How to Print on Fabric in 2025? A Complete Guide for Beginners and DIY

How to Print on Fabric in 2025?
A Complete Guide for Beginners and DIY Enthusiasts

Written by Procolored - Published on Feb 6, 2025

9 minutes read

Written by Procolored - Published on June 17, 2025

Table of Contents

1. Know Your Options: Fabric Printing Methods in 2025

1.1. Traditional Methods (Old-School, Hands-On, and Timeless)

1.1.1. Block Printing

1.1.2. Screen Printing

1.1.3. Tie-Dye & Batik#gVWfwTan3E

1.2. Modern & Technological Methods (Fast, Clean, and Future-Ready)

1.2.1. Heat Transfer Printing

1.2.2. Sublimation Printing#gVWfwTan3E

1.2.3. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

1.2.4. Digital To Film Printing

2. Choosing the Right Fabric: The Foundation of a Perfect Print#gd1Iy886DW

2.1.1. Cotton – The Classic Workhorse

2.1.2. Polyester – The Sublimation Superstar#gVWfwTan3E

2.1.3. Silk – The Luxe Option#gVWfwTan3E

2.1.4. Linen – Textured & Trendy

2.1.5. Blends - The Best of Two Worlds (Especially of Their Good Points)

2.2. What to Watch For? Fabric Features That Affects Prints Results

2.2.1. Quick Tip: Match the Fabric to the Print Method

3. Tools and Materials You May Need: Gear Up for Great Prints

3.1. Fabric or Garments#gVWfwTan3E

3.2. Printing Medium

3.3. Printing Tools#gVWfwTan3E

3.4. Safety Materials

3.5. Fixing Agents & Finishing Tools

4. Best Fabric Printers in 2025: Why Procolored DTF & DTG Are a Game-Changer

4.1. Procolored DTF Printer: Direct-to-Film, Limitless Possibilities

4.2. Procolored DTG Printer: Direct-to-Garment, Studio-Level Precision

5. Creative Design Tips for Beginners: How to Make Every Print Pop?

6. Caring for Printed Fabrics: Keep Your Creations Looking Fresh

7. Conclusion: Fabric Printing Is What You Make It

Title

Ever had a design idea you wished you could just wear or showcase on a wall? That is the magic of fabric printing—it brings your ideas to life. From custom shirts and wall tapestries to starting your own clothing line, fabric printing enables you to transform your imagination into reality.

And here's the best part: fabric printing technology is not what it used to be. Gone are the days of block stamps and dye buckets (though those are still super cool). Today, you have access to DTG fabric printers, heat presses, sublimation inks, and even AI. The tools are faster, more available, and easier to access—you no longer need to own a factory to get started.

This guide is tailored for creators of all kinds. You may be a hobbyist excited to make your first customized pillowcase or a side hustler with an Etsy shop who wants to add personalized items to your store. Or maybe you’re a designer eager to explore on-demand fashion design without incurring production expenses

No matter your skill level or setup, we’ve got you covered. Let us guide you through both contemporary and classic methods of fabric printing, providing you with the tips and tools you need to bring your ideas to life.

1. Know Your Options: Fabric Printing Methods in 2025

When it comes to printing on fabric, It's no longer a one-lane road.. The “best” technique really depends on the type of fabric you’re using, the design detailing and whether you’re doing it for business or as a hobby.

While some methods are rooted in ancient practices, others employ technology that seems to come from the future. Let's get into specifics.

A. Traditional Methods (Old-School, Hands-On, and Timeless)

1. Block Printing

Handmade Block Printing on Cotton Fabric

This is where the world’s first fabric printing originated—literally.

✔ How It Works: Block printing uses wooden or rubber blocks that are inked and carved by hand. The blocks are then stamped onto fabric. It is hands-on, creative, and ideal for florals, geometrics, or tribal designs that are simple and repeatable.

✔ What You Need: They include carving your own blocks or purchasing, paints or ink, and a roller or brush.

✔ Perfect For: Small batch makers and DIYers who cherish charming, slightly flawed, handmade prints.

2. Screen Printing

Screen Printing Process for Custom T-shirts

Block printing can be considered the sketchbook, and screen printing is the production line. A mesh screen is used to push ink through the stencil on the fabric, one color at a time. It's arguably the most popular method for fabric printing t-shirts, tote bags, and posters.

✔ How It Works: Create a stencil (manually or with a cutting machine), stretch a screen over a frame and lay it on the fabric, ink, squeegee, and Voila!

✔ Ideal For: Printing in bulk and bold graphic designs. It’s the go-to for band tees and merch.

