Screen Print, Embroidery, DTF: What’s the Difference?

Not sure whether to go with embroidery or print for your merch? You're not alone. Each decoration technique has its own vibe, strengths, and ideal use case — and choosing the right one can make a big difference in how your product looks (and lasts). In this guide, we break down the 3 most popular options at Nerds: Screen Print, Embroidery, and DTF (Direct to Film).

1. Screen Printing – Classic, Bold, and Cost-Effective

Best for: High-quantity orders and solid-color logos or illustrations

• 🎨 Vibrant, long-lasting colors
• 🖐 Feels soft and flat on fabric
• 💰 Very cost-effective at larger quantities (min. 50 pcs at Nerds)

Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or screen) for each color in your design and applying ink layer by layer. It’s perfect for bold graphics, simple logos, or merch that needs to pop — especially on T-shirts, totes, or sweatshirts.

Good to know:

• ⚠️ Not ideal for small runs or designs with lots of colors
• 🎯 Great for vintage or washed-look results on cotton

2. Embroidery – Textured, Premium, and Built to Last

Best for: Logos, small graphics, and products that need durability

• 🧵 Adds depth and a premium feel
• 🧥 Works beautifully on caps, polos, hoodies, jackets
• 💪 Extremely durable — won’t fade or peel

Embroidery involves stitching your design directly into the fabric using threads. It gives a tactile, high-end finish and works especially well on thicker materials and structured items.

Good to know:

• 💡 Best for logos under 10cm — large embroidery can get stiff or heavy
• 🎨 Can’t capture tiny text or complex color gradients
• 🧾 Setup fee applies, as we need to digitize your design

3. DTF (Direct to Film) – Flexible, Fast, and Full Color

Best for: Small runs, full-color designs, or detailed prints

• 🌈 No color limits — print photos, gradients, tiny details
• 🎽 Works on almost any fabric, even technical or stretchy ones
• 📦 Ideal for personalized or low-quantity orders

DTF involves printing your design onto a special film, then heat-transferring it onto the product. It’s fast, versatile, and allows you to get vibrant results without minimum quantities.

Good to know:

• 🧺 Can feel slightly rubbery depending on size
• 🧼 Washable — but best when cared for properly (inside-out, 30°C)

So… Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Let’s Pick the Right Technique for Your Project

Still not sure which one to go with? That’s exactly what we’re here for. At Nerds, we’ll always suggest the best method for your product, budget, design, and timeline — so your merch looks awesome and wears well.

Let’s bring your design to life — the right way 🧵

Talk to the Nerds and choose the right decoration