PRINTING METHOD
Transfer Printing for Custom Bags
Transfer printing covers several approaches. Define the artwork, application area and desired finish first, then review the specific transfer route for the proposed material.
PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
What does transfer printing mean?
Transfer printing is a family of methods in which a design is prepared on a separate carrier before application to the product. Common textile decoration examples include screen-printed transfers, direct-to-film (DTF) transfers and heat-transfer vinyl (HTV). These names describe different systems, not interchangeable specifications. Heat-transfer vinyl is applied using heat and pressure, with application requirements tied to the selected product and fabric.
These are industry examples, not a list of confirmed MIFAKTORY services. The meaning and available scope of Transfer Printing must be confirmed for each project. Dye sublimation has a separate guide because its material and colour questions need their own explanation.
General background: STAHLS’ — What Heat Transfer To Use?, STAHLS’ — What Is HTV?. 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
Choose a route around the brief
Explain whether you need a small logo, a multicolour illustration, individual lettering or a particular visual finish. Include the intended size, quantity and location. Ask which specific transfer system is proposed and why it suits the artwork and fabric; a generic transfer-print label leaves too much unresolved.
Provide known coatings, water-repellent finishes or other surface treatments. Include seams, padding and hardware near the graphic area so access can be reviewed. Material compatibility, application conditions and the effect on the bag should be checked for the proposed combination rather than inferred from a broad fabric category.
PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
What should you look and feel for?
Use a reference to explain whether you prefer a low-profile graphic, a visible surface finish or a particular edge appearance. Mark fine lettering, open areas and large graphics for sample review. Compare the feel and visual effect on the identified fabric, not just on a design screen.
Do not assume every transfer route offers the same stretch, adhesion, wash resistance, colour range or reflective effect. Metallic and reflective appearances are discussed on Branding & Special Effects; visual resemblance alone cannot establish functional performance.
PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
What to prepare
Send authorised artwork, a placement drawing, intended dimensions and colour or finish references. Include the fabric specification and surface treatments where known, bag construction, quantity estimate, destination and target date. Add care requirements and the conditions the graphic is expected to face. An existing decorated sample can help communicate intent, but it does not identify its process without supporting information.
PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
Confirm the transfer specification and sample scope
Ask for the proposed transfer type, material reference and application location to be identified in the review record. Assess edge appearance, legibility, colour, feel and placement. Discuss how adhesion and any requested performance will be evaluated. Approval of the visible sample should not be presented as a completed test programme or a guarantee across unreviewed fabrics.
Related decisions.
Review branding and special effects
Show how the brand should appear, then define the finish you want. Logo application, metallic appearance and reflective effects need a clear visual brief and a separate review of feasibility.
Read the guide →Read the dye-sublimation guide
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.
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