Introduction
Across the U.S., embroidery shops are discovering a powerful new tool in their workflow — Pixl Flow printing.
In 2025, more decorators are adding Pixl Flow solutions alongside traditional embroidery to meet customer demand for faster turnaround, vibrant color, and soft-touch prints across a wide range of fabrics.
Rather than replacing embroidery, Pixl Flow complements it — combining the craftsmanship of stitching with the efficiency and color flexibility of digital transfers.
The result: quicker delivery, lower costs on detailed artwork, and more opportunities to say “yes” to every client request.
What Is Pixl Flow Printing — and Why It Fits Seamlessly in Embroidery Shops
Pixl Flow printing uses a simple four-step process:
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Print the design onto PET film using Pixl Flow inks.
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Apply a layer of hot-melt adhesive powder.
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Cure the design with heat.
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Press the transfer onto the garment with a heat press.
The result is a vibrant, flexible print that bonds smoothly to cotton, polyester, blends, and even hard-to-stitch materials.
For embroidery shops, Pixl Flow is the perfect add-on. You can keep running embroidery for polos, jackets, and uniforms — while using Pixl Flow printing to handle the art that’s too complex, colorful, or time-consuming to stitch.
That means fewer stitch runs, faster production, and the ability to take on short runs and rush jobs profitably.
Customers notice the difference immediately:
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Sharper detail — gradients, photos, and fine lines look crisp and professional.
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Softer feel — no heavy fill stitches, ideal for thin tees, hoodies, or lightweight outerwear.
Where Embroidery Ends and Pixl Flow Shines
Embroidery is timeless — but it has limits:
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Limited thread colors per design
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Bulky fills on thin garments
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Long run times for complex artwork
Pixl Flow eliminates those barriers.
You can produce photo-level designs, smooth gradients, and tiny text without increasing setup or stitch time. That makes it a natural solution for today’s fast-paced, on-demand market.
When to Choose Pixl Flow Over Stitching
Pixl Flow printing works best for:
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Photo tees and team shirts
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Event and merch prints with colorful artwork
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Left-chest logos with fine lines or small text
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Low-minimum orders (1–50 pcs)
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Name and number personalization for uniforms
Embroidery still leads for classic polos, high-end workwear, and heavy-use garments.
Together, Pixl Flow and embroidery cover nearly every customer request — from premium stitched logos to full-color printed tees.
Pixl Flow vs. Embroidery: Speed, Cost, and Fabric Versatility
| Factor | Embroidery | Pixl Flow Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Setup & Speed | Slower on complex art | Fast setup, quick press |
| Cost on Small Runs | Higher (digitizing, stitch count) | Stable across colors & detail |
| Color & Detail | Limited threads, harder for gradients | Full-color, photo-level prints |
| Feel | Raised, textured | Smooth, soft, flexible |
| Durability | Excellent, long-term wear | 50+ washes with proper care |
| Fabric Range | Best for stable fabrics | Cotton, poly, blends, many tricky fabrics |
Faster Production, Better Margins
Adding Pixl Flow can streamline your workflow instantly:
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No digitizing required for complex art
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No long stitch runs or thread changes
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Quick presses mean faster fulfillment
This speed allows shops to offer same-day or next-day delivery, capture rush fees, and stay profitable on short-run orders.
Because Pixl Flow costs remain consistent regardless of color count or detail, it keeps small jobs profitable while simplifying pricing and quoting.
Quality and Durability That Customers Appreciate
Pixl Flow prints look vibrant, stretch with the fabric, and stay comfortable wash after wash.
When cared for properly (wash cold, inside out, low heat dry), prints can last 50+ washes.
For heavy-duty uniforms or workwear, embroidery still wins on abrasion resistance — but Pixl Flow covers most everyday wear with ease.
More Fabric Options and Creative Freedom
Pixl Flow isn’t just for tees.
It works beautifully on cotton, polyester, blends, canvas, and even smooth beanie panels or bags.
With quick test presses and peel timing logs, you can build a repeatable workflow for any material your shop handles.
Boost Revenue: Pair Pixl Flow and Embroidery
Many successful shops are combining both processes to increase order value:
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Embroidered polos + Pixl Flow-printed tees for brand bundles
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Caps with embroidered fronts and Pixl Flow side patches
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Hoodies with stitched logos and full-color Pixl Flow backs
This approach gives clients a cohesive brand look — while increasing your average order size with minimal effort.
Getting Started: Outsource or Go In-House
You have two easy paths:
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Start with outsourced Pixl Flow transfers while you test market demand.
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Bring Pixl Flow in-house with a professional printer once volume grows — gaining full control of color, speed, and cost.
Pixl Flow provides factory-direct printers, inks, and consumables — along with U.S.-based technical support to help embroidery shops integrate Pixl Flow quickly and confidently.
Final Thoughts
Pixl Flow printing doesn’t replace embroidery — it enhances it.
It adds speed, detail, flexibility, and new revenue opportunities while keeping embroidery’s premium feel where it matters most.
Start simple: test one Pixl Flow order for an existing client. Measure turnaround time, margin, and feedback.
Chances are, your customers will love the results — and your production schedule will finally breathe again.
👉 Explore Pixl Flow printers and solutions today — and see how easily Pixl Flow can fit into your embroidery shop workflow.