Prints and embroidery

Prints and Embroidery

From the very beginning of its operations, Agraf has specialized in branding workwear and promotional apparel. Our extensive experience has made us a recognizable name in the industry. We serve our clients with the highest level of quality and professionalism – guaranteeing not only excellent product standards but also exceptional customer care.

Whether your company needs custom clothing for employees, or you're organizing an event, rally, or festival – you've come to the right place. Your apparel will be crafted by us from start to finish.

Here’s how it works – in just a few simple steps:

Contact us – via phone or email at agraf.net.pl, and share your needs;

Graphic support – our design team will create a concept for you, combining your vision with our suggestions – or propose an entirely new idea. Once you approve the design and pricing, we’ll move into production;

Preparation – we’ll develop embroidery programs, screens, transfer films, or foils as needed, all based on the approved design;

Production – this stage is a close collaboration between graphic designers and technologists. Once branding is complete, every item undergoes a thorough quality check;

Shipping – our logistics team ensures fast and safe delivery, domestically or internationally.

Our Graphic Studio – Design and Marking Method Selection

Our graphic studio is more than just a place where designs are born – it’s a creative advisory space where we help you select the most suitable technique for transferring your design onto fabric. With years of hands-on experience, we understand that each project requires an individual approach. Depending on the material type, intended use, design complexity, and order volume, we recommend the most optimal production method.

Our services include DTG (Direct to Garment) printing, screen printing, thermal transfers, computer embroidery, and other specialized marking techniques, all chosen with attention to durability, aesthetics, and purpose.

Each technology offers unique advantages – DTG excels with full-color graphics and short runs, screen printing ensures durability and vibrancy at scale, thermal transfer allows precise placement even on hard-to-reach areas, while embroidery remains a timeless expression of class and professionalism. Below, we’ve outlined a guide to each method to help you make the best decision for your project.

The most popular method of printing on clothing. It consists in directly applying paint to t-shirts using screens. Using a photosensitive emulsion, we apply a pattern to the sieves. Each color of the design requires a separately exposed screen. Then using the so-called squeegee, push the paint through the sieve mesh. We have to thermally fi x the print. For printing, the most common spot paints are used, e.g. according to the PANTONE paint template. Using the raster, it is possible to perform screen printing in the CMYK color space, similar to offset printing. You can also get tonal transitions thanks to the raster. The screen printing technique is primarily intended for larger outlays, due to the relatively high costs of exposure of matrices. Screen printing can be done with more durable solvent paints, but they are impermeable to air, creating „rubber” for larger surfaces, or water-based paints that are less durable.

DIRECT DIGITAL PRINTING

DTG

DTG printing is a modern method of direct printing on garments using a specialized textile printer. This technology allows for extremely precise reproduction of even the most detailed graphics and photographs, with access to the full color spectrum. As a result, the prints appear highly realistic and retain their quality even in the most intricate designs. DTG works best on cotton fabrics and is ideal for short runs or individual personalization.

One of the key advantages of this method is that it doesn’t require the creation of screens or stencils, which significantly reduces turnaround time and lowers costs for small orders. The prints are soft to the touch, breathable, and withstand washing well, provided care instructions are followed. DTG is a perfect solution for businesses, artists, event organizers, and anyone looking to add unique, full-color designs to their clothing collection.

DTF (Direct To Film)

Modern printing technology in which the design is printed on a special transfer film and then applied to the fabric using a heat press. This process allows for full-color graphics with high precision, including gradients and very fine details. Unlike traditional methods such as screen printing or flex, DTF enables printing on a wide range of fabrics — both light and dark — without the need for preparing screens or stencils.

The biggest advantages of DTF are the durability and flexibility of the print — the design does not crack, peel, and withstands washing very well. This technology is perfect for garment personalization in small to medium runs, making it an ideal solution for individual orders, small businesses, or limited editions. As a result, DTF is becoming an increasingly popular choice in the advertising and apparel industry, combining high quality with versatile applications.

SCREEN PRINTING

Screen printing is a classic, time-tested method of garment decoration that involves pressing ink through a mesh stencil (screen) onto fabric, based on a pre-prepared design. Each color in the design requires a separate screen, which makes screen printing most cost-effective for larger print runs where setup costs are spread across many units. This technique ensures long-lasting prints that are resistant to washing, UV exposure, and wear, while offering vivid and vibrant colors.

