Inkdnylon Fabric & Decoration Compatibility Grid
Real-world settings for DTF transfers, vinyl transfers, sublimation transfers, embroidery, and named screen-print inks.
| Material | Decoration Methods That Work | Embroidery Reason (If Omitted) | Transfer Temps (DTF / Vinyl / Sublimation) | Fabric? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic T-Shirt & Fleece Fabrics | ||||
|
Cotton Jersey Natural |
Screen Printing (plastisol, water-based, discharge on dark 100% cotton) DTF Transfers DTG Printing Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 285–315°F Vinyl: 285–320°F Sublimation: ✖ |
✔ Yes Standard tee fabric |
|
|
Ringspun / Combed Cotton Natural |
Screen Printing (soft-hand plastisol, water-based, discharge) DTF Transfers DTG Printing Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 285–310°F Vinyl: 285–305°F |
✔ Yes Softer premium tees |
|
|
Cotton Fleece (Sweatshirts) Natural |
Screen Printing (plastisol, water-based; discharge if 100% cotton face) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 285–305°F Vinyl: 290–310°F |
✔ Yes Hoodies, crewnecks |
|
|
Poly Fleece Synthetic |
Screen Printing (low-bleed poly plastisol with gray blocker) DTF Transfers Sublimation Transfers (high poly content only) Vinyl Transfers |
Embroidery can tunnel/pucker on lofty poly fleece |
DTF: 265–285°F Vinyl: 280–295°F Sublimation: 385–400°F |
✔ Yes Performance fleece |
|
Cotton/Poly Fleece Both |
Screen Printing (poly-blend / low-bleed plastisol) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 275–295°F Vinyl: 285–300°F |
✔ Yes Most hoodies/joggers |
|
|
Tri-Blend (Cotton/Poly/Rayon) Both |
Screen Printing (tri-blend soft-hand plastisol or water-based) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 275–290°F Vinyl: 285–295°F Sublimation: Ghost/partial only |
✔ Yes Soft fashion tees |
|
|
CVC / Poly-Cotton Blends Both |
Screen Printing (poly-blend / low-bleed plastisol) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 275–295°F Vinyl: 285–300°F |
✔ Yes Common tees & fleece |
|
| Knit Fabrics (Tees, Polos, Athleisure) | ||||
|
Jersey Knit (Generic) Both |
Screen Printing (match ink to fiber: cotton plastisol or low-bleed poly plastisol) DTF Transfers DTG Printing (if cotton-rich) Vinyl Transfers Embroidery (best on cotton-heavy jerseys) |
Embroidery less ideal on high-poly sport jerseys |
DTF: 275–295°F Vinyl: 285–300°F |
✔ Yes Most knit tops |
|
Piqué Knit (Polos) Both |
Embroidery Screen Printing (cotton plastisol or low-bleed poly plastisol) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers |
DTF: 270–290°F Vinyl: 285–295°F |
✔ Yes Golf & corporate polos |
|
|
Rib Knit (1x1, 2x2) Both |
Screen Printing (stretch-modified plastisol) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery (minimal stretch styles) |
Embroidery can distort on heavy-stretch ribs |
DTF: 270–290°F Vinyl: 280–295°F |
✔ Yes Cuffs, collars, tanks |
|
Interlock Knit Both |
Screen Printing (plastisol or water-based, depending on blend) DTF Transfers DTG Printing (if cotton-rich) Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 275–295°F Vinyl: 285–300°F |
✔ Yes Thicker, smoother knits |
|
|
French Terry Both |
Screen Printing (plastisol or poly-blend plastisol) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 275–295°F Vinyl: 285–300°F |
✔ Yes Lightweight sweats |
|
|
Performance Poly Knit / Dri-Fit Synthetic |
DTF Transfers Sublimation Transfers (100% poly) Vinyl Transfers (stretch) Screen Printing (low-bleed poly plastisol with blocker or silicone ink) |
Embroidery adds weight and can pucker |
DTF: 265–285°F Vinyl: 275–290°F Sublimation: 385–400°F |
✔ Yes Sports & training tees |
|
Compression / High Spandex Synthetic |
DTF Transfers (stretch inks) Vinyl Transfers (stretch/athletic vinyl) |
Embroidery kills stretch & comfort |
DTF: 250–270°F Vinyl: 260–280°F |
✔ Yes Compression shirts, leggings |
| Woven Shirting, Bottoms & Workwear | ||||
|
Poplin / Broadcloth Both |
Screen Printing (plastisol for cotton; low-bleed poly plastisol for blends) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 275–295°F Vinyl: 285–300°F |
✔ Yes Dress shirts, uniforms |
|
|
Oxford Cloth Both |
Embroidery DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Screen Printing (cotton or poly-blend plastisol) |
DTF: 275–295°F Vinyl: 285–300°F |
✔ Yes Button-downs, school shirts |
|
|
Twill / Chino Both |
Screen Printing (plastisol on cotton; low-bleed plastisol on blends) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 275–295°F Vinyl: 285–300°F |
✔ Yes Pants, caps, workwear |
|
|
Canvas / Duck Both |
Screen Printing (heavy plastisol or water-based for poster-style prints) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 280–300°F Vinyl: 290–305°F |
✔ Yes Bags, aprons, jackets |
|
|
Denim Both |
Embroidery Screen Printing (plastisol / discharge on 100% cotton indigo) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers |
DTF: 280–300°F Vinyl: 290–305°F |
