All Over Printing
One of the newest and most exciting developments in the world of custom apparel printing is All-Over Printing. Unlike traditional print methods that focus on a single area of a T-shirt, this technique removes those boundaries entirely. Designs can flow across seams, hems, sleeves, and even zips, giving creators far more freedom than ever before.
We’re all familiar with DTG, screen printing, and DTF printing, which are methods where the design usually sits neatly on the front or back of a garment, surrounded by blank space. All-over printing flips that idea on its head. Instead of stopping short, the artwork reaches the very edges of the fabric, making full use of every inch.
If this sounds a bit technical, don’t worry. We’ll break it down step by step and guide you through every detail.
Is All-Over Printing right for you?
Are you organising an event and need bold, full-coverage T-shirts that stand out from across the room? Want to impress clients with a fresh, high-impact print style for their merchandise? Maybe you’re an online creator looking for new ways to monetise your brand, or a business refreshing uniforms, workwear, or promotional clothing. If you see yourself as a trend-leader, all-over printing might be exactly what you’re after.
So, what is All-Over Print?
All-over print refers to a garment printing method that covers the entire surface of the item. One of the easiest ways to spot true all-over printing is by checking the seams, hems, or details like zippers; these are areas that usually remain blank with more conventional printing techniques.
In some cases, the garment is laid flat and printed once it’s already been sewn. This means only the visible areas receive ink, while parts like hems remain untouched. However, the most effective and traditional approach is to print the fabric before it’s cut and assembled. This allows for complete coverage and cleaner results.
It’s worth noting that all-over printing isn’t the same as an “oversized print.” Oversized prints simply use larger screens to exceed the limits of standard printing areas, whereas all-over printing is designed to cover the garment edge to edge.
When does All-Over Printing make sense?
If your design features a continuous pattern or artwork that flows endlessly across the fabric like using gradients, abstract graphics, or repeating visuals then all-over printing creates a seamless effect.
This ensures the final garment looks exactly as intended, without unwanted white edges.
Traditional T-shirt designs are usually limited to the front or back, but all-over printing removes those constraints entirely. The result is a bold, attention-grabbing garment that makes an instant visual impact.
When might All-Over Printing not be the best option?
If your goal is a simple, repeating pattern, like polka dots, it’s often easier and more efficient to print the fabric before it’s cut and sewn. This avoids alignment issues that can occur with all-over printing.
Occasionally, designs may not line up perfectly from front to back. That said, our experienced team can advise how to minimise these challenges and deliver the best possible outcome.
If your design only needs to cover the torso and not the sleeves, all-over printing may be unnecessary. Some printers use oversized screens that can still achieve a large print without full garment coverage.
How is All-Over Printing done?
There are several ways to achieve all-over prints, but two of the most common techniques are Cut and Sewn garments and Sublimation (dye) printing.
Cut and Sew Garment
We can create fully customised garments by printing different panels of material and sewing them together to create a full custom garment exactly how you would like this to be. We make each individual panel separately and then bring them together to make your final garment. We have a wide range of garment possibilities for this including t-shirts, hoodies, vests and much more.
Advantages:
- Suitable for almost any fabric
- High-quality, professional finish
- Long-lasting and durable
Limitations:
- Not ideal for small print runs
Sublimation (Dye) Printing
Sublimation printing uses heat to transfer dye directly into the fabric. A heat press turns the ink into a gas, which bonds with the fibres , usually polyester or polymer-coated materials , without ever becoming liquid.
Because the dye becomes part of the fabric itself, the print won’t crack, fade, or wash out. Sublimation works best on lighter garments, as the base colour is created as part of the print process.
Fabric options for sublimation include:
- 100% polyester: Delivers the most vibrant colours and deepest blacks
50/50 polyester-cotton blends: Softer and more comfortable, though prints are less sharp
