Need more information about the differences between Direct To Film (DTF) and Direct To Garment (DTG)? Read some of our most frequently asked questions below.
DTF (Direct-to-Film): Prints designs on a film, then transfers them to the fabric using heat and adhesive. Not to be confused with Vinyl transfers.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Sprays ink directly onto the fabric and absorbs into it.
DTF tends to be more durable in terms of cracking and peeling, especially on synthetic blends.
DTG offers a softer feel but may fade faster with poor washing habits.
DTG generally has a softer, more “in-fabric” feel because the ink sinks into the fibres.
DTF sits on top of the fabric, so it can feel slightly more rubbery, depending on the film and adhesive used.
Yes, both can print on dark fabrics, but DTG requires a white ink underbase, which can be tricky on certain fabrics.
DTF handles dark garments more easily, even synthetic ones.
DTG works best on 100% cotton.
DTF is more versatile and works well on polyester, cotton blends, nylon, etc.
DTF usually produces brighter, more saturated colours, especially on synthetic fabrics.
DTG can produce great color on cotton, but might appear duller on blends or dark garments.
Both work well for small batch or one-off prints.
DTG may require more prep time (pretreating garments), whereas DTF can be faster and more flexible.
DTG uses water-based inks and can be more eco-friendly when used with organic cotton.
DTF uses adhesive powders and PET film, which may involve more plastic waste.
DTF (Direct-to-Film): Prints designs on a film, then transfers them to the fabric using heat and adhesive. Not to be confused with Vinyl transfers.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Sprays ink directly onto the fabric and absorbs into it.
DTG generally has a softer, more “in-fabric” feel because the ink sinks into the fibres.
DTF sits on top of the fabric, so it can feel slightly more rubbery, depending on the film and adhesive used.
DTG works best on 100% cotton.
DTF is more versatile and works well on polyester, cotton blends, nylon, etc.
Both work well for small batch or one-off prints.
DTG may require more prep time (pretreating garments), whereas DTF can be faster and more flexible.
DTF tends to be more durable in terms of cracking and peeling, especially on synthetic blends.
DTG offers a softer feel but may fade faster with poor washing habits.
Yes, both can print on dark fabrics, but DTG requires a white ink underbase, which can be tricky on certain fabrics.
DTF handles dark garments more easily, even synthetic ones.
DTF usually produces brighter, more saturated colours, especially on synthetic fabrics.
DTG can produce great color on cotton, but might appear duller on blends or dark garments.
DTG uses water-based inks and can be more eco-friendly when used with organic cotton.
DTF uses adhesive powders and PET film, which may involve more plastic waste.
Common items include polos, hats, jackets, bags, hoodies, uniforms, and towels. If you're unsure about a specific item, just ask!
You sure can, but there may just be a handling fee depending on the fabric type and whether the item is embroidery-friendly.
Please send us a high-resolution file in formats like .AI, .EPS, .PDF, or .PNG. We'll convert your artwork into a stitch-ready embroidery file.
We do our best to match your brand colours using our thread chart, but exact Pantone matches may vary slightly depending on thread availability.
Digitizing is the process of converting your artwork into a digital file that an embroidery machine can read. It tells the machine where and how to stitch the design.
Yes, usually there is a one-time setup fee for digitizing your design. This fee may be waived or discounted on large or repeat orders.
Absolutely! Once your design is digitized, we keep it on file for future reorders.
Yes, we can provide a digital proof or physical sew-out sample for approval, especially for large orders.
Common items include polos, hats, jackets, bags, hoodies, uniforms, and towels. If you're unsure about a specific item, just ask!
Please send us a high-resolution file in formats like .AI, .EPS, .PDF, or .PNG. We'll convert your artwork into a stitch-ready embroidery file.
Digitizing is the process of converting your artwork into a digital file that an embroidery machine can read. It tells the machine where and how to stitch the design.
Absolutely! Once your design is digitized, we keep it on file for future reorders.
You sure can, but there may just be a handling fee depending on the fabric type and whether the item is embroidery-friendly.
We do our best to match your brand colours using our thread chart, but exact Pantone matches may vary slightly depending on thread availability.
Yes, usually there is a one-time setup fee for digitizing your design. This fee may be waived or discounted on large or repeat orders.
Yes, we can provide a digital proof or physical sew-out sample for approval, especially for large orders.