PRINTING METHOD
Dye Sublimation for Custom Bags
For a detailed or flowing graphic, material selection is part of the print decision. Explore the principles of dye sublimation and the questions to resolve before sampling.
PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
What is dye sublimation?
Dye sublimation uses heat to transfer sublimation dyes into a suitable substrate. In a common transfer-paper route, the design is printed on paper and then transferred to the textile with heat. Polyester textiles are a common application; the material and production system must be appropriate for that route.
This page explains general principles, not a confirmed MIFAKTORY machine or material offering. It does not establish that every synthetic fabric, coated textile or canvas-look material is suitable.
General background: Roland DG — Direct to Garment vs. Dye Sublimation. These sources do not verify MIFAKTORY capabilities.
General process guidance. Availability, material suitability, sample scope and production arrangements are confirmed for each project.
PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
Start with the material and base colour
Share the actual fibre composition and any finish or coating. A fabric photograph or trade name is not enough to determine suitability. If the material is undecided, discuss the desired handle, weight, appearance and end use before fixing the print route.
In conventional dye-sublimation printing, the base colour matters and white areas usually rely on the substrate rather than a white sublimation ink. Ask how your light tones and unprinted areas would be handled on the proposed material. A light-base demonstration is not a guarantee that the same artwork will look identical on another fabric.
PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
Separate image coverage from bag construction
Use the artwork layout to identify whether you want a repeat, a single large image or a design on selected panels. Discuss when printing would occur in relation to cutting and assembly. Show the seams, pockets and handles that could affect the visible layout, and define whether continuity across joins is essential.
Review the final material sample for colour, detail and feel. Do not approve the result from a transfer-paper image or AI illustration. Claims about colourfastness, care or resistance to wear require evidence relevant to the proposed construction and print route.
PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
What to prepare
Provide the bag reference, fabric composition, base colour and known finishing details. Include the design version, repeat dimensions or placement drawing, colour references and images showing the intended effect. Add quantity, destination, target date and performance expectations. Where the fabric is unknown, state that it needs selection rather than substituting an assumed polyester specification.
PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
What should the sample resolve?
Identify the material and proposed route on the sample record. Review light areas, dark areas, important colour relationships and detail at the intended scale. For panel artwork, check how the approved design relates to the assembled bag. Record any remaining seam, placement or testing questions before a production approval is treated as complete.
Related decisions.
Plan all-over or placement artwork
Decide how the artwork should appear on the finished bag. A repeat pattern and a positioned graphic need different layout instructions, even when they use the same print method.
Read the guide →Review colour on material
Turn a colour target into a clear review brief. Define the reference, the material and the decisions a print strike-off needs to resolve before approving the next stage.
Read the guide →START WITH YOUR BRIEF
Bring the artwork.
Define the next step.
Share your bag reference, material details and artwork goals. Process suitability and project terms need individual review.
Include the intended use, print area and known material details.
Reading & technical references
General background sources support the educational text. They do not verify MIFAKTORY equipment, facilities, materials or performance.
EXPLORE THE GUIDE