Choosing the Best Print Method for Customization

The correct printing technique directly impacts your project's success, budget, and final look. Here is a detailed comparison to help you find the optimal choice based on your design complexity and intended use.

Compare Printing Methods: Screen Print vs. Digital vs. DTF vs. Embroidery

1. Screen Printing: The Best for Budget and Durability

Screen printing involves pushing liquid ink through a mesh screen (stencil) onto the fabric. This method creates extremely vibrant, durable, and solid blocks of color.

✅ Why You Should Choose Screen Printing

  • Cost-Effective for Large Orders: Get the best price per bag when you order 25 or more — an ideal solution for events, corporate giveaways, and bulk promotions.
  • Built to Last: Screen printing embeds the ink deep into the fabric, creating a long-lasting design that won’t fade, crack, or wear out, even with heavy daily use.
  • Perfect Brand Colors: Pantone matching ensures your logo colors stay true across thousands of bags.

❌ When You Should Choose Something Else

  • Small Quantities: If you only need a few items, other methods like digital printing or DTF are often more cost-efficient.
  • Highly Detailed or Photographic Designs: Screen printing excels with bold colors and simple shapes, but extremely fine gradients and photo-like artwork may be better suited to digital methods.
  • Multiple Color Variations: If your design requires frequent color changes or many different versions, a method without setup fees is usually more practical.

2. Digital Printing (DTG): Direct-to-Garment for Soft Feel

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) applies ink directly onto natural fabrics (like cotton/canvas) using an industrial inkjet printer. The ink absorbs into the fibers, resulting in a soft, breathable print feel.

✅ Why You Should Choose Digital Printing

  • Unlimited Color Range & Photo-Level Detail: Perfect for designs with hundreds of colors, gradients, soft shading, or true photographic imagery.
  • No Minimum Order — Even for Single Pieces: With no screen setup required, DTG is ideal for small batches, prototypes, or personalized items.
  • Softest Finish: The ink soaks into the fabric, providing a highly breathable and soft-to-touch print, unlike transfer methods.

❌ When You Should Choose Something Else

  • Bulk Orders: DTG typically costs more per piece than Screen Printing.
  • Limited to Natural Fabrics: DTG works best on high-cotton content  and natural or white color bags.

3. Digital Transfer Film (DTF): Versatility and Color Pop

DTF involves printing the design onto a special film, covering it with an adhesive powder, and then heat-pressing the film onto the bag. This creates a vibrant, opaque layer of ink on the surface.

✅ Why You Should Choose DTF

  • Works on All Fabrics:Ideal for printing on polyester, nylon, non-woven, or dark-colored bags where DTG or Screen Print may struggle.
  • Vibrant and Opaque Colors: Produces extremely bright colors that sit on top of the fabric, offering great visibility on any bag color.
  • High Durability: The specialized film adhesive provides excellent washability and flexibility.

❌ When You Should Choose Something Else

  • Texture Preference: The print area has a slightly thicker, plastic-like feel compared to the softer finish of DTG or Screen Printing.
  • Extreme Budget Sensitivity: May be slightly more expensive per unit than Screen Printing in massive bulk orders.

4. Embroidery: Premium Texture and Professionalism

Embroidery involves stitching the design directly onto the fabric using durable thread. This results in a raised, tactile, and highly professional finish.

✅ Why You Should Choose Embroidery

  • Superior Premium Look: Instantly gives the bag a prestigious, high-end feel, especially on thick canvas or jute.
  • Tangible Quality: The raised texture communicates seriousness and quality about your brand.
  • Maximum Durability: Threads are more resilient than ink and will never crack or fade over time.

❌ When You Should Choose Something Else

  • Fine Details and Photos: Cannot accurately reproduce pixelated images or very detailed line drawings. Best for simple, clean logos.
  • Budget Sensitivity: Due to thread and detailed labor, this is typically the most expensive option.

Quick Decision Table: Finding Your Best Option

Situation Best Option Why?
100 Unit Corporate Logo Screen Printing Best balance of cost and durability for large volumes.
20 Unit Photo Print (on cotton) Digital (DTG) No minimum limit; soft feel for cotton.
Logo on Dark Polyester Bag DTF Transfer Opaque colors work perfectly on synthetic and dark fabrics.
10 High-End Executive Gifts Embroidery Provides a luxury texture and permanence.


Still Undecided? Contact Our Experts!

We understand that choosing the right method can be tricky. Contact us at info@bodrumcrafts.com with your design file, required quantity, and bag type. Our expert team will recommend the most suitable, cost-effective, and striking solution for you, free of charge.