When to Use Embroidery Instead of Silk Screening

Quality
In some circles, embroidery is the gold standard of imprints. An embroidered imprint looks crisp, distinct, and professional. It’s precise with near-perfect quality, which is why it’s the must-have imprint method to some of the fancy and elite.

Long-Lasting
With the right care, an imprint on any item can last a long time. Traditionally, custom embroidery doesn’t wash or fade out. It becomes part of the fabric on the item, and the thread used holds up slightly better than the ink transfer in screen printing.

Multiple Colors
Not only can you choose from a ton of thread colors when you go the embroidery route, you can also use several colors on your imprint at once, usually for no additional charge! Since embroidered imprints are programmed into a machine, it’s easy for the computer to switch from one color thread to another. And although satin thread is the default thread used for most projects, other types like metallic and matte threads are available.

Time
With embroidery, your logo file is taken and digitized (turned into a file that embroidery machines can read). Because of this relatively fast and simple digital process, the turnaround time on embroidered materials is pretty quick – often finished in just a day or two!

Cost
Embroidery has some amazing benefits, but, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Or in this case, you pay for what you get. Either way, embroidery is kind of expensive. The cost is based on the number of stitches used; larger images mean more stitches, and more stitches raise the cost. More stitches also create a more detailed image.

However, you do save some money on setup fees. If you want to do another embroidery order and use the same image, the file is ready to go, so you don’t have to pay another charge for the setup of the embroidery machine!

If you want to know what else to expect when ordering an embroidered item, check out all the frequently asked questions here.

Cost
By and large, screen printing is an inexpensive way to print a lot of top-notch promotional products. Cost is determined by several factors including the number of colors used, the number of imprint locations, and the number of pieces ordered. More colors and more imprint areas cost more, while ordering more items usually results in a lower cost per unit, much the way that buying cereal in bulk at Costco works.

Versatility
You can use screen printing on more than just clothes. Basically any material that’s cotton, polyester, plastic, leather, glass, or metal will take a screen printed imprint. Sadly, it doesn’t print well on rough, fuzzy, or thick materials the way embroidery does and may peel off. But it’s perfect for your assorted t-shirt, stress ball, tote bag, and keychain needs!

Imprints Can Vary

Unlike embroidery, screens are not saved. Thanks to our Setup for Life ^® program, you'll never have to pay for a new screen again (if you're using the same item and artwork combination). However, this means there's a small chance the imprint can vary from your first order to your second. But don't worry—Quality Logo Products warranties all of our imprints!

Time
The screen printing process is more complicated than embroidery because there are longer setup times. They have to make an actual screen of the image for each imprint order, which takes a little more time than just uploading a file into a computer. If you check out some of the items that get screen printed on our website, you’ll notice the process time for an ink imprint can be up to 7 days or longer.