Customizing Apparel with DTF

Creating or Selecting Designs for DTF

Tips for great looking apparel using DTF

Many clients already have their design or logo ready to send to us. Or perhaps you are working with your own designer to create the design you need.  Once your files are ready to go, find our tips on file formats and how to send your files to us here.

We also have many DTF  “ready-to-go” (RTG) designs available for you to choose from.  Or we can tweak our RTG designs for you.  

 Whether you have your design ready, are working with a designer or looking to use one of ours, keep these tips below in mind for great DTF results.

 DTF designs are essentially a printed graphic that is applied to a garment with a heat process.  Because they are “cousins” of print technology, they can have similar complexity, detail and color layers. Unlike embroidery which thrives in more simple and clean line designs.

However there are still some important considerations when designing for DTF.

  • Design around a clear focal point
  • Bold shapes work well
  • Clean edges make for a crisper application
  • Lean to solid fills or controlled gradients

 

The right size design & the right placement - The size requirements of the design will depend on intended placement on the garment.  Specific size of design for your application can be determined after garments are selected.

 What to avoid – While DTF is indeed more versatile and complex design friendly, there are a few things to lean away from in your designs.

  • Very thin lines
  • Tiny text
  • Overly complex detail that no one can see at 6 feet
  • Avoid ultra-dense, heavy blocks on
    very stretchy shirts