Which Is Best for Your POD Store?

Trying to decide between embroidery and printing for your print on demand (POD) business?

The key lies in finding a balance between durability, cost, and style.

The primary difference between embroidery and printing is that embroidery involves sewing designs onto items for a durable, premium appearance but can be more expensive and less detailed. Printing offers versatile, quick, cost-effective graphics that may fade or crack over time.

Let’s start with an overview of the difference between embroidery and printing.

An overview of embroidery vs. printing

Here’s a helpful overview table to see the pros and cons of embroidery and printing.

Embroidery pro	Embroidery con	Printing pro	Printing con
Very durable, designs last long.	It can make the fabric heavier. Unsuitable for thin or delicate fabrics.	Most printing methods allow complex designs with few limitations.	Initial setup can be costly, especially for screen printing.
It can make items feel more valuable.	Time-consuming for large orders due to individual stitching.	It works on many fabric types, even thick ones.	Some methods may fade or crack with time.
Suitable for logos, text, and simple designs with a 3D look.	Generally more expensive than printing, especially for detailed designs.	Quick production with some methods like DTG.	Environmental impact due to the use of non-biodegradable inks and the energy consumption of printing equipment.

Let’s now delve into each product design method in more detail.

What is embroidery?

Embroidery is a technique that involves sewing on fabric with a needle and thread.

This results in a durable embellishment that enhances the quality of the item.

Types of embroidery

Let’s explore three popular embroidery techniques that are ideal for POD stores:

1. Flat embroidery

Flat embroidery is a classic and widely used method where designs are directly stitched onto the fabric.

Due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, it is the preferred choice for a variety of POD products, such as casual wear, hats, and bags.

2. 3D puff embroidery

For a striking effect, 3D puff embroidery stands out—quite literally.

This method involves stitching over a foam base to create a raised look, often seen on baseball caps and snapbacks. It’s a great way to elevate your product line with a stylish appearance.

3. Patch embroidery

In patch embroidery, patches are created separately and then applied to products, allowing intricate designs to be produced efficiently, from jackets to accessories with unique appeal.

The pros and cons of embroidery

Here’s a look at what embroidery excels at and what you should be mindful of:

Pros

There are numerous reasons why embroidery is worth considering for your store.

1. Durability

Embroidered designs last a long time! The threads used are highly durable, ensuring longevity compared to printed methods.

2. Perceived value

The textured appearance adds a professional touch, enhancing the apparel’s perceived value. It gives the clothing a premium brand look.

3. Versatility across fabrics

Due to the nature of needle and thread work, embroidery can be used on various fabrics, from delicate silks to sturdy leather, that other printing methods may struggle with.

Cons

Unfortunately, there are some reasons why embroidery may not be the ideal method for producing your designs.

1. Design limitations

Embroidery may not be suitable for detailed designs or small text. It also has a size limit that is smaller than what printing can offer.

2. Can be pricey

Embroidery is often a more expensive method, especially for small order quantities.

The more thread used, the higher the cost, which means small, simple designs are the most cost-effective option.

3. Not as comfortable as printing

Stitching can affect the fabric’s texture, especially with dense designs. This can lead to product distortion, making it less comfortable than printed apparel.

4. Issues with light and stretchy materials

Embroidery’s effectiveness is limited by fabric type. It works well on thicker materials like cotton and denim but may struggle with lightweight or stretchy fabrics, potentially causing distortion.

What is printing?

Printing is the go-to method for customization, especially for apparel. It offers ample room for creativity with graphics, locations, and materials.

Types of printing

Printing is not a one-size-fits-all solution for your store. There are several different styles and techniques.

Let’s explore the most well-known ones:

1. Direct to garment (DTG)

Direct-to-garment (DTG) uses inkjet technology to print designs directly onto fabric.

It excels in detailed designs and gradients, making it ideal for custom orders and small batches.

The flexibility and quick setup of DTG cater to dynamic market demands, allowing for a wide range of design offerings without the need for a large inventory.

2. Screen printing

Screen Printing is a traditional method known for its durability and vibrant colors.

It uses screens to apply ink layer by layer, one color at a time, making it best suited for bulk orders with limited colors.

Its strength lies in producing high-volume, long-lasting prints, which offer great value for orders that require uniform designs.

3. Sublimation

Sublimation is a printing method where solid ink converts into gas under heat, bonding directly with the fabric.

This results in durable, vibrant prints that become part of the fabric itself.

Ideal for all-over designs and complex patterns, sublimation printing offers unmatched durability and quality in print.

However, it works best on polyester-based fabrics—ideally 100% polyester, though 50% can work. It is commonly used for polyester items like sportswear and home accessories.

4. Vinyl heat transfer

Vinyl heat transfer involves cutting designs from colored vinyl and then heat-pressing them onto the fabric.

It is ideal for bold, single-color designs and offers durability and a unique texture.

It is particularly suited for custom orders, such as personalized t-shirts and mugs, thanks to its versatility.

5. Direct to fabric (DTF)

DTF printing is a newer technique that prints designs directly onto fabrics using specialized inks.

It is known for creating complex, vibrant designs with excellent detail and vibrant colors.

DTF is ideally suited for fashion garments, bags, and cushion covers.

The pros and cons of printing

Here’s a look at what printing excels at and where it may fall short for your POD store:

Pros

Here are the advantages of using printing techniques on your apparel.

1. Versatility

Printing technology allows you to apply almost any design, from realistic photos to simple sketches, onto fabric.

This provides a wide range of options for personalizing products, catering to different customer tastes, and enabling designers to freely express their creativity.

2. Scalability

Printing, especially screen printing, makes it easy and cost-effective to produce large orders.

This efficiency ensures that businesses can meet high demand without compromising quality or facing significant production costs.

3. Quick turnaround

Modern printing technologies, including Direct to Garment (DTG), are known for their fast production times.

This quick turnaround is crucial for businesses looking to manage inventory and respond rapidly to market trends. It also helps with customer satisfaction and order fulfillment.

4. Design size

Printing stands out when it comes to large designs, easily handling prints of A4 and A3 sizes.

This allows for extensive, detailed product designs, an option that can be costly and time-consuming with embroidery!

Cons

There are some drawbacks you may need to consider when printing apparel:

1. Fabric limitations

Specific printing techniques like sublimation require certain fabrics, such as polyester, to achieve the best results.

2. Wear and tear

While digital printing has improved durability, prints can still fade or crack over time, especially with washing.

3. Initial setup costs

Printing techniques like screen printing may involve setup costs, which can make custom orders less cost-effective.

Which one is best for your POD business: embroidery or printing?