Choosing the right printing method is crucial to achieving high quality designs on your AWDis sportswear garments. In this blog post, we will delve into the range of fabrics used within our sportswear range and discuss the various options for printing and decorating so that you can achieve that perfect print every time!
Direct to Film (DTF)
A versatile and quality method that involves printing a design onto special film and then using a heat press to transfer it onto the garment. Works well on a wide range of fabrics including polyester, cotton and nylon/ other synthetic blends.
Screen Printing
A traditional method that uses a screen stencil to apply an ink design onto fabric. Produces vibrant long-lasting prints, but ink absorption can vary between fabrics
Sublimation
Uses heat to transfer dye onto fabrics, creating bright and vibrant designs. Produces photo quality images but limited to white or lighter coloured fabrics.
Embroidery
A classic method that involves stitching a design directly onto a garment using thread. Produces durable, premium designs ideal for logos and badges.
Transfer
Involves printing a design onto paper and then using heat and pressure to apply it to the garment. A versatile method that can be used for a variety of fabrics.
NEOTERIC TEXTURED
AWDis’ own Neoteric textured fabric is engineered to be understated yet high performing. Used for garments such as the JC001, JC003, JC040 and JC080, this fabric features inherent wickability and quick drying properties that are ideal for high intensity sports or workouts. These pieces are suitable for almost all printing methods. For DTF, press at 135-140 degrees for around 12 seconds for the perfect application. We have tested DTF in every single colour of our Neoteric fabric and can confirm it was a huge success!
Screen printing is also an option for these garments, we recommend using plastisol inks and making sure the garment is thread through the platen when applying inks. We also recommend a flash cure before tunnel drying to reduce tunnel time, which in turn will help avoid dye migration or scorching issues – resulting in that perfect print every time! If you want to use heat transfer to decorate these items, do not exceed 145 degrees and always test first – if a higher temperature is needed use a poly blocker vinyl. Embroidery is also perfect for our Neoteric fabric, just ensure needles are nice and sharp and use a cutaway backing.
NEOTERIC SMOOTH
Similar to our Neoteric fabric is our Neoteric Smooth fabric – also made from 100% polyester to create pieces such as the JC022, this fabric is also suitable for most printing techniques. For Screen printing with plastisol inks a flash cure again reduces the possibility of dye migration or scorching issues, just take extra care with reds and purples.
To create brightly coloured detailed designs, sublimate on Arctic White or other light colours. Embroidery is also a great option for creating durable logos or designs on our Neoteric Smooth fabric. If you are experiencing issues with pulling or tearing whilst embroidering, please check you are applying the correct tension.
ACTIVE TRACK
Our Active Track fabric is a combination of polyester and recycled polyester and is used to create the JC281 Active Trackpants. This fabric screen prints fairly well using plastisol inks, just ensure you layer solvent to avoid dye migration and you’re good to go! We also recommend monitoring heat to avoid scorching.
To get the best results from DTF, isolate the print area using a print pillow to elevate the garment slightly – this will limit unwanted scorch marks on the surrounding fabric. We have thoroughly tested all transfer types and each one has worked remarkably. For vinyl transfers, we recommend following the vinyl manufacturers instructions for application.
COOLFIT STRETCH
To decorate garments such as the JC031 made from AWDis’ own CoolFit stretch fabric, there are a few suitable options to achieve high quality designs. For embroidering heavy designs like club badges, use a cutaway backing and make sure needles are nice and sharp for the best quality embellishment.
This fabric is also suitable for DTF, we recommend using a platen or prop to elevate the area you are printing to avoid heating the zip.
URBAN COOL
Our JC053 is crafted using our Urban Cool fabric – which prints extremely well using a poly blocker base and layering print. A flash cure before fully curing using this method will reduce tunnel time and avoid any dye migration issues.
For vinyl transfers, we recommend using a thicker vinyl, a vinyl with low application temperature or a poly blocker vinyl. We do not recommend using sublimation or water based screen printing on this fabric, but try embroidery for fantastic results!