What machine do you use to make designs on shirts?

Creating custom T-shirts requires the right printing and embroidery machines to achieve high-quality, long-lasting designs. Whether you are starting a T-shirt business or making custom shirts at home, selecting the best machine depends on the design complexity, fabric type, and production scale.

The best machines for making designs on shirts include screen printing¹ machines for bulk printing, DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printers for detailed full-color prints, heat press machines² for vinyl and transfers, embroidery machines for stitched logos, and sublimation printers for polyester designs. Each method offers unique benefits depending on the design and material.

Let’s explore the different machines used to print, transfer, or embroider designs onto shirts, how they work, and which one is best for your needs.

What are the different machines used to make designs on shirts?

The best machine depends on the type of design, printing method, and production volume.

Overview of T-shirt design machines:

Machine Type	Best For	Durability	Cost
Screen Printing Machine	Bulk orders, solid colors	✅✅✅ Very High	💲💲 Medium
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printer	Full-color, small batches	✅✅ Medium	💲💲💲 High
Heat Press Machine	Vinyl, transfers, one-offs	✅✅ Medium-High	💲💲 Moderate
Sublimation Printer	Polyester shirts, all-over prints	✅✅✅ Permanent	💲💲💲 High
Embroidery Machine	Logos, professional branding	✅✅✅ Very High	💲💲💲💲 High

Now, let’s break down each machine type, how it works, and its best applications.

Screen Printing Machine: Best for bulk T-shirt printing

Screen printing (or silk screen printing) is one of the most durable and cost-effective methods for making T-shirt designs in large quantities.

How does a screen printing machine work?

1. A stencil (screen) is created for each color in the design.
2. Ink is pushed through the screen onto the T-shirt.
3. The design is cured with heat to set the ink.

Best screen printing machines for custom T-shirts:

Machine Name	Features	Price Range
VEVOR 4 Color 1 Station	Manual, affordable	$200–$500
Riley Hopkins 250 Press	Multi-color printing	$1,000+
M&R Sportsman EX	Automatic screen printing	$15,000+

Pros and cons of screen printing:

Pros	Cons
✅ Extremely durable	❌ Expensive for multi-color designs
✅ Best for bulk production	❌ Requires setup time
✅ Vibrant colors	❌ Not ideal for small orders

If you need 100+ T-shirts with bold, solid-color designs, screen printing is the best choice.

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printer: Best for detailed, full-color prints

DTG printing is a digital inkjet printing method that prints designs directly onto fabric.

How does a DTG printer work?

1. A digital design is loaded into the printer.
2. The printer sprays ink directly onto the shirt.
3. A heat press or dryer cures the ink for durability.

Best DTG printers for T-shirts:

Machine Name	Features	Price Range
Epson SureColor F2100	High-resolution printing	$10,000–$15,000
Brother GTX Pro	Fast, vibrant prints	$15,000+
Ricoh Ri 100	Compact, beginner-friendly	$3,500+

Pros and cons of DTG printing:

Pros	Cons
✅ Great for detailed, full-color designs	❌ Slower than screen printing
✅ No setup required	❌ Expensive for high-volume production
✅ Works on cotton and cotton blends	❌ Requires pre-treatment for darker fabrics

For small-batch, high-detail custom shirts, DTG is a great option.

Heat Press Machine: Best for vinyl and heat transfer designs

A heat press machine applies heat and pressure to transfer designs onto fabric.

How does a heat press work?

1. A printed design (vinyl or ink transfer) is placed on the shirt.
2. The heat press applies pressure and heat (300–400°F) to bond the design.
3. The shirt is cooled, and the transfer paper is removed.

Best heat press machines:

Machine Name	Features	Price Range
Cricut EasyPress	Beginner-friendly	$150–$300
Fancierstudio Power Heat Press	15×15 inch plate, good for T-shirts	$250–$500
Geo Knight DK20S	High-quality commercial press	$1,500+

Pros and cons of heat press printing:

Pros	Cons
✅ Good for small-batch or custom designs	❌ Less durable than screen printing
✅ Works on different fabrics	❌ Can peel or crack over time

For customized one-off T-shirts, heat press machines are an affordable option.

Sublimation Printer: Best for polyester T-shirts and vibrant designs

Sublimation printing is a heat-based dye process that works best on polyester shirts.

How does a sublimation printer work?

1. A special sublimation ink is printed onto transfer paper.
2. The transfer paper is heat-pressed onto a polyester shirt.
3. The ink turns into gas and permanently bonds with the fabric.

Best sublimation printers:

Machine Name	Features	Price Range
Sawgrass SG500	Great for beginners	$600–$1,000
Epson SureColor F570	Large-format sublimation	$2,500+

Pros and cons of sublimation printing:

Pros	Cons
✅ Permanent, high-quality prints	❌ Only works on polyester fabrics
✅ Colors never fade or peel	❌ More expensive setup

For vibrant, all-over prints on polyester shirts, sublimation is the best method.

Embroidery Machine: Best for logos and professional branding

Unlike printing, embroidery stitches designs onto fabric using thread.

How does an embroidery machine work?

1. A digital embroidery file is loaded into the machine.
2. Threads are selected and stitched onto the shirt.
3. The finished embroidery is trimmed and cleaned.

Best embroidery machines:

Machine Name	Features	Price Range
Brother PE800	5×7 inch embroidery area	$700–$1,000
Janome MB-7	Multi-needle, commercial-grade	$5,000+
Tajima TMEZ-SC	Industrial embroidery	$10,000+

For corporate logos and premium branding, embroidery is the top choice.

Conclusion

The best machine for making designs on shirts depends on your production needs:

• Screen printing is best for bulk orders with solid colors.
• DTG printing works well for detailed, multi-color designs.
• Heat presses are ideal for custom one-off shirts.
• Sublimation is the top choice for polyester sportswear.
• Embroidery adds a professional touch to business shirts.

Choosing the right machine ensures high-quality, long-lasting custom T-shirts.

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