Embroidery vs Screen Printing: Choosing Your Printing Method

Deciding how to customize your custom apparel and promotional products is a common debate when it comes to making your brand look best. Embroidery and screen printing are two of the most popular decoration methods customers choose to make a logo stand out. 

Is screen printing or embroidery better? From costs to durability to the nitty-gritty of design details, each method has its strengths and weaknesses. Your promotional product priorities will determine if the advantages of embroidery or screen printing make it the best option for your organization.

Our team at 4AllPromos has over 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate these decisions. We are here to guide you toward the perfect method to achieve the professional look, feel, and impact your brand deserves.

Embroidery 101

Embroidery is a classic decoration method for promotional products. It involves stitching designs directly into fabric using colorful, durable thread. Embroidery designs are known for their polished and professional look. This makes it a favorite for logos on premium polo shirts, hats, outerwear, and other high-quality apparel. It adds a raised, textured finish to give your logo an upscale, professional appearance and a raised surface to stand out.

How Does Embroidery Work?

Embroidery begins with digitizing your logo designs. Our art team converts it into a stitch file that guides the embroidery machines. The machines then sew the design onto the fabric using colored thread. Because you’re adding stitches to the fabric creating a three-dimensional, long-lasting decoration. The result is a sophisticated look that adds value to your promotional items.

Is Embroidery More Expensive Than Printing?

Yes, embroidery typically costs more than screen printing,  because the process is more labor-intensive. Embroidery requires specialized machines and detailed setups to ensure accuracy and precision. Additionally, pricing for embroidery often depends on the complexity and size of the design, as well as the number of thread colors used. For brands looking to invest in a high-quality, long-lasting custom logo product,  embroidery is worth the extra cost.

Does Embroidery Last Longer Than Print?

Embroidered designs are known for their durability. Unlike printed designs that can crack, fade, or peel over time, embroidered logos are stitched directly into the fabric, making them resistant to wear and tear. Your embroidered promotional products can withstand frequent washing, outdoor exposure, and heavy use.

Why Choose Embroidery?

Embroidery is the best choice for businesses seeking a professional look that conveys quality and attention to detail. It’s particularly suited for custom apparel, uniforms, and premium corporate gifts where durability and aesthetics are key. Embroidery brings a timeless charm that gives your brand’s image a touch of luxury.

An Intro to  Screen Printing

Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is the most popular decoration method for t-shirts. This imprint method has ancient origins dating back to 960 AD (opens in a new window). The versatility of screen printing allows it to be used on a variety of materials from cotton and canvas to plastics and metal. It can be a method for cost-effective large logo shirts or used for vibrant, complex designs for artwork and graphics. 

How Does Screen Printing Work?

Screen printing starts by creating a stencil (or “screen”) of your design. The screen printer uses mesh screens, originally made of silk, for each ink color. A screen is needed for each color in the design. This is why a one-color logo tends to have a cheaper set-up cost, or why there are additional charges for more colors. Intricate and larger designs may take layers of ink to transfer your design onto fabric. The end result is always a flat, smooth finish.

Once each screen is made, the screen printer has to squeegee the ink through the screen and onto the material. Once the screens are made, they can be used over and over again for t-shirts, tote bags, hoodies, and more.

How Long Does the Screen Printing Process Take?

Screen printing is generally faster than embroidery, especially for large quantities and bulk orders. The timeline depends on factors like the complexity of your design, the number of colors involved, and the size of your order. For smaller projects with simple designs, the process can be completed in just a few days. Larger or more intricate projects may take a bit longer, but screen printing is still a very efficient decoration method for high-volume orders.

Why Choose Screen Printing?

Screen printing is budget-friendly and fast for large orders. It offers the ability to have large colorful designs or logos with small text. It’s a better imprint choice when your products will be event giveaways. Silk screen printing blends efficiency and affordability all while still delivering products that will make an impact.

Differences Between Embroidery and Silk Screen Printing Methods

When deciding between embroidery and screen printing for your custom apparel and promotional products, understanding their key differences will help you make the right choice for your brand. While both methods have their strengths, they cater to different needs depending on factors like cost, durability, design complexity, and intended use.

Cost

Embroidery is generally more expensive due to the labor-intensive process and the use of thread. Pricing depends on the size and the number of stitches required. At 4AllPromos, most of our embroidered products include between 5,000 and 10,000 stitches in the listed price (see the product description for more details). 

