Gang Sheets Explained: How Small Businesses Save Money on DTF Printing
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If you're ordering DTF transfers regularly—for your business, side hustle, or personal projects—gang sheets are the secret to cutting your costs dramatically. Here's how they work.
What Is a Gang Sheet?
A gang sheet is a single large sheet (typically 22-23 inches wide) that contains multiple designs or multiple copies of the same design. Instead of printing each transfer individually, designs are arranged together on one sheet to maximize space and minimize waste.
Think of it like buying in bulk at Costco, but for DTF transfers.
Why Gang Sheets Save Money
The Math
Individual 4x4" transfer: ~$4-5 each
Same transfer on a gang sheet: ~$1.50-2 each
That's 50-60% savings.
Why?
When you order individual transfers, you're paying for:
- Setup time for each design
- Wasted space on the film
- Individual handling
Gang sheets eliminate that waste. Every inch of the sheet is used for your designs.
Who Should Use Gang Sheets?
Small Apparel Businesses
If you're selling custom shirts at markets, online, or to local customers, gang sheets let you print inventory affordably.
Print-on-Demand Sellers
Etsy shops, local boutiques, and custom order businesses can batch their orders onto gang sheets.
Teams & Organizations
Need 20 different names on the back of jerseys? Put them all on one gang sheet.
Event Organizers
Multiple designs for one event (staff shirts, volunteer shirts, participant shirts) on one sheet.
Anyone Ordering Regularly
If you're ordering transfers more than once a month, gang sheets make sense.
Two Ways to Use Gang Sheets
Option 1: Upload Your Own Gang Sheet
You arrange your designs in software (Photoshop, Canva, etc.) and upload the completed gang sheet. You control the layout completely.
Best for: Experienced users who want maximum control
Option 2: Build a Gang Sheet
You upload individual designs and tell us quantities. We arrange them efficiently on the sheet for you.
Best for: Beginners or anyone who wants to save time
Gang Sheet Sizes
Our gang sheets are 23 inches wide with variable length:
- 23" x 17" (starter size)
- 23" x 24"
- 23" x 36"
- 23" x 48"
- Up to 23" x 120" (10 feet!)
Longer sheets = lower cost per square inch = more savings.
Tips for Maximizing Your Gang Sheet
- Nest designs tightly - Leave just 1/4" between designs
- Mix sizes - Fill gaps with smaller designs
- Rotate designs - Sometimes a 90° rotation fits better
- Use the full width - 23 inches is a lot of space
- Plan ahead - Batch multiple orders onto one sheet
Real Example
Without gang sheets:
20 individual 4x4" transfers @ $4.50 each = $90
With gang sheets:
20 transfers fit on a 23x24" gang sheet = ~$45
Savings: $45 (50%)
Now multiply that across a year of orders.
Ready to Try Gang Sheets?
Upload your own gang sheet | Build a gang sheet | Need help? Request a quote