There are various methods of putting designs, names, logos and numbers on apparel, but the two most popular are embroidery and screen printing. They both have their pros and cons, but if you are looking for a quality appearance then you’ll definitely want to go with embroidery. The purpose of this article is to educate you on the pros and cons of each method.
Embroidery:
This process can be done by hand or a machine, and is the preferred choice for corporate companies. You’ll mostly find embroidery on apparel like jackets, corporate shirts, golf shirts, bags, luggage, and varsity jackets. Pricing is almost always determined by the number of stitches needed and the time spent on preparation. This preparation is also known as digitizing, which is the process of converting a design into a format that the machine reads.
Benefits:
- Large range of colors to choose from
- Outlasts screen printing
- High class appearance
Setbacks:
- Very difficult to show shading, so your design might not look the same
- Can’t replicate small text
- More expensive than other printing methods
Screen Printing:
Also known as silk screening and plastisol printing. This is a method that involves pushing ink through a mesh screen onto fabric. If more than a single color is used then multiple mesh screens must be made to apply each color of ink. There is a wide variety of inks available on the market and they can be used on various fabrics. In addition, these paints come in a variety of effects like glow in the dark, metallic and neon. Silk screening’s pricing depends on the amount of colors you use, number of locations you print your design, and the number of garments printed.
Benefits:
- Can do shading, small text and fine details unlike embroidery
- Cheaper than embroidery for larger orders
- Pricing doesn’t depend on the size of your design
Setbacks:
- Design shouldn’t be ironed
- Some materials can’t be screen printed
- Very expensive for small quantities
Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of personal preference, so one method is not better than the other. Metron Branding has both screen-printing and embroidery available in-house, so we’re able to accommodate your needs.