Which Print Method is Right for You?

Printing Methods Guide

Which Method Is Right for You?

Screen printing, embroidery, and direct-to-film each have a sweet spot. Here's how to pick the right one — or just ask us.

Quick Answer Guide

Find your situation — we'll point you to the right method

Screen Printing
Choose this when you need…
12 or more pieces
Bold, solid-color graphics
Lowest per-shirt cost
T-shirts, hoodies, or totes
Classic ink-on-fabric feel
Embroidery
Choose this when you need…
A premium, professional look
Hats, polos, or jackets
Corporate or uniform wear
A logo built to last years
Raised, textured depth
Heat Transfers
Choose this when you need…
Full color or photo graphics
Small quantities (as few as 6)
Fine detail or gradients
Custom patch hats
Done in-house in Anacortes
🖨️

Screen Printing

Ink pushed through a mesh screen — the gold standard for bulk apparel.

Best for bulk orders 12+ piece minimum
See details

Ideal For

  • Team uniforms & jerseys
  • Event & fundraiser shirts
  • Company staff apparel
  • School spirit wear
  • Promotional giveaways

Pros & Cons

  • Lowest cost per piece at volume
  • Vibrant, long-lasting colors
  • Works on most fabrics
  • 12-piece minimum
  • Each color = separate screen setup
  • Not suited for photo-realistic art

Turnaround & Pricing

  • Standard: ~2 weeks
  • Rush options available — ask us
Starting price
~$8–$14/shirt
100 shirts, 1 color from $797. Get an exact quote for your project.
🧵

Embroidery

Your design stitched directly into the fabric — durable and elevated.

Best for professional wear 6+ minimum
See details

Ideal For

  • Hats, caps & beanies
  • Custom patch hats
  • Polo shirts & dress shirts
  • Jackets & outerwear
  • Staff & uniform programs
  • Corporate gifts & awards
✦ Custom Patch Hats

Want a woven or embroidered patch on a structured cap? We source the hat, create the patch, and deliver a finished product — no coordination required on your end.

Pros & Cons

  • Premium, upscale appearance
  • Extremely durable — lasts the life of the garment
  • No fading or cracking ever
  • Not suited for large or photo-style art
  • Fine detail & tiny text can be tricky
  • One-time digitizing fee may apply

Turnaround & Pricing

  • Standard: ~2 weeks
  • Rush options available — ask us
Starting price
~$12–$20/piece
Varies by stitch count & garment type. One-time digitizing fee may apply.
🎨

Heat Transfers

Direct-to-film transfers & custom patch hats — printed and applied in-house in Anacortes.

Best for full-color art 6-piece minimum
See details

Ideal For

  • Photographic or gradient designs
  • Small runs from just 6 pieces
  • Dark-colored garments
  • Mixed-fabric items
  • Custom patch hats
  • Detailed, multi-color artwork
🧢 Custom Patch Hats — Done Here

We print DTF transfers and adhere custom patch hats right here in Anacortes.

Pros & Cons

  • Unlimited colors — no added cost
  • Low 6-piece minimum
  • Works on virtually any fabric color
  • Transfers & patch hats done in-house
  • Higher per-piece cost vs. screen print at bulk
  • Slightly raised texture on transfer
  • Less UV-resistant for heavy outdoor use

Turnaround & Pricing

  • Standard: ~1–2 weeks
  • Rush options available — ask us
Starting price
~$15–$25/piece
Full color always included. Best value for small runs & complex art. Patch hat pricing varies by cap & patch style.
Beyond Apparel

A Network of Partners,
One Point of Contact

We work with a carefully selected network of production partners to bring any project to life — from apparel decoration to full promotional campaigns. Tell us what you need; we handle the rest.

🖼️
Direct to Garment Printing

Photo-quality, full-color prints applied directly to garments with no minimums. Ideal for on-demand orders, complex artwork, and small-batch runs where every piece needs to look perfect.

🎁
Promotional Products

Branded drinkware, bags, tech accessories, pens, and more. Whether it's a trade show giveaway, client gift, or employee kit, we source and brand the right products for your campaign.

📄
Print Products

Business cards, banners, flyers, stickers, signage, and packaging. We connect your project to the right print partner and ensure brand consistency across every deliverable.

🤝
Let us be your production partner.

Have a project that spans multiple products or vendors? We coordinate across our entire partner network so you don't have to — one conversation, one contact, everything handled.

Start a Project →

Still Not Sure? We'll Tell You — Free.

Describe your project and we'll recommend the right method, garment, and give you a price range. No obligation.

Get a Free Recommendation →