Here – we Aung Crown, a professional hats and apparel manufacturer since 1998, will introduce 20 kinds of crafts for people to refer to while custom hats or custom apparel in working theory, suitable patterns, pros, and cons. Knowing the crafts before custom hats or apparel is very nice for people to customize their logos. So, are you ready for this?

1.       Embroidery

Theory: Typically, embroidery is controlled by machines that thread the embroidery thread through the fabric along a preset path to form patterns. 

Suitable Patterns: Due to its working theory, embroidery is suitable for simple, short, and well-shaped patterns, such as simple alphabets, logos, etc.

Pros: Embroidery has a strong three-dimensional effect and a beautiful texture. It’s also durable and can have a high-end feel.

Cons: The cost of embroidery is relatively high and it’s not suitable for complex patterns.

2.       Heat Transfer

Theory: First print the pattern on heat transfer paper, then transfer the pattern to hats and clothing by heating and pressing.

Suitable patterns: Heat transfer is suitable for colorful patterns and patterns with details, such as colorful images, complex illustrations, etc.

Pros: The color of heat transfer is bright and the pattern is clear, which can achieve clear and accurate printing on hats and apparel.

Cons: The touch may have a feeling of granularity, and after long use or washing, it may fade.

3.       Screen Printing

Theory: Printing is performed by utilizing the basic principle that the mesh holes in the graphic and text portions of the stencil allow the ink to pass through, while the mesh holes in the non-graphic and text portions do not allow the ink to pass through. 

Suitable patterns: Because of its printing theory, screen printing is suitable for large, simple patterns in fewer colors, such as large blocks of color or simple shapes.

Pros: The cost of screen printing is low and suitable for mass production.

Cons: The number of colors is limited and the detail processes are not sophisticated enough.

4.       Digital Printing

Theory: Digital printing prints digital patterns by spraying inks onto hats or clothing.

Suitable patterns: Because of its printing theory, digital printing is suitable for all patterns, including complex artwork and vivid images.

Advantages: Digital printing is accurate, vibrant in color, and fine in pattern.

Disadvantages: The cost of digital printing is quite high and requires a lot of fabric.

5.       Hot Stamping

Theory: Transforming patterns on film into hats and clothing by heating and pressing to create patterns on hats and clothing.

Suitable patterns: Hot stamping is suitable for colorful, bright patterns with different designs.

Pros: Easy to use and the process is very fast.

Cons: Hot stamping may affect breathability and may be removed from hats and apparel after prolonged use.

6.       Laser Curving

Theory: Laser curving irradiates the surface of the hat with a high-energy density laser beam, which can instantly vaporize the fabric or change colors to create patterns on hats and clothing. 

Suitable patterns: Laser curving suits simple patterns and letters with obvious crenellation effects.

Pros: Laser curving has unique textures that last forever and never fade.

Cons: The color is limited and the color is the fabric of the hat.

7.       Rubber Printing

Theory: Rubber printing transfers graphics and text onto hats and clothing using a rubber fabric.

Suitable patterns: Rubber printing is suitable for large, solid color patterns or simple geometric patterns.

Pros: Rubber printing is relatively fast and the cost is reasonable.

Cons: Rubber printing logos may not be soft enough and maybe a little rough to the touch.

8.       Hydrographic Film/Water Transfer

Theory: Hydrographic film, also known as water transfer printing, hydro-dipping, or immersion printing, is a method of applying printed designs to three-dimensional surfaces. Hydrographic film involves printing patterns on hydrographic film, then soaking hats or clothing in water, and finally using the water pressure and surface tension to transfer patterns to hats or clothing.

Suitable patterns: Hydrographic film is suitable for complex patterns or decorative designs, such as camouflage patterns, wood grain, etc.

Pros: Hydrographic film can achieve and show the beauty and complexity of complex patterns or decorative designs that are widely used.

Cons: The process is relatively complex and has environmental requirements.

9.       Pad Printing

Theory: In pad printing, a rubberized pad printing head is used to dip the ink on the gravure plate onto the surface of the pad printing head and then press it onto the surface of hats or clothing.

Suitable patterns: Because of its working theory, pad printing is suitable for small and regular patterns, such as small logos or labels.

Pros: It’s suitable for printing on irregular surfaces.

