Your Custom Apparel Questions, Answered

Screen printing is the better choice when you need bold, flat artwork printed across a large surface area like a full front chest graphic or a back design with solid color fills. It produces the lowest per-piece cost at volume and works best on cotton or cotton-blend tees, hoodies, and tote bags. Embroidery is the stronger option for smaller logos on structured garments.

DTF transfers handle what screen printing and embroidery cannot: photographic images, fine gradients, and artwork with dozens of colors or transparent elements. If your design has a detailed illustration, a photograph, or a soft fade, DTF is the right fit. It also works on dark fabrics and unusual materials like nylon and performance wear without additional setup.

Embroidery works on most fabrics, but performance and moisture-wicking synthetics require care. Dense stitch counts on thin polyester can distort the weave or pucker the garment. New Leaf Graphics evaluates each fabric before committing to a design, and may recommend a backing material or a reduced stitch density to protect the garment. Sharing a sample helps us give you an accurate answer.

For small batches under 24 pieces, DTF transfers are generally more practical. Screen printing requires screen setup for each color, which adds cost that only pays off at higher quantities. DTF has no screen fees and no minimum order, so a run of 6 shirts costs proportionally the same per piece as a run of 60.

Both screen printing and embroidery are built for long service life when applied correctly. High-quality plastisol inks used in screen printing stay vibrant for years without cracking when cured at the right temperature. Embroidery is effectively permanent: thread does not fade or peel. DTF transfers, properly pressed and cared for, also hold well, though washing inside-out in cold water extends their life.

Start by reaching out through the contact form at newleafgraphicsonline.com or by calling (336) 580-1566. Mike will discuss your project, confirm the garment and decoration method, and send you a free quote. Once the quote is approved and artwork is confirmed, production begins. Most customers are through the whole process in a single conversation before anything is committed to production.

Screen printing at New Leaf Graphics starts at 24 pieces per design per color run. This minimum makes the screen setup cost worthwhile and keeps your per-piece price competitive. If you need fewer than 24 pieces, DTF transfers are the practical alternative: they carry no minimum and deliver full-color results on any quantity from one piece up.

Vector files are ideal: AI, EPS, or PDF formats from Adobe Illustrator give us clean, scalable artwork that reproduces accurately at any size. High-resolution PNG files at 300 DPI or above also work for DTF and simple print applications. If your artwork is not in vector format, New Leaf Graphics can assess whether it needs to be redrawn before production.

Yes. Every order receives a digital proof before production begins. You will see exactly how your artwork will be positioned, sized, and colored on the garment. Production does not start until you approve the proof in writing. This step protects you from surprises and gives us a clear record of exactly what was agreed. No exceptions to the proof approval step.

Standard turnaround for screen printing and embroidery is 7 to 10 business days after artwork approval. DTF transfers typically turn around in 3 to 5 business days. Rush production may be available depending on current shop capacity: contact us directly to ask. Turnaround times reflect production only and do not include shipping time if your order is being delivered rather than picked up.

Per-piece cost depends on the number of colors in your design, the total quantity ordered, and the garment itself. More colors and lower quantities increase the per-piece price because setup cost is spread across fewer units. As a reference point, a one-color print on a standard tee at 48 pieces typically costs significantly less per shirt than the same job at 24 pieces. Request a free quote for exact pricing.

Yes: completely free, no obligation. Requesting a quote does not commit you to placing an order. Mike will review your project details, ask any clarifying questions, and send you a written price. You decide from there. Many customers request a quote simply to budget a project and come back when they are ready to move forward. There is no pressure either way.

Stitch count is the primary cost driver in embroidery: a design with 10,000 stitches costs more to produce than one with 4,000 stitches because it takes longer to run on the machine. Number of placement locations, garment type, and quantity also affect the final price. Simplifying a design slightly can reduce stitch count meaningfully without sacrificing visual impact on the finished garment.

DTF transfers at New Leaf Graphics do not carry traditional screen setup fees. There may be a small art preparation charge if your file requires significant cleanup or conversion before it is print-ready, but this is evaluated case by case. If your artwork arrives as a clean, print-ready vector or high-resolution PNG, setup costs are typically minimal or absorbed into the order.