How Kittl Changed the DTF Direct to Film Print Game

Table of Contents

From Screen Printing to DTF: My Evolution


I started out as a screen printer in California, where space is at a premium. At one point, I was juggling upward of 3,000 screens—imagine the storage nightmare! Every new color meant another screen, and it quickly got out of hand. When DTG (Direct to Garment) printing hit the scene, I jumped in early, hoping it would solve my issues with small runs and product testing. But the reality was disappointing: the quality wasn’t consistent, and if there was a problem, I’d only see it after the shirt was already printed. That’s a costly mistake.

When DTF printing appeared, I was intrigued but cautious. My first experiments with converted printers were a headache, but once I got my hands on commercial DTF machines, everything changed. Suddenly, I could print vibrant, full-color designs on demand, with no need for screens or massive storage. My customers loved it, and so did I.

The Power of DTF Transfers


Versatility Without Limits

As a screen printer, I always felt boxed in by placement limitations. DTF transfers blew those doors wide open. Now, I can put designs anywhere—across the whole shirt, on hats, shoes, skateboards, pop-up canopies, you name it. We’ve even done full-color neck tags and tiny lettering details on hats. The creative freedom is unreal.

“Being able to print transfers, you’re able to do literally the whole shirt. You can put it anywhere you want.”

Perfect for Small Runs and Samples

One of the biggest hurdles in printing is handling small orders or sample runs. With DTF, that’s no longer a problem. Designers can get a single DTF sheet as a sample, do a quick photo shoot, take pre-orders, and then come back for a big run. Print shops that used to turn away small orders now send them my way, and I can fulfill them quickly—even sending Ubers to pick up finished jobs!

No More Saying No to Customers

Before DTF, I had to say “no” to so many unique requests because they just weren’t feasible with screen printing. Now, I rarely turn down a job. Whether it’s a custom design for a pop-up canopy, a one-off skateboard, or a batch of shirts for a local team, DTF makes it possible.

“It really opens the door for a lot of designers and a lot of people to be able to apply to literally anything that you have an idea. You just kind of create it, send it, and get it done.”

Designing for DTF: How Kittl Makes It Easier


Not everyone is a designer, and not everyone has access to expensive software or a high-powered computer. That’s where Kittl comes in. Drew and his team at Kittl have built an online design platform that’s packed with premium templates, advanced tools, and features like background removal, vectorizing, and AI-generated elements. You don’t need to be a pro to create something that looks professional.

“We’ve just lowered the bar to the complex design for you to get in and feel comfortable and easily make something a lot faster, a lot more time efficient, and ideate a lot faster than you would have to figure out how to learn in these other platforms.” – Drew, Kittl

Kittl’s templates are especially helpful for beginners. You can see how designs are layered, swap out elements, and learn by doing. Their upscaler and vectorizer tools help keep your artwork crisp and print-ready. I’ve used Kittl myself for tutorials—sometimes I’ll grab one of their templates, edit the words, and use the same design for the neck tag or sleeve hit. It’s versatile and saves me a ton of time.

DTF Heat Transfer: Why the Right Press Matters


Here’s a tip from years of trial and error: your DTF transfer is only as good as your heat press. I’ve tried everything—Cricut presses, household irons, you name it. While you can apply a DTF transfer with an iron in a pinch, it’s not going to last. You need real pressure for professional results.

“DTF gets a bad reputation because of the way that it goes onto a shirt. If it doesn’t have enough pressure, it’s not going to last. If it’s not done properly, it’s not going to sit on the shirt properly, it’s going to shrink in the wash, it’s going to feel like plastic.”

If you’re just starting out, you don’t need to break the bank. There are solid entry-level heat presses out there for $200–$300. I’ve tested a bunch from Amazon and shared my honest opinions. And if your idea doesn’t work out, you can always resell the press and recoup most of your investment.

Did You Know: Kittl has one of the best programs for giving educators free access to their programs? You can check here how you could avail their program!

Three Common DTF Challenges (and How I Solve Them)


1. Design Struggles

Not everyone has design skills or the right tools. That’s why I recommend using Kittl. It’s easy to use, requires no downloads, and lets you share files with collaborators. If you’re coming from a vinyl background (like Cricut), you’ll be amazed at the extra features and quality you can achieve.

2. Pressing Technique

A good press makes all the difference. Don’t rely on a Cricut press or iron for anything you plan to sell. Invest in a real heat press, follow the correct settings, and your DTF transfers will look and feel amazing.

3. Color Management

Color can be tricky—especially if you’re designing on your phone at night or using the wrong color profiles. I always recommend designing in CMYK and using a calibrated monitor. We even offer physical color matching charts so you can see exactly how your colors will look when printed. This is especially important for brands that need consistent, vibrant results.

DTF Printing: My Step-by-Step Process


  • Design Your Artwork: Use Kittl, make sure your file is high-res (300 DPI), and export in a print-friendly format.
  • Print on DTF Film: Use a DTF printer and special DTF inks to print your design onto a clear film.
  • Apply Adhesive Powder: Sprinkle powder over the wet ink on the film, then cure it using a heat press or oven.
  • Heat Press the Transfer: Place the film on your garment, use a heat press to apply heat and pressure, and then peel away the film to reveal your design.
  • Finishing Press: Give the garment a final press for a polished, professional look.

The result? Vibrant, durable prints that can go on almost anything.

DTF Transfer Applications: Beyond T-Shirts


DTF isn’t just for tees. I’ve used DTF transfers on:

  • Hats (including detailed logos and tiny text)
  • Shoes (like Converse)
  • Skateboards
  • Pop-up canopies
  • Denim jackets
  • Full-color neck tags and sleeves

If you can imagine it, you can probably DTF it. The only limit is your creativity!

Pro Tips for DTF Printing Success


  • Design in CMYK: For accurate color reproduction.
  • Use 300 DPI Resolution: For crisp, clear prints.
  • Transparent Backgrounds: Let the garment color show through where needed.
  • Vector Graphics: Whenever possible, for sharp details and easy resizing.
  • Test Your Press: Every garment and material can react differently—do a test press to dial in your settings.
  • Invest in a Color Chart: It’s a game changer for matching your brand colors.

The Future of DTF and Kittl’s Design Tech


The DTF world is evolving fast. Kittl is rolling out new features like eraser tools, AI-powered design assistants, and brand kits to save your favorite colors and fonts. Soon, you’ll even be able to submit design requests and get professional results without hiring a big agency.

“We’re going to be really pushing K+ which is a new service basically where you can kind of like with the co-pilot you have this virtual design assistant. The K+ is going to be like your own pocket agency.” – Drew, Kittl

Why I Love DTF Printing


DTF printing has changed my business, my workflow, and my outlook. It’s lowered the barrier for anyone to get started, whether you’re a print shop owner, a designer, or just someone with a cool idea. The flexibility, quality, and ease of use are unmatched.

If you’re thinking about jumping into DTF, my advice is simple: get started! The cost of entry is lower than ever, the tools are easier to use, and the creative possibilities are endless. Whether you want to launch a brand, offer custom merch, or just make something awesome for yourself, DTF printing is the way to go.

Ready to Embark on your DTF Journey?

 

Experience DTF Excellence Today! Get your Sample Pack! See the vibrant colors, durability, and precision we offer firsthand before you invest.

 

Transform Your Style with our DTF Collection!

 

Ready to Elevate Your Printing Game? Submit your custom order now and experience:

  • Superior color accuracy
  • Premium durability
  • Fast turnaround times

Click here to start your DTF printing journey!

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