a small chest logo.

Check material suitability and the appearance you want on the finished garment. Artwork should have a clean edge and sufficient resolution at its actual print size. A transparent background avoids an unintended rectangle around a design when that is how the file is prepared.

Embroidery: compare it for a stitched logo

Embroidery builds the design in thread. It is useful when a stitched finish is part of the uniform or product brief. The design must be interpreted for stitching, with setup or digitising when required. Stitch density, logo area and fine detail affect feasibility and cost.

Very small lettering, gradients and large dense areas require particular care. A file that works well as a print does not automatically make a good embroidery design. Keep a chest logo within the placement's configured limits and ask about simplifying detail before committing.

Compare one consistent placement

This live table compares the same hoodie, cheapest active size and colour, chest placement, and quantities. Prices are per finished piece with any setup allocated across the quantity, before applicable VAT and delivery. The default artwork estimate is stated with the table; actual artwork can change the result.

Price per finished piece, including setup allocated over the stated quantity. S / Navy, Breast Pocket, standard placement size and one colour. Estimated coverage follows the current quote settings. Before applicable VAT and delivery; upload artwork for an exact quote.

Open the hoodie product to quote your own design. For other products, compare only methods listed as available on that product. UV or pad printing is configured on suitable merchandise; a garment method should not be assumed suitable for a mug, pen or notebook.

A practical choice checklist

• Decide whether the desired finish is printed or stitched.
• Measure the logo at its final placement, rather than using the whole garment as its size.
• Count colours and check whether fine details remain legible.
• Choose the garment colour and material.
• Compare the complete quote at the actual order quantity, including setup and additional placements.
• Confirm stock, production time and proof approval before payment.

Can I use a different method on the same product?

Use the methods offered in its configurator. Each product has an allowed method list and active placements. If the desired method or placement is unavailable, contact Johnesco for a feasibility check before placing the order.

Does embroidery always cost more?

The result depends on the design, stitch estimate, garment and quantity. Compare the actual specification. A price for a large, dense embroidered area is not a useful comparison with a small screen-printed logo.