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THEThread ShedCUSTOM EMBROIDERY & PRINT
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The guide

Embroidery or print?

Three ways to put your design on fabric, and how to pick the right one.

Embroidery example

Embroidery

Stitched in thread. Textured, premium, built to last.

Best for

  • Hats & beanies
  • Polos & workwear
  • Jackets & fleece
  • Towels, blankets & gifts
Look & feel
Raised, textured thread with a premium finish
Durability
Outlasts the garment, no cracking or fading
Detail & color
Best with bold, simple logos; tiny text gets lost
Quantity
Great from 1 piece up
Quote it in Embroidery →
Screen Print example

Screen Print

Bold ink, soft feel, the best value at volume.

Best for

  • T-shirts in volume
  • Event & church shirts
  • Team & school tees
  • Big back designs
Look & feel
Bright, solid ink that sits soft on the fabric
Durability
Excellent, holds up to years of washing
Detail & color
1–4 solid colors; each color adds a screen
Quantity
Best value at 24+ pieces
Quote it in Screen →
DTF & Heat Transfer example

DTF & Heat Transfer

Full color, photos and names, with no minimum.

Best for

  • Full-color & photo designs
  • Gradients & fine detail
  • Names & numbers
  • Small runs & one-offs
Look & feel
Smooth, thin, flexible full-color print
Durability
Very good with proper care
Detail & color
Unlimited colors, sharp fine detail
Quantity
Great from 1 piece up
Quote it in DTF →

Quick pick: which is right for me?

  • A logo on hats, polos or jacketsEmbroidery
  • 24+ tees with a 1–4 color designScreen print
  • A photo, gradient or full-color artDTF
  • A few shirts with names or numbersDTF
  • A gift with an initial or nameEmbroidery
  • Not sure?We'll recommend the best fit in your quote

Rules of thumb

Four questions that decide it

1

Think about the garment

Structured hats, polos, jackets and towels love embroidery. Thin, stretchy performance fabric usually prints better.

2

Count your colors

Screen print prices by color, so 1–3 colors is the sweet spot. Photos and gradients are a job for DTF.

3

Count your pieces

Screen print gets cheaper per piece as quantity goes up. For a handful of shirts, DTF or embroidery often wins.

4

Check the small stuff

Embroidery can't hold very tiny text or hairline detail. We'll simplify a logo for thread if it needs it.

Still not sure? Pick “Not sure” on the quote form and we'll recommend one.

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