Embroidery and Screen Printing Compared

Dec 1
08:15

2011

Bob B. Hamilton

Bob B. Hamilton

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When it comes to getting design transferred onto clothing or other materials, screen printing and embroidery are two of your main options. Each one offers advantages and disadvantages of their own. Here is a look at embroidery and screen printing compared.

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When it comes to getting design transferred onto clothing or other materials,Embroidery and Screen Printing Compared Articles screen printing and embroidery are two of your main options.  Each one offers advantages and disadvantages of their own.  Here is a look at embroidery and screen printing compared.

The main thing you will likely be concerned about when trying to decide between the two is the costs involved.  With embroidery you will have to pay based on the number of threads used to create the design as well as its overall complexity.  Therefore, larger designs will be a bit more expensive.

When it comes to screen printing, your total price will depend on the number of colors which make up the design.  If your design uses just one or two colors, then it will be less expensive.  However screen printing colors on dark backgrounds can require an extra step which may increase the price slightly.  Embroidery is slightly more expensive than screen printing.  However, you can save some money by ordering in bulk.

If you are looking for the method which produces the best design, then screen printing wins a close contest.  The designs created by screen printing can look much better thanks to the fact shading and gradients can be used.  This is not possible when it comes to embroidery.

Embroidery can also be an issue if the design is highly detailed.  Thread and needle does have its limitations.  If you need a detailed design recreated, then you may be forced to have it altered in order to have it embroidered.

You also need to take size into account too.  It can be difficult to get small text to show up properly when using embroidery.  Therefore, it would be best to choose screen printing since size is not a matter for concern for that method of recreating designs.

One of the main advantages that embroidery has over screen printing is it is far more durable.  The threads will last for a very long time.  You may have a problem with the ink from screen printing fading over time.  This can easily be caused by washing the apparel frequently in warm or hot water.  You can wash an embroidered piece of apparel frequently with no problems.

Screen printing and embroidery both have their uses.  The method you should choose depends on your particular situation.  If you need large or highly detailed designs transferred onto something then it would probably be in your best interest to use screen printing.