Screen printing allows for a wide range of effects—from simple, flat designs to more advanced finishes such as puff prints, glitter, or fluorescent inks. It remains one of the most economical methods for large orders and is widely used in the production of promotional apparel, corporate T-shirts, and branded merchandise. If you're planning a large event or need uniform prints on hundreds of garments, screen printing is the perfect solution.

Plastisol inks

Plastisol inks are the most commonly used type of ink in screen printing, widely appreciated for their exceptional durability and color intensity. Composed of PVC particles suspended in a plasticizer, they adhere excellently to textile surfaces, creating tough, abrasion-resistant prints. These inks provide nearly full opacity on both light and dark fabrics, making them ideal for workwear and promotional apparel that must endure frequent washing and heavy use. Additionally, plastisol inks offer excellent spot color accuracy based on the PANTONE system, which is crucial for corporate logos and brand identity printing.

Another advantage of plastisol inks is their versatility. They allow for a wide range of special effects such as metallic sheen, glitter, faux leather texture, or “puff” — raised, 3D finishes. You can also achieve reflective or mirror-like effects, making them perfect for streetwear or limited-edition fashion collections. While the prints require curing at high temperatures, plastisol gives printers a high level of control over the final appearance. It’s an indispensable choice when visual impact, long-lasting results, and precise detail are essential.

Water inks

Water-based inks are an eco-friendly solution used in screen printing, known for their natural finish and lightweight feel. Their base is water, which means they don’t contain harmful solvents and are safer for the environment while offering more comfortable wear. Prints created with this technique remain soft and almost undetectable to the touch. Water-based inks work best on light, natural fabrics (such as cotton), where they can penetrate the fibers instead of forming a thick layer on top. This makes them a popular choice for children’s clothing, eco-conscious garments, and premium apparel where quality, comfort, and a subtle print appearance are key.

Due to their high level of dilution, water-based inks provide slightly less opacity compared to plastisol inks — especially on dark materials. Nonetheless, they still offer good durability, especially when washed at temperatures up to around 60°C. Importantly, water-based prints do not block the fabric’s breathability or cause stiffness, allowing garments to remain soft and flexible. This technique is often used for vintage or artistic designs, where a delicate, authentic, and natural aesthetic is desired.

Erasure/Bleach

Discharge printing is a unique textile decoration technique that does not involve applying ink but instead selectively removes dye from the fabric using a special chemical agent. As a result, the design appears through "decolorization" of the textile, creating a very natural and subtle visual effect — the pattern becomes an integral part of the fabric, not a layer on top. This type of print has no tactile feel and does not alter the physical properties of the material, offering maximum comfort to the wearer. Discharge prints are also exceptionally durable — the design cannot wash out over time because there is no pigment to fade; it has been chemically removed from the fibers.

However, this technique does come with certain limitations. First, you cannot choose the color of the print — its final shade depends entirely on the chemical reaction with the fabric’s original dye, which reduces control over the outcome. Second, discharge only works effectively on dark, richly colored fabrics made of 100% cotton with no synthetic blends — synthetic fibers can significantly interfere with the discharge process. Variations in fabric composition or dye batches may lead to inconsistent results. Despite these constraints, discharge printing is an excellent choice for projects requiring maximum durability, a natural look, and complete breathability of the garment.

Puff

Puff printing is a specialized screen printing technique that uses expanding inks which increase in volume under high temperature (typically in a heat tunnel), creating a three-dimensional effect. The design printed with puff ink “rises” during the curing process, lifting off the fabric surface. The result is a soft, raised texture that catches the eye and gives the print a unique and tactile quality. This method is ideal for emphasizing specific graphic elements such as letters, outlines, or icons — the 3D effect enhances both visual appeal and touchability.

Puff inks work best with bold, simple details — intricate elements may lose definition due to the expansion process. This technique is widely used in streetwear fashion, promotional clothing, and children's apparel, where the 3D structure adds a playful and dynamic feel to the design. Puff printing is particularly effective on dark fabrics, where the raised effect stands out more clearly. An added advantage is the durability of the print, provided that the garment is washed correctly (inside out, at a maximum of 40°C).

Hight Density

High Density is a screen printing technique that, like Puff, creates a three-dimensional effect. However, unlike expanding inks, this method uses special high-viscosity inks or gels applied in thick layers through coarse mesh screens. The result is a raised print with sharply defined, crisp edges, giving the design a highly technical and precise look. High Density printing is ideal for graphics that require bold forms, such as geometric shapes, straight lines, symbols, or logos that benefit from a structured, sculptural appearance.

