Bag Printing Methods Compared: Silk-Screen vs Heat Transfer
How your logo is printed changes the look, the cost and the minimum order. Here's what you need to know.
There are three common ways to put your logo on a fabric bag. Each has different strengths. Here they are compared.
Silk-screen printing
The most economical and widely used method. Ink is pushed through a mesh stencil onto the fabric, colour by colour.
- Best for: simple one or two-colour logos and text
- Cost: lowest — included in our standard price
- Look: crisp, opaque, durable
- Also nice on: non-woven, cotton and TC fabrics
Heat transfer / full-colour printing
A printed design is transferred onto the fabric with heat and pressure, allowing unlimited colours and gradients.
- Best for: photographic images, gradients, complex full-colour designs
- Cost: higher (approx. +$0.18-0.29 per piece)
- Look: rich detail and colour depth
- Nice on: smooth fabrics like cotton and TC
Embroidery
A stitched logo — the most premium option, especially for cotton and canvas bags.
- Best for: small, high-end logo marks on premium bags
- Cost: highest (quoted per project)
- Look: tactile, luxurious, long-lasting
How to choose
| Your design | Recommended |
|---|---|
| 1-2 colour simple logo | Silk-screen (included) |
| Full-colour / gradient / photo | Heat transfer |
| Premium logo on canvas | Embroidery |
Quick tip
If you're not sure your artwork will print well, send it to us — we'll check the file and recommend the best method for your budget. See custom orders or how to choose custom bags.