Screen Printing on the other hand is typically more budget-friendly, especially for large orders. Remember that costs are influenced by the number of colors in your design, as each color requires a separate screen.

Durability

For a long-lasting and extremely durable decoration method, the stitched design of embroidery is superior. It resists wear and tear, washing, and fading, making it ideal for long-term use. This doesn’t mean that silk-screened items aren’t durable, they are just less so than embroidery. Over time, the ink from screen-printed designs can crack or fade, particularly with frequent washing or heavy use.

Design Detail

Screen Printing: works well for intricate and complex designs. It allows for detailed graphics, small details, and gradients. Outside of promotional products, screen printing was famously used by artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein for their creative masterpieces. Embroidery works well with simple logos and designs with bold lines. If you have small, intricate details they can sometimes be lost. It’s also worth noting that very large designs may feel bulky on fabric.

Appearance

The look of each imprint method is very different. Because embroidery is created with threads and stitches, you end up with a raised design and tangible feel. This gives embroidered items a more upscale, professional look with its textured finish. Embroidery is ideal for corporate apparel that needs to be worn daily and premium products.

On the other hand, silk-screened logo designs are flat with sharp lines and details. While layering ink can give a raised feel, it is nowhere near the 3-D lift that embroidery gives.

Choosing Between Embroidered or Screen Printed Company Logo Apparel & Promotional Items

Selecting the best decoration method for your custom apparel and promotional products needs to align with your goals, budget, and the specific use of the promotional items. Factors to consider when deciding between embroidery and screen printing include:

1. Your Budget

If you’re working with a higher budget and prioritizing quality over quantity, embroidery is a great choice. It offers a premium finish but comes at a higher cost. When you need to maximize your marketing dollars and produce items in bulk, screen printing is typically the more affordable route. It’s especially budget-friendly for simple designs with fewer colors.

2. The Purpose of Your Items

For corporate apparel, golf outings, or gifting, embroidery is the go-to option. Embroidery tends to convey prestige and is associated with premium products. For giveaways, sponsoring races, or handing out employee swag during a company picnic, screen printing lets you get more for your money, while still having great-looking promos. 

3. Fabric Type

Screen printing works well on almost any material, from soft cotton t-shirts to athletic wear. Its flat application ensures the fabric remains smooth and comfortable. We’d recommend avoiding screen printing on water-repellent and textured fabrics due to difficulties with the ink adhering to these fabrics. Sturdy fabrics like cotton, canvas, or denim are great choices for embroidered designs. Be careful with lightweight and stretchy materials though, as the stitches cause puckering near the design.

4. Order Size

While you can choose either option for any order size, embroidery will make a limited run or premium item have more of a sense of exclusivity. Screen printing is more common and efficient. Large orders are cost-effective, particularly for single-color designs. Many of our products include a one-color imprint in the product price. 

Other Decoration Methods to Consider

While embroidery and screen printing are among the most popular methods, there are several other decoration techniques to consider, each with its own unique benefits:

• Heat Transfer - Perfect for small runs and intricate designs, heat transfer uses heat and pressure to apply a design to fabric. It’s great for full-color graphics and works well on a variety of materials.
• Full-Color Printing: This method relies on CMYK color models and is almost the same as a printer you’d have at home but on a larger scale. There are even specialized printers that print right onto t-shirts called direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. This will give bold colors on more detailed designs but can be limited to organic fabrics and lighter colors as a base.
• Sublimation: Best for polyester and light-colored fabrics, sublimation uses heat to transfer dye directly into the material, resulting in vibrant, all-over designs that won’t fade or crack. If you’re customizing athletic wear this method works very well. 
• Debossing and Embossing: When you want to add texture and depth to materials like leather or vinyl by creating recessed (debossed) or raised (embossed) designs, these methods are the ones to pick. They offer a sleek and sophisticated look on luxury products.
• Pad Printing: A versatile method for imprinting on irregular surfaces, pad printing is commonly used for items like pens, drinkware, and tech accessories.

From Stitches to Screens, Make the Right Impressions for Your Brand

Choosing between embroidery and screen printing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the strengths of each method and aligning them with your brand’s goals, you can create promotional items that look good and leave a lasting impression. For professional, polished embroidery or bold, vibrant screen-printed designs, 4AllPromos is here to help.

Sources

1. Western New York Book Arts Center. (n.d.). A brief history of screenprinting. Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://wnybookarts.org/a-brief-history-of-screenprinting/ (opens in a new window)