SCREEN PRINT

Screen printing is a process used to print designs onto various materials, like fabric, paper, or even metal. It’s a versatile technique often used for creating custom t-shirts, posters, and other products. Here’s a breakdown of the main steps involved:
1. Design Creation
- The first step is to create the design you want to print. This is typically done on a computer using graphic design software (like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop).
- The design is then separated by colors. For each color in the design, a separate screen will need to be made.
2. Screen Preparation
- A screen (usually made of mesh fabric) is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. This emulsion is like a light-sensitive layer that will harden when exposed to UV light.
- The screen is then dried in a dark area to prevent premature exposure.
3. Exposure
- The design is printed onto a transparent film or acetate. This film is placed on top of the screen, and the screen is exposed to light (usually UV light) in a process called exposure.
- Where the light hits the emulsion, it hardens. The areas blocked by the design (which are opaque) remain soft and can be washed away, leaving an open space in the shape of the design.
4. Washing Out
- After exposure, the screen is washed with water to remove the unexposed emulsion. This creates a stencil of the design on the screen, which will allow ink to pass through only in the design areas.
5. Setting Up the Print
- The screen is then placed on the material to be printed (like a t-shirt, poster, or whatever the end product is). The screen is aligned carefully to ensure the design goes in the right spot.
- Ink is poured onto the screen.
6. Printing
- A squeegee is used to pull the ink across the screen. As the ink moves across the screen, it passes through the open areas of the mesh and onto the material below. This step is done for each color in the design.
- If the design has multiple colors, the process is repeated with each color being printed through a separate screen.
7. Curing
- After printing, the ink must be cured or dried. This is typically done using a heat press or a conveyor dryer, which ensures the ink bonds well with the material and doesn’t wash out.
8. Final Inspection and Quality Control
- Once the printing and curing are complete, the printed material is inspected for any defects or inconsistencies. Any issues are corrected, and the final product is ready for use or sale.
Key Things to Know:
- Ink Types: Screen printing uses a variety of inks, including plastisol (which sits on top of the fabric and needs heat to cure), water-based (which soaks into the fabric), and discharge ink (which removes the fabric dye and replaces it with color).
- Mesh Count: The mesh of the screen comes in different “counts,” which affect how fine the details in the design will appear. Higher mesh counts are used for finer details.
Screen printing is known for producing vibrant, durable prints and is especially good for large runs of the same design. It’s a bit more time-consuming for multi-color designs, but it’s great for bulk printing and high-quality results!
EMBROIDERY

Embroidery is the process of decorating fabric using needle and thread (or sometimes yarn). The process can range from hand embroidery, where it’s all done manually, to machine embroidery, which is automated. Here’s a basic rundown of the steps involved in traditional hand embroidery:
1. Design Transfer
The first step is to create or select a design. This design is usually traced onto the fabric using a pencil, disappearing ink pen, or carbon paper. In some cases, the design may be printed directly onto the fabric if it’s a digital print.
2. Choosing the Thread
Embroiderers select thread based on the desired effect. There are various types of threads, including cotton, silk, metallic, and specialty threads like rayon or wool. The choice of thread impacts the texture and appearance of the finished design.
3. Setting up the Fabric
The fabric needs to be taut, so it’s often stretched onto an embroidery hoop. This keeps the fabric flat and stable while you work. For machine embroidery, the fabric is hooped into place, usually with a stabilizer underneath it to prevent puckering.
4. Stitching
The actual stitching process begins. In hand embroidery, this might involve different stitches like:
- Satin Stitch (used for filling shapes)
- Back Stitch (for outlining)
- French Knots (for textured dots)
- Chain Stitch (for a decorative line)
- Lazy Daisy (used for flowers)
Machine embroidery, on the other hand, uses computerized designs and automated stitches, which are executed by the machine based on a programmed design.
5. Finishing the Design
Once the stitching is complete, the next step is to secure the thread ends on the back. Any excess thread is trimmed, and if there’s any water-soluble marking left on the fabric, it’s washed away.
6. Final Touches
The fabric is then carefully steamed, to smooth out any wrinkles and press marks and ensure the stitches are well-formed.
If you’re doing machine embroidery, the process is fairly similar in terms of transferring the design and choosing the fabric, but the stitching is handled by the machine, which can handle complex, detailed designs much faster.
DTG & DTF

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) and DTF (Direct-to-Film) are both modern printing techniques used for apparel and textile printing, but they work in different ways:
1. DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing:
- Process: DTG printing uses specialized inkjet printers to apply water-based inks directly onto fabric. The printer sprays ink onto the garment, which is typically cotton or a cotton-blend fabric.
- Best For: Complex, full-color designs with lots of detail. It’s great for small runs or custom designs since there’s no need for screens or set-up like traditional screen printing.
- Pros:
- High detail and vibrant colors.
- No need for pre-press setup or screens.
- Great for small orders or on-demand printing.
- Cons:
- Limited to lighter fabrics, especially cotton (since the ink soaks into the fibers).
- May not be as durable over time as screen printing or DTF.
- Slower production speed compared to some other methods.
2. DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing:
- Process: DTF printing involves printing a design onto a special transfer film, which is then transferred to the garment using heat. The process typically uses a printer to print the design onto the film, followed by a coating of powder that is melted onto the design during the heat transfer process.
- Best For: A wider range of fabrics (including cotton, polyester, and blends) and more durable, vibrant prints.
- Pros:
- Works on a variety of fabric types, including dark and synthetic fabrics.
- Stronger and more durable prints that can withstand washes better than DTG.
- Faster production times than DTG, especially for larger orders.
- Cons:
- The process requires more materials (film, powder, etc.), which can add to the cost.
- The feel of the print can be slightly thicker compared to DTG, though this has improved with advancements.
In summary:
- DTG is great for small runs and intricate designs, mostly for cotton fabrics.
- DTF is more versatile, works on a broader range of fabrics, and can be more durable, making it a better choice for larger production runs or prints that need to last.
Both methods have their place depending on the type of design, fabric, and the quantity you’re looking to print!