Cons: Colors and details are limited.

10.  Press Printing

Theory: Press printing, also known as offset printing, is a mechanical device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting on a print medium, thereby transferring the ink.

Suitable patterns: Press printing is suitable for simple lines and graphics that require an obvious press effect.

Pros: Press-printed logos or patterns have strong 3D effects and the cost is relatively low.

Cons: Limited patterns.                       

11.  Flock Screen Printing/Flocking

Theory: Flock screen printing, also known as flocking, is the process of adding dye, adhesive, and countless tiny fiber particles (called flock) to the surface of a t-shirt or garment. The theory is to use the electrostatic principle to attract flocks to the adhesive on the surfaces of hats to form flock patterns.

Suitable patterns: Flocking is suitable for patterns or logos that require a plush texture, such as cartoon patterns.

Pros: With a unique touch, flocking can add a sense of 3D effects.

Cons: It’s difficult to clean and flocks can be lost.

12.  Beadwork

Theory: Beadwork is the use of thread to attach beads to surfaces of hats or clothing to form patterns.

Suitable patterns: Beadwork is suitable for patterns that require sparkle, such as more decorative patterns.

Pros: Beadwork logos are beautiful, sparkly, and attractive.

Cons: The cost is quite high and may affect comfort.

13.  3D Embroidery

Theory: 3D embroidery also called raised embroidery, is the embroidery of patterns with padding to create a three-dimensional or raised effect. When you touch 3D embroidered designs, there is a convex touch. Please pay attention to whether there are threads on the 3D embroidery patterns or not when buying.

Suitable patterns: 3D embroidery is suitable for logos or patterns that need to enhance the three-dimensional senses, such as 3D flowers, animals, etc.

Pros: Very three-dimensional and can enhance the visual effects.

Cons: The production rate of 3D embroidery is quite low and the cost is high.

14. Spray Print

Theory: Spray printing, also known as spray dyeing or spray painting, is a textile printing technique that uses a spray gun or airbrush to apply color or patterns evenly to fabric.

Suitable patterns: Spray printing works well for large, colorful patterns.

Pros: The process is very fast and can be done quickly.

Cons: Can be smelly and the color persistence may be general

15. Fluorescent Printing

Theory: Fluorescent printing uses inks containing luminescent materials to print patterns on hats or clothing that can absorb light and glow in the dark.

Suitable patterns: Because of its unique brightening effect, fluorescent printing is suitable for patterns that need to be brightened in a dark environment.

Pros: Has a unique luminous effect and can enhance the sense of fun.

Cons: The luminous effect may fade over time.

16. Reflective Printing

Theory: Reflective printing uses inks made from reflective materials to print patterns on hats or clothing that can reflect light under illumination.

Suitable patterns: Reflective printing is suitable for patterns that need to reflect light, such as safety signs.

Pros: Can enhance safety in certain environments.

Cons: In everyday life, the reflective condition may not be obvious enough.

17. Metal Patches

Theory: Metal patches are pieces of metal that are glued or sewn onto hats or clothing.

Suitable patterns: Metal patches are great for patterns that require metal textures, such as metal labels.

Pros: It’s with a strong sense of texture and high level.

Cons: The weight is heavy, which may affect the wearing comfort.

18. Embossed

Theory: Embossing is used to create patterns or textures on leather by applying pressure.

Suitable patterns: Embossing is suitable for simple lines or graphics and is usually applied to leather.

Pros: Enhances the decorative function and is unique.

Cons: Limited in patterns and has requirements on the leather.

19. Woven Label

Theory: Woven labels are made by weaving machines that weave yarns into labels with patterns or letters.

Suitable patterns: Woven labels are suitable for simple letters and logos used for the inside labels of hats.

Pros: The cost is relatively low and it’s durable.

Cons: Patterns are relatively simple and not attractive enough.

20. Painting

Theory: Painting is done with hands using pigment on hats or clothing.

Suitable patterns: Painting is suitable for unique art patterns

Pros: Painting is full of personality with a high artistic value.

Cons: Low effectiveness, high cost, and it’s hard to produce in bulk.

The above 20 crafts are worth considering when you start customizing your logos. Whether for hats or clothing, you can choose the best one for you based on your needs.