3. Tie-Dye & Batik

Tie-dye and batik are both examples of "resist dyeing" methods. In batik, wax is applied to parts of the fabric to block the dye, while in tie-dye, the fabric is twisted or tied with string or rubber bands to achieve the same effect.. The outcome? Crazy fun patterns and colors that are out of this world.

✔ Why It’s Cool: Every piece is totally unique—and that’s the point. You’re creating one-of-a-kind wearable art.

✔ Best For: Artistic pieces, festivals, and creative expression. Great for kids' projects or bold fashion statements..

B. Modern & Technological Methods (Fast, Clean, and Future-Ready)

1. Heat Transfer Printing

Imagine this as making a label and ironing it onto a t-shirt.

✔ How It Works: You create the image on a computer, print it onto a special transfer paper, stick it on the cloth, and use heat to ‘melt’ it into the fabric.

✔ Supplies Required: Inkjet or laser printer, heat transfer paper, and a heat press or ordinary iron.

✔ Ideal For: T-shirts, small projects, and last minute custom orders (those of friends, teams, or bachelorette parties).

2. Sublimation Printing

Vibrant Sublimation Printing on Polyester Fabric

When it comes to polyester materials, sublimation printing is pure sorcery. Instead of resting on top of a substrate, the dye literally gets infused into it, resulting in vibrant, permanent designs that will not fade or peel.

✔ The Catch: Works best only on polyester or polymer coated surfaces.

✔ Best For: All over printed apparel, custom leggings, athletic socks, mugs, or activewear.

3. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

This technique operates on the same principle as your home printer. As opposed to paper, fabric is the medium being printed on. For designs that are multifunctional in nature such as busy, colorful, gradient, or photographic in nature, DTG printing machine is the method of choice.

✔ Good To Know: Cotton fabrics work best for DTG printing. All fabrics may be required to have a white base and those that are dark in color might need it most.

✔ Recommended For: Tailored clothing, bespoke garments, and intricate artwork.

4. Digital To Film Printing

This is the major league—and the one used by high-end designers and textile manufacturers. The designs are uploaded digitally and the printer takes care of the rest.

✔ How It Works: DTF ink is used to print onto specialized PET film. The powdered glue is put on the wet ink and cured in a unit. The DTF film is heat pressed onto fabric, transferring the design. Simply peel off the film and you're finished.

✔ Why It’s Awesome: Fast, precise, and scalable. Perfect DTF machine for businesses that need yardage fast.

✔ Ideal For: Anyone looking to scale from an Etsy shop into an established brand, professional fashion designers, and textile businesses.

Choosing the Right Fabric: The Foundation of a Perfect Print

Let’s be real: even the most beautiful design can be ruined if it's printed on the wrong material. The material is your canvas; and as any great artist, you need to understand how that canvas works.

Some fabrics absorb ink like a sponge, while others keep it away like a raincoat. Some love heat, while others shrink, stretch or misbehave when agitated.

Before you press print, let’s have a chat about fibers first.

A. Popular Fabric Types (And What They’re Best At)

Cotton – The Classic Workhorse

● Pros: Best in softness and breathability, it's easy to work with, super absorbent, and super breathable.

● Best For: Screen printing, block printing, DTG printing, and heat transfer.

● Watch Out For: It soaks water-based inks wonderfully, but that means slow drying and potential bleeding if not careful.

Polyester – The Sublimation Superstar

● Pros: Super durable, wrinkle-resistant, holds shape well, and bonds beautifully with sublimation inks.

● Best for: Sublimation printing and heat transfer.

● Heads up: Skip it for traditional dyeing or water-based printing, it doesn't absorb super well. Works better when pre-treated.

Silk – The Luxe Option

● Pros: Best fabrics for batik and screen printing, superb detailing, color dye have vivid look.

● Best for: Batik, careful screen printing, and digital roll printing.

● Caution: Silk is super delicate– handle with care, and avoid high heat unless you know what you’re doing.

Linen – Textured & Trendy

● Pros: Natural, strong, and full charming character in slight slub texture.

● Best for: Block printing, screen printing, and resist dyeing.

● Note: Texture may interfere with detail prints, so opt for bold structure and embrace rustic aesthetic.

Blends - The Best of Two Worlds (Especially of Their Good Points)

● Pros: Poly blend fabrics or cotton rayon mixes offer good comfort in use and performance.

● Best for: DTG printing (high cotton blended), sublimation (high poly blends), or hybrid prints.

● Heads up: Final output might differ so at least test print if there are uncertainties. Some blends can be more complex than pure fibers.

B. What to Watch For? Fabric Features That Affects Prints Results

Absorbency

● Cotton absorbs everything, whereas polyester just repels.

● Absorbency affects how ink settles on the material. The more absorbent a material is the slower it dries, but the color is deeper.

