What printing methods are available for custom textile items?

Muzefab offers three printing methods for custom textile items — digital pigment printing, sublimation, and DTF. The right method depends on what you're making, which fabric you're using, and what result you need. Here's how to choose.

Digital pigment printing — for natural fabrics by the meter

Best for: cotton, linen, viscose/Ecovero, jersey knit, natural-fiber blends
Used for: fabric printing by the meter, yardage for fashion and interiors, cut & sew production

Digital pigment printing deposits pigment ink directly onto natural fabric using inkjet technology. It works on any fiber type, supports unlimited design repeats and full-bleed all-over prints, and requires no minimum order quantity. Colors are rich and accurate; the surface has a natural matte finish consistent with the hand-feel of the base fabric.

This is our primary method for fabric printing by the meter on natural materials.

Sublimation — for polyester fabrics by the meter

Best for: polyester, recycled polyester, lycra, waterproof polyester
Used for: fashion, sportswear fabric, swimwear, activewear, home decor

Sublimation dye is heat-transferred directly into the polyester fiber, producing extremely vibrant, permanently embedded color with no surface texture. Colors cannot crack, peel, or fade. Sublimation requires a white or light base fabric and is not suitable for dark-colored polyester.

DTF (Direct to Film) — for finished garment and product printing

Best for: any fabric type including cotton, polyester, blends; any garment color including dark
Used for: finished products from our catalog — t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, tote bags, accessories

DTF prints a design onto a transfer film which is then heat-pressed onto the finished garment. It works on dark backgrounds, handles photographic detail well, and is the method used for all custom products in our ready-made catalog.

Quick reference