The Do\'s and Don\'ts of Combining Print and Embroidery
Published by: Siobhan Ingram
Date: 03-15-2025
Personalized clothing is all about making a statement, and combining print and embroidery can take your design to a new level—when done right. But be aware that there is a fine line between making an impression and making a mess. If you're thinking of combining the two techniques, here are what you need to do in order to keep your design cutting-edge, well-coordinated, and professional.
Do: Keep It Balanced
Think about print and embroidery as two strong personalities at a party—if one of them is getting all the attention, the other one is superfluous. The golden rule? Use embroidery on logos, small details, or necessary accents, and reserve the large, intricate stuff for print. A crisp embroidered logo on the chest and a bold screen-printed back graphic? Chef's kiss.
Don't: Overload Your Design
Just because you can mix and match print and embroidery doesn't mean you have to go overboard with it. Too much of everything, colors, or places can clutter your clothes. If you are adding embroidery, keep it simple and let the texture do its thing.
Do: Choose the Right Garment
Some materials get along better with mixed decoration than others. A heavy hoodie or polo? Great. A lightweight, thin tee? Perhaps not. Embroidery needs a little structure to prevent puckering, and print needs a smooth surface to remain crisp. If in doubt, use high-quality cotton blends or performance materials that can do both.
Don't: Forget About Thread and Ink Colors
Embroidery and screen printing use totally different materials, which means colors can look slightly different between the two. If you’re aiming for an exact color match, test it first. A navy blue thread might not look exactly like your navy blue ink when printed on fabric.
Do: Work with an Expert
Blending embroidery and print is an art. Your skilled decorator will help you find the right materials, placement, and balance so your design isn't obvious—you won't recognize it as an experiment gone wrong.
Don't: Rush the Process
Good things don't happen overnight! Because embroidery and screen printing are two distinct production methods, combining them might involve an extra step or two. Make this a part of your schedule so you're not scrambling around at the last minute.
When done right, mixing print and embroidery can make your apparel stand out in the best way possible. Keep it balanced, choose the right materials, and work with someone who knows their stuff. Need help bringing your vision to life? We’ve got you.