Direct to Film (DTF) printing is an innovative method for creating custom branded apparel that offers flexibility, high-quality results, and the ability to print on a wide range of fabrics.
What is Direct to Film (DTF) Printing?
Is Printing The Right Option?
DTF printing is versatile and can be used for a wide range of custom apparel and merchandise. Here are some common use cases:
- Branded Corporate Wear: DTF is ideal for producing branded uniforms, polo shirts, and jackets with company logos. The method’s ability to print on various fabrics means you can create consistent branding across different types of apparel.
- Sports and Team Kits: DTF is perfect for printing detailed designs on sportswear, including names, numbers, and team logos. It works well on performance fabrics, making it a great option for sports teams and clubs.
- Promotional Merchandise: DTF can be used to create promotional items such as t-shirts, bags, and hoodies. The method allows for full-colour prints, making your promotional merchandise stand out.
- Custom Fashion and Streetwear: For fashion brands or individuals looking to create unique clothing pieces, DTF provides the flexibility to print intricate designs on various garments, including denim, cotton, and blends.
- Personalised Gifts: DTF is also suitable for creating personalised gifts, such as custom t-shirts, tote bags, and other items with names, photos, or special messages.
Why Choose Prinitng?
DTF printing offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for custom apparel:
- High-Quality Prints: DTF produces vibrant, detailed prints with excellent colour accuracy. It’s ideal for complex designs and images with gradients or fine details.
- Versatility Across Fabrics: One of the key benefits of DTF is its versatility. It works on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even non-traditional materials like nylon and leather.
- Durability: The prints created through DTF are highly durable, resisting cracking, peeling, and fading even after multiple washes. This makes it suitable for items that will undergo frequent use and laundering.
- No Minimum Order Quantities: Unlike screen printing, which often requires large order quantities, DTF allows for small runs and even one-off pieces. This makes it a great option for small businesses, special events, or personalised orders.
- Eco-Friendly: DTF printing can be more environmentally friendly compared to other methods, as it typically uses less ink and produces less waste.
- Quick Turnaround: The DTF process is efficient, allowing for quicker production times. This is particularly beneficial for meeting tight deadlines or last-minute orders.
Printing - A Popular Choice
Printing is a popular choice for more casual applications such as putting custom images or logos on t-shirts and singlets, as well as other apparel items.
A recent trend is to ask the customer to upload an image, ensure that the image is the correct file type, size and ratio, select the t-shirt type, size and colour, and do all of this online without interaction with the printing company, or responsibility for accuracy from the printing company.
At Yarra Valley Embroidery, our service is a different. We prefer to be hands-on with our clients and take responsibility for the finished product and your satisfaction.
To discuss print and other options for your project, get in touch, we’re happy to talk you through the pros an cons of each option.
Let's chat about your printing project!
We can help you with all of your custom apparel needs. Get in touch and let’s discuss your next project!
FAQs
Here are 8 important things to consider before agreeing to go ahead with your branding project!
Can you speak with someone on the phone?
Some companies hide behind their website. Being able to speak directly to the person doing the work helps you feel confident your project is in good hands.
Can you meet in person?
Discussing your ideas face to face ensures the outcome your after is crystal clear, and, meeting in person helps to build person relationships with our clients!
Will they complete your project themselves, or is it outsourced?
Many “branding” companies are middlemen who outsource work and add extra costs. At Yarra Valley Embroidery, every stitch and print is done in-house, ensuring consistent quality and care. (Fun fact: we do work for several of these middlemen!)
Can you supply your own garments?
We allow it! Bring your polos, uniforms, or merchandise and we’ll brand them exactly how you like it.
Are there minimum order quantities?
Some companies only take bulk orders. We work with businesses big and small — 1 item, 100, or 1000 — the choice is yours.
What’s the turnaround time?
Depending on quantities and complexity we deliver within days, not weeks. You won’t become “just another number” when you pair with Yarra Valley Embroidery.
Are the prices fair?
It’s not about being the cheapest (and we’re definitely not the most expensive — it’s about real value and building a relationship you can count on.
What if you’re not happy with the results?
We stand behind our work. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll repair, replace, or refund it. We want you to be 100% happy with your project!