This technique is widely used in premium fashion, sportswear, and streetwear, where the 3D texture enhances the visual and tactile appeal of the garment. Unlike the rounded softness of Puff printing, High Density prints appear more “engraved” or “carved,” making them perfect for minimalist and elegant designs. These prints are durable, washable at up to 40°C, and retain their shape and definition for a long time, as long as the recommended care instructions are followed.

Embroidery

Computer embroidery

Embroidery is synonymous with elegance, durability, and prestige. The design is stitched onto the fabric using a computer-controlled embroidery machine, which ensures high precision and consistent results. This technique is particularly well-suited for thicker materials such as fleece, softshell, sweatshirts, and caps. Embroidery is exceptionally resistant to wear and washing, making it ideal for marking workwear and premium clothing.

Thanks to a variety of stitch types and thread colors, it is possible to create impressive logos, text, and emblems with a raised, textured finish. While embroidery does not offer the same level of detail as digital printing, it makes up for it with craftsmanship and longevity. At Agraf, every embroidery project is preceded by a visual preview, and the final stitch program is carefully refined to reflect the client’s brand identity while meeting the technical requirements of the selected fabric.

3D embroidery

3D embroidery, also known as puff embroidery, is a garment decoration technique that uses a special foam placed beneath the embroidery threads. This creates a dimensional effect — the stitches rise above the surface of the fabric, forming distinctly raised, three-dimensional patterns. This effect not only draws attention but also adds depth and prestige to the design. 3D embroidery is best suited for bold, simple graphic elements such as initials, logos, or symbols, where the thickness of the stitch enhances the overall aesthetic.

This technique is highly popular in premium apparel production, especially for baseball caps, jackets, and hoodies where durability and modern appearance go hand in hand. 3D embroidery not only looks impressive but is also highly resistant to mechanical damage and washing. Due to its specific execution, this type of embroidery requires thoughtful design — not every fine detail can be accurately rendered. However, a well-designed 3D embroidery adds a unique character to garments and perfectly highlights a brand's visual identity.

Embroidered patches

Embroidered patches are one of the most versatile and durable garment decoration methods, especially recommended when direct embroidery on fabric is difficult — for example, due to the material’s thickness, stretchiness, or uneven texture. Patches are produced as separate elements that are later sewn or affixed onto garments, bags, backpacks, or other accessories. This approach allows for high precision and detail in execution, while ensuring that the patch’s appearance remains unchanged even with heavy use.

One of the key advantages of embroidered patches is their resistance to harsh conditions — they hold up well to high-temperature washing, UV exposure, and dry cleaning. Their neat finish, various shapes, and attachment options (e.g. Velcro, heat-seal backing, stitching) make them a popular choice for workwear, military apparel, sportswear, and casual fashion. Embroidered patches combine functionality, durability, and wide creative possibilities, making them an excellent solution for demanding customers.

TRANSFER FOIL AND PAIPER

Thermotransfer

The heat transfer technique involves first applying the design using screen printing onto a special transfer film, and then transferring it onto fabric using a heat press. This process allows for exceptionally precise and durable prints, even on hard-to-reach areas of clothing such as collars, sleeves, pockets, or irregularly shaped elements. By separating the printing and application steps, entire series of transfers can be prepared in advance and later quickly pressed onto selected materials.

One of the biggest advantages of this method is its flexibility in terms of color — heat transfer enables multicolor prints, including special effects like metallics, glitter, or pearlescent tones. Additionally, the technique minimizes the risk of stretching or deforming the fabric during application, which can be an issue with direct screen printing. This makes heat transfer ideal not only for promotional and sports apparel production but also for marking technically challenging elements that require a high level of accuracy.

Digital thermotransfer

Digital heat transfer is a modern apparel marking technique that combines the advantages of digital printing with the flexibility of heat application. The process involves printing a design using a digital printer — most commonly inkjet or laser — onto special transfer paper or film, and then transferring it onto fabric using a heat press. This technique enables highly detailed, full-color prints, including photorealistic images and tonal gradients that are difficult to achieve with other marking methods.