Texture

● Smooth textiles, like silk and cotton sateen, allow for more precision in detailed prints.

● Bold and heavily textured fabrics such as canvas would work best for simpler or bold designs.

Color (Light vs. Dark)

● Lighter color fabrics are ideal and give best results with water-based and sublimation colors and inks.

● Dark fabrics can require under bases which are white ink layers in DTG or special transfer papers to make colors more reasonable to see.

Pre-Treatment & Washing

● Natural fabrics cotton or linen should be pre-washed always to remove sizing and reduce chances of shrinking.

● Some printing methods like DTG printing or sublimation require chemical pre-treatment for the heavier inks to bond with materials.

● Be cautious if your finished outputs are machine washable - this becomes important if you are aiming at selling clothing.

✅ Quick Tip: Match the Fabric to the Print Method

Print Method

Best Fabric Choices

Screen Printing

Cotton, Linen, Silk

Block Printing

Cotton, Linen, Canvas

Heat Transfer

Cotton, Blends, Light Polyester

Sublimation

Polyester, Poly-blends

DTG

Cotton (100% is best), Cotton-rich blends

Batik/Tie-Dye

Cotton, Rayon, Silk

Digital Roll Printing

Cotton, Silk, Poly, Rayon (depending on ink)

Tools and Materials You May Need: Gear Up for Great Prints

Before you dive into the realm of fabric printing projects, make sure your creative toolbox is stock up and ready. Whether you’re block printing on tea towels or DTG printing custom tee shirts, the right equipment can make all the difference.

Fabric or Garments

This is your blank canvas.

Select according to your plan of action: block and screen printing requires cotton, sublimation works best with polyester or blends, and pre-washed fabrics are workable with any method.

Printing Medium

The essential "ink" necessary to render your designs.

● Dyes – For batik, tie-dye, Shibori

● Fabrics & Inks – For block and screen printing, DTG and fabric painting.

● Transfer Sheets – For heat-transfer designs

● Sublimation Ink & Paper – For sublimation printing.

Printing Tools

The essential workshops of your project.

● Carved Blocks or Stamps – For hand printing

● Screens & Stencils – For screen printing

● Heat Press or Iron – For transfers and heat-setting

● DTG or Inkjet Printers – For digital methods

● Cutting Machines (Cricut, Silhouette) – For DIY stencils or vinyl transfers

Safety Materials

Protective equipment while creating.

● Gloves - In order to shield the hands from ink and dye.

● Masks or Respirators - When using aerosol sprayers, pigments, or powdered dyes, protective face covers are essential.

● Good Ventilation – Important when using solvents or heat-set inks.

Fixing Agents & Finishing Tools

Seal the deal so your print can last.

● Fixatives or Binders – Help ink/dye bond with fabric (especially for natural fibers)

● Heat Setting Tools – Iron or heat press to lock in the design

● Teflon Sheets or Parchment Paper – Used as barriers during heat pressing

Best Fabric Printers in 2025: Why Procolored DTF & DTG Are a Game-Changer

Whether you’re starting a local clothing brand, adding personalized items to your Etsy shop, or simply want to bring the printing work in-house, investing in Procolored's DTF and DTG printers is an excellent choice for 2025. These commercial printers strike the best balance between professionalism and user-friendly design.

Procolored DTF Printer: Direct-to-Film, Limitless Possibilities

Procolored DTF Printer for Professional Fabric Printing

The Procolored DTF Printer effortlessly meets the DTF printing requirements of brilliance and flexibility.

● How It Works: Print your design on a particular film, adhere to it a powder adhesive, then press it onto virtually any fabric—a power-free pre-pressing, of course.

● Total Fabric Freedom: DTF transfer machine can handle just about any material, including: cotton, polyester, spandex, leather, canvas, and denim.

● Color That Pops: You can expect durable prints with saturated, eye-catching colors that withstands numerous washes. Your prints don’t just last; they stand out.

● Effortless Workflow: Choose between roll-fed or sheet-fed operation, and enjoy the speed of hot-peel film—no time wasted waiting around.

● Who It’s For: This equipment is perfect for high-speed output—both in volume and high-quality results—for small businesses, event printers, merch sellers, and anyone else.

Ready to experience home-studio level print-shop quality? Get a DTF printer and watch the magic happen.

Procolored DTG Printer: Direct-to-Garment, Studio-Level Precision

For those who appreciate soft finishes and artistic details that have a blended design-fabric flow, the Procolored DTG printer is your new creative tool.

● How It Works: Think of it as an inkjet printer for clothing, rich pigmented ink gets directly printed on a garment.

● Perfect for Cotton: DTG performs best on pure cotton tees, sweatshirts, and tote bags, making it ideal for streetwear or custom fashion.