✔ Yes Jeans, jackets, shirts |
|
|
Flannel (Brushed Twill) Both |
Embroidery Screen Printing (plastisol, water-based on cotton flannel) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers |
DTF: 275–295°F Vinyl: 285–300°F |
✔ Yes Brushed shirts, PJ pants |
|
|
Heavy Duck / Workwear Twill Both |
Screen Printing (industrial plastisol) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery (FR thread on FR garments) |
For FR garments: only FR thread & backing |
DTF: 280–300°F Vinyl: 290–305°F |
✔ Yes Coveralls, work jackets |
| Lightweight Fashion Wovens | ||||
|
Rayon / Viscose Woven Both |
Screen Printing (water-based or soft plastisol) DTF Transfers DTG Printing (knit versions) Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 275–290°F Vinyl: 285–295°F |
✔ Yes Drapey blouses, dresses |
|
|
TENCEL / Lyocell Both |
Screen Printing (water-based or soft plastisol) DTF Transfers DTG Printing (knits) Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 275–290°F Vinyl: 285–295°F |
✔ Yes Soft eco shirts & dresses |
|
|
Modal Both |
Screen Printing (water-based or soft-hand plastisol) DTF Transfers DTG Printing Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 275–290°F Vinyl: 285–295°F |
✔ Yes Very soft tees & tops |
|
|
Chiffon / Georgette / Organza Both |
Embroidery (very light density) | Heat & heavy prints ruin sheer structure | No heat transfers | ✔ Yes Sheer, delicate fashion |
|
Satin (Poly or Silk) Both |
Embroidery DTF Transfers (low/medium heat) Vinyl Transfers (light, low pressure) |
Too much density or heat can scorch or leave press marks |
DTF: 265–285°F Vinyl: 275–285°F |
✔ Yes Robes, fashion tops, linings |
|
Velvet / Velour Both |
Embroidery DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Screen Printing (soft plastisol) |
DTF: 265–285°F Vinyl: 275–285°F |
✔ Yes Tracksuits, dresses, hats |
|
|
Lace Both |
Embroidery (accent only) | Heat & heavy prints destroy openness | No heat transfers | ✔ Yes Trims and overlays |
|
Tulle Synthetic |
Embroidery (very light) | Most decoration will melt or crush mesh | No heat transfers | ✔ Yes Skirts, veils, costume |
| Outerwear & Technical Fabrics | ||||
|
Softshell (Poly/Spandex) Synthetic |
Embroidery (logo panels) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Screen Printing (low-bleed poly plastisol or silicone ink) |
DTF: 265–285°F Vinyl: 275–285°F |
✔ Yes Shell jackets, vests |
|
|
Hard Shell Nylon/Poly Synthetic |
Embroidery (with care) Vinyl Transfers Limited DTF Transfers (low heat) |
High heat & plastisol can compromise waterproof coatings |
DTF: 240–260°F Vinyl: 275–285°F |
✔ Yes Rain jackets, windbreakers |
|
Ripstop (Nylon/Poly) Synthetic |
Screen Printing (nylon-bonding plastisol with catalyst) DTF Transfers (low temp) Vinyl Transfers Embroidery (light density) |
Too-dense embroidery can pucker or tear grid |
DTF: 240–265°F Vinyl: 275–285°F |
✔ Yes Outdoor jackets, bags |
|
Neoprene / Scuba Synthetic |
Screen Printing (low-temp plastisol or silicone ink) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers |
Embroidery creates holes and bulk in foam |
DTF: 250–270°F Vinyl: 260–280°F |
✔ Yes Cases, fashion tops, koozies |
| Leather, Faux Leather & Fur | ||||
|
Genuine Leather Natural |
Embroidery (industrial machines) Vinyl Transfers (low heat) |
High heat & heavy stitching can crack or distort | Vinyl: 250–270°F (test) | ✔ Yes Jackets, patches, accessories |
|
Faux Leather / PU Synthetic |
Vinyl Transfers (low/medium heat) DTF Transfers (careful, low temp) |
Embroidery can perforate and tear coating |
DTF: 240–260°F Vinyl: 250–270°F |
✔ Yes Hats, trims, jackets |
|
Suede / Microsuede Both |
Embroidery Vinyl Transfers (light, low heat) |
Too much heat flattens nap and leaves marks | Vinyl: 250–270°F | ✔ Yes Jackets, caps, upholstery-style |
|
Faux Fur Synthetic |
Embroidery (patches or applique) | Heat & ink ruin pile; transfers not recommended | No heat transfers | ✔ Yes Hood trims, novelty coats |
| Bags, Totes & Promo Fabrics | ||||
|
Cotton Canvas Tote Natural |
Screen Printing (plastisol or water-based poster inks) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery |
DTF: 280–300°F Vinyl: 290–305°F |
✔ Yes Classic tote bags |
|
|
Non-Woven Polypropylene Synthetic |
Screen Printing (polypropylene-compatible plastisol / solvent-based tote inks) Vinyl Transfers (low heat) |
Embroidery tears and melts fibers | Vinyl: 250–270°F | ✔ Yes Cheap promo totes, grocery bags |
|
Poly Canvas / 600D Synthetic |
Screen Printing (low-bleed poly plastisol or nylon-bonding plastisol) DTF Transfers Vinyl Transfers Embroidery (with heavy backing) |
DTF: 265–285°F Vinyl: 280–295°F |
✔ Yes Backpacks, duffels, promo bags |
|
|
Jute Tote Natural |
Screen Printing (bold plastisol or water-based) Embroidery |
No heat transfers | ✔ Yes Rough eco shopping bags |
|
Settings are starting points. Always test press, ink, and stabilizer on each blank before full production.