The greatest advantage of digital heat transfer is its ability to decorate surfaces that are inaccessible to traditional DTG printers, such as sleeves, hats, bags, or garments with seams. This makes it an ideal solution for projects where both print quality and placement flexibility are key. Moreover, the technique does not require screens or plates, which makes it very cost-effective for short runs or custom pieces — it’s a perfect fit for personalization and small-batch promotional apparel production.

Sublimation

Sublimation is a modern and extremely durable marking technique that involves transferring special dyes in a gaseous form directly into the fibers of the fabric. This process occurs under high temperature and pressure, causing the pigment to become literally “infused” into the material. For sublimation to be effective, light-colored polyester textiles — preferably white — must be used, as only such a surface allows the colors to retain their full vibrancy and intensity. The technique enables high-resolution prints with detailed graphic reproduction and smooth tonal gradients.

One of the greatest advantages of sublimation is that the print becomes an integral part of the fabric — it is undetectable to the touch, does not crack or peel, even after multiple washes. Since the fabric’s structure remains “unclogged,” sublimated garments remain fully breathable, making this method particularly valued in the production of sportswear and technical clothing. Sublimation is also perfect for product personalization, such as performance shirts, bags, lanyards, or polymer-coated mugs.

FLEX

The Flex marking technique involves the use of special heat transfer vinyls that are cut into the desired shapes using cutting plotters, then pressed into the fabric using a heat press. Thanks to a wide range of available colors, Flex film works well for both single-color designs and more complex, multi-colored projects — although in the latter case, each color must be applied separately. The greatest advantage of this method is the precise shape reproduction, sharp edges, and intense, even coverage.

Flex film is highly durable — it does not crack, peel, or wear off and is resistant to frequent washing and daily use. Due to its flexibility, it adapts well to the surface of the fabric, ensuring comfort during wear. Flex is widely used in the production of promotional and sportswear, as well as in personalized orders — it is ideal for applying numbers, names, or logos to t-shirts, hoodies, and bags. It also comes in special variants — glitter, reflective, or metallic — allowing for eye-catching visual effects.

FLOCK

Flock printing involves the use of a special heat transfer vinyl coated with fine fibers that resemble velvet or suede to the touch. The design is first cut from the flock film using a plotter and then heat-pressed onto the fabric under high temperature and pressure. The result is a raised, soft, and velvety print that stands out visually and tactilely from other decoration techniques. Flock is typically available in solid colors, making it an ideal choice for simple, minimalist designs such as text, logos, or numeric markings.

The main advantages of flock prints are their durability and excellent coverage — even on dark fabrics. The prints are resistant to abrasion, do not crack, and retain their texture even after many washes. Due to its elegant look and premium feel, this technique is used not only in promotional or sports apparel but also in streetwear, personalized clothing, and home textiles. An added aesthetic benefit is the contrast between the smooth fabric surface and the plush texture of the print, giving garments a bold and eye-catching character.

Woven labels

Woven jacquard labels offer an elegant and professional way to brand clothing, giving products a distinctive and high-end look. Unlike printed or embroidered tags, jacquard labels are woven — meaning the logo, company name, or design is created by interlacing warp and weft threads. This allows for exceptionally precise reproduction of even fine details and thin lines. Jacquard labels are ideal for both streetwear and premium apparel, emphasizing attention to detail and reinforcing brand identity.

An additional advantage of this method is its versatility in application — labels can be sewn inside garments, such as at the neck, or externally, for example at the hem or sleeve as a decorative accent. They can be sewn flat, folded in half, or attached by a single edge, depending on the desired finish. Jacquard labels are extremely durable — they don’t wear off or fade even after many washes — making them an excellent solution for companies aiming to build a professional image through consistent visual branding.

Printed labels

Hang tags are an elegant and professional way to distinguish your product and communicate key brand information to your customer. We create custom paper hang tags tailored to your specific dimensions, shapes, and graphic designs. They can feature your logo, barcode, size and price information, care instructions, or even brand storytelling. We print on high-quality cardboard with various paper weights, and offer premium finishing options such as varnishing, embossing, hot stamping, or lamination.

We also offer complete, personalized packaging solutions. This includes custom unit packaging like boxes, cartons, and printed polyester pouches. Thanks to these options, every product can be presented in a cohesive and visually appealing way, enhancing your brand's visual identity and improving the customer’s overall shopping experience. It’s an excellent choice for companies that value attention to detail and want to build a strong, professional image for their clothing or promotional brand.