● Incredible Detail: This DTG fabric printer reproduces every detail of your design, whether it's a watercolor-style graphic or a high-resolution portrait.

● Smart Tech, Built-In:

● The White Ink Circulation System guarantees Smooth operations with no clogs or waste.

● The Auto-printhead Cleaning Mode performs a self-cleaning cycle every 10 hours to keep the printhead in top condition. This maintenance process uses roughly 1 ml of ink daily.

● Desktop-Friendly Size makes it possible to store in studios, workshops, and even at home.

For illustrators and indie designers, as well as boutique brands, the DTG fabric printer is a dream machine

Creative Design Tips for Beginners: How to Make Every Print Pop?

Want prints that last a long time along with vibrant colors and sharp lines? Whether you’re using heat transfer or other fabric printing methods—the tips in this guide will help you avoid mistakes and elevate your fabric-printing skills.

✔Pre-Wash Your Fabric

Pre-wash your fabric before printing.

Most fabrics come coated with “sizing” (a starch-like finish that repels ink or dye). Pre-washing removes this barrier and prevents shrinking later—especially important for cotton and linen.

✔Test Print on a Scrap Piece

Never go straight to the final product.

For optimal outcomes, print the design on a leftover piece of the same fabric first. This lets you test color vibrancy, placement, and functionality of the ink- saving you time, money, and heartbreak.

✔Use High-Resolution Designs

A blurry image yields a blurry outcome.

Aim for 300 DPI (dots per inch) resolution) when designing for print. Whether it be using heat transfer or DTG printer, a crisp file increases the detail and clarity of the design.

✔Respect Drying and Curing Times

Don’t rush the finish.

Drying is an essential step in every fabric printing and needs proper time especially when using screen printing, DTG, or sublimation. Follow curing instructions carefully (air-dry, heat-set, or press) to avoid bleeding, fading, or smudging after washing.

️Maintain the Fabric’s Flat Orientation

Stretching = distortion.

Wrap the fabric while keeping it rigid (especially for block printing or DTG) to restrict it from warp or movement. A taut, flat surface ensures your design prints cleanly and evenly.

✅ Bonus Tip:

Store printed fabrics away from direct sunlight for 24–48 hours after printing. This helps lock in color before the first wash.

Caring for Printed Fabrics: Keep Your Creations Looking Fresh

Of course, you’ve put love (and maybe some sweat) into printing fabric. So, don’t let your first

wash undo all of your hard work. Here’s how to maintain the bold colors and soft feel of the fabric, wash after wash.

✔️ Wash with Care (Cold & Gentle)

Wash fabrics in cold water, and put them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. This helps preserve the ink or dye, and reduce friction that could crack, or fade the print.

Pro Tip: If we are interested in even better results, consider hand washing, which beats out machine washing, especially for delicate or handmade prints.

✔Skip the Bleach and Harsh Detergents

Do not use bleach or any stain removers and strong soaps—they disrupt the bound pigments and damage the integrity.

Milder, color-safe detergents are the best choice instead.

✔Turn Inside Out Before Washing

Turn every printed garment or fabric item inside out to lessen rubbing and wear on the design during the wash and spin cycles.

✔Air Drying or Tumble Drying on Low Heat.

Heat is the enemy of print longevity.

When possible, air dry. If not, tumble dry on low heat to minimize cracking, shrinking, or peeling, particularly with heat transfers or DTG prints.

✅ Bonus Tip

If you require ironing printed fabric, always do it on the reverse side. Alternatively, protect the design using a light cloth.

Conclusion: Fabric Printing Is What You Make It

Whether you're dipping blocks in ink or firing up a high-tech DTG printer, fabric printing offers endless avenues of creativity. It’s more than just patterns or logos, it is about putting yourself out there, being innovative, and making something that truly belongs to you.

As technology evolves, so do the tools at your fingertips. Combine the elegance of the past with precise modern tools. Create, stack, personalize.

Whether working on a bag project or starting an entire clothing line, each creation has the ability to speak, to make an impression, and to establish links.

Ultimately, your fabric is not only fabric; rather, it is a piece of you, a communication tool, and the enchantment you possess.

Are you set to embark on this venture? Check Procolored’s Printers and turn your imagination into reality.

To join our mailing list

and never miss our updates !

Title

Unlock Membership Benefits

How to Print on Fabric in 2025?
A Complete Guide for Beginners and DIY Enthusiasts

Subscribe

Subscribe

Unlock Membership Benefits

How to Print on Fabric in 2025? A Complete Guide for Beginners and DIY Enthusiasts

Subscribe

Subscribe

How to Print on Fabric in 2025?
A Complete Guide for Beginners and DIY Enthusiasts