Every Printing Method, Covered

Not sure which service is right for you?

Q: What is the best printing method for small orders?

For orders under 24 pieces, DTG or DTF printing are the best options. Both have no minimum order, support full-color designs, and offer quick turnaround.

Each printing method has a sweet spot. Browse the guide below to find the best fit for your project — then connect with a verified shop that specializes in it.

Screen Printing DTG Printing Embroidery Heat Transfer Sublimation Promotional Products Custom Apparel

Screen Printing

Best for: Bulk orders, events, uniforms, merch

The gold standard for bulk orders. Vivid, durable ink is applied through a mesh screen onto the garment — ideal for t-shirts, hoodies, and anything needing consistent color across large runs.

Minimum order: 12+ pieces
Colors: Spot colors (unlimited with specialty inks)
Best on: Cotton & cotton blends
Specialty: Puff, foil, high density, waterbased

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No Minimums

DTG Printing

Best for: Small runs, one-offs, photo prints, samples

Direct-to-garment printing uses inkjet technology to print full-color artwork directly onto fabric. No screens, no setup — perfect for photos, gradients, and small runs where every piece can be different.

Minimum order: As low as 1 piece
Colors: Full color, photos, gradients
Best on: 100% cotton
Turnaround: Often same or next day

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Premium Look

Embroidery

Best for: Hats, polos, jackets, corporate uniforms

Thread stitched directly into the fabric by a machine. Embroidery adds a classic, raised, textured finish that looks and feels premium — great for logos, monograms, and branded uniforms that need to stand out.

Minimum order: 12–24 pieces typical
Colors: Thread colors matched to brand
Best on: Hats, polos, fleece, outerwear
Durability: Outlasts the garment

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Versatile

Heat Transfer

Best for: Sports jerseys, names & numbers, specialty fabrics

Designs are printed onto transfer paper and applied to garments using heat and pressure. Great for names and numbers, specialty materials, and one-offs that can't go through other processes.

Minimum order: As low as 1 piece
Colors: Full color available
Best on: Most fabric types
Specialty: Glitter, foil, glow-in-dark transfers

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All-Over Print

Sublimation

Best for: Jerseys, sportswear, all-over custom apparel

Dye sublimation bonds ink directly into polyester fibers, creating vivid, all-over prints from edge to edge. No cracking, no peeling — the ink becomes part of the fabric. Perfect for sportswear and custom cut-and-sew.

Minimum order: Varies by shop
Colors: Infinite — full photographic quality
Best on: 100% polyester or performance fabrics
Coverage: Edge-to-edge, no borders

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Brand Merch

Promotional Products

Best for: Events, giveaways, corporate gifts, brand kits

Beyond apparel — branded hats, tote bags, drinkware, patches, stickers, lanyards, and more. Everything a business, team, or event organizer needs to build brand awareness and reward their audience.

Products: Hats, bags, drinkware, patches & more
Minimum order: Low minimums available
Best for: Trade shows, events, team gifts
Branding: Logo placement on any product

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End-to-End

Custom Apparel

Best for: Brands, retailers, event organizers, influencers

Full-service custom apparel from concept to finished product. Work with shops that help you choose blanks, finalize artwork, select print methods, and deliver retail-ready garments for your brand or event.

Services: Design, sourcing, printing, fulfillment
Quantities: Retail & wholesale
Best for: Full brand launches, event collections
Support: Design assistance available

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Printing Method Comparison Chart

Compare cost, minimums, turnaround, and best use cases for every printing method at a glance.

Method	Cost per Unit	Min. Order	Turnaround	Best For	Durability
Screen Printing	$5–$15	12–24 pcs	5–10 days	Bulk orders, simple designs	Excellent
DTG Printing	$10–$25	1 pc	3–7 days	Full-color, small batches	Good
DTF Printing	$8–$20	1 pc	3–7 days	Vibrant colors, any fabric	Very Good
Embroidery	$8–$20	6–12 pcs	5–14 days	Logos, corporate, hats	Excellent
Sublimation	$12–$30	1 pc	3–7 days	All-over prints, polyester	Excellent
Heat Transfer	$3–$12	1 pc	1–5 days	Names, numbers, small runs	Good
Vinyl Printing	$5–$15	1 pc	1–3 days	Simple graphics, signage	Very Good
Large Format	$2–$10/sqft	1 pc	2–5 days	Banners, posters, wraps	Good

Frequently Asked Questions About Printing Services

How much does screen printing cost?

Screen printing typically costs $5–$15 per shirt for orders of 24+ pieces. Prices decrease with larger quantities. Setup fees usually range from $20–$50 per color. For a 1-color design on 100 shirts, expect to pay around $6–$8 per shirt.

What is the difference between DTG and screen printing?

Screen printing uses stencils and ink pushed through a mesh screen — it is best for large orders (24+) with 1–4 colors. DTG (Direct to Garment) uses inkjet technology to print directly on fabric — it is best for full-color designs and small orders (1–23 pieces). Screen printing is more cost-effective at scale, while DTG has no minimum order.

What is DTF printing?

DTF (Direct to Film) printing transfers a design from a special film onto fabric using heat and adhesive powder. It works on any fabric color and type, produces vibrant colors, and has no minimum order. DTF is newer than DTG and offers better color vibrancy on dark garments.

What is the minimum order for custom t-shirts?

It depends on the printing method. Screen printing typically requires 12–24 pieces minimum. DTG and DTF printing have no minimum — you can order a single shirt. Embroidery usually requires 6–12 pieces. Many shops offer "no minimum" options for DTG and heat transfer.

How long does custom t-shirt printing take?

Standard turnaround is 5–10 business days for screen printing and 3–7 days for DTG/DTF. Many shops offer rush services (24–48 hours) for an additional fee. Embroidery may take 7–14 days depending on complexity. Always confirm deadlines with your printer before placing an order.

What is the best printing method for small orders?

For orders under 24 pieces, DTG (Direct to Garment) or DTF (Direct to Film) printing are the best options. Both have no minimum order, support full-color designs, and offer quick turnaround. Heat transfer vinyl is another good option for very small runs (1–10 pieces) with simple designs.

Is embroidery better than screen printing?

They serve different purposes. Embroidery is best for logos, corporate wear, hats, and polo shirts — it looks premium and is extremely durable. Screen printing is best for t-shirts, event merchandise, and designs with large graphics. Embroidery is more expensive per unit but creates a high-end, textured finish.

Can I print on dark colored shirts?

Yes. Screen printing, DTF, and heat transfer all work well on dark garments. DTG can also print on dark shirts but requires a white underbase layer. Embroidery works on any color. Sublimation only works on white or light-colored polyester fabrics.

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