10 Best Sublimation Printers for Crafts in 2026: Top Picks for DIY Projects

The best sublimation printers for crafts make it easier to create personalized shirts, mugs, tumblers, signs, gifts, and small-batch merchandise at home. This roundup compares compact dedicated printers, wider-format machines, and bundles that include useful inks, transfer paper, blanks, or design tools.

When choosing among these models, consider print size, included supplies, ink costs, software, and whether you need an all-in-one printer or a dedicated sublimation setup. The right choice depends on your project volume, workspace, and preferred blank products.

Best 10 Sublimation Printers for Crafts Picks for 2026

Best Overall – Epson SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is a strong pick among sublimation printers for crafts when you want a compact, purpose-built machine with genuine sublimation ink included. Its 8.5-inch format, closed 150-sheet tray, and Windows/macOS support suit hobby projects and small-batch work involving apparel, mugs, mousepads, and similar blanks.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses seeking a reliable desktop sublimation printer.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks.
• PrecisionCore printhead supports detailed, clear color transfers.
• Closed 150-sheet tray helps protect paper from dust.
• Offers Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connectivity.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.
• Does not support connection to mobile devices.
• Heat press is required separately for finished transfers.

The F170 balances a small footprint with features aimed at cleaner, more consistent crafting. Choose it if desktop convenience and Epson’s included support and ink matter more than wide-format output.

Best for App-Based Design – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer

The Brother SP-1 brings a mobile-first workflow to sublimation printers for crafts. Through the Artspira app, you can import designs, access sublimation patterns, print them, and then use a heat press to transfer them onto suitable polyester-coated items.

Best For: Crafters who prefer designing and managing projects from a phone or tablet.

Pros:

• Works with the Artspira app and includes access to over 100 designs.
• Supports projects such as shirts, mugs, tumblers, bags, and hats.
• Includes Brother genuine CMYK sublimation ink and starter paper.
• Offers Wi-Fi connectivity and a two-year limited warranty.

Cons:

• A heat press is required and sold separately.
• The listed workflow is app-based; desktop support is noted as coming soon.
• Intended for sale and use in the United States at 120 volts.

The SP-1 is appealing if creative software is central to your workflow. Its Artspira integration simplifies getting from an idea to a printed transfer, though buyers should plan for a separate heat press and check the regional voltage requirement.

Best Wide-Format Alternative – Epson EcoTank ET-15000

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a multifunction inkjet rather than a dedicated sublimation printer, but its 13-by-19-inch capability makes it worth considering for crafters who also need everyday office functions. The refillable tank design, scanning, copying, faxing, and Ethernet support add versatility for a home studio or small office.

Best For: Users who need wide-format printing and an all-in-one office printer alongside sublimation-related work.

Pros:

• Supports media up to 11 by 17 inches according to the supplied details.
• Combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.
• Refillable EcoTank design uses ink bottles instead of standard cartridges.
• Offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and automatic duplex printing.

Cons:

• It is an inkjet all-in-one, not a dedicated dye-sublimation printer.
• The supplied listing does not include dedicated sublimation ink.
• Its larger 26.5-pound design takes more workspace.

The ET-15000 makes the most sense when one machine must cover both office duties and larger-format printing. Verify ink compatibility and your sublimation workflow before choosing it over a purpose-built model.

Best Starter Bundle – Brother SP-1 Craft Bundle

This Brother SP-1 bundle is a convenient entry point among sublimation printers for crafts because it combines the printer with a full 47 ml CMYK ink set, 10 transfer sheets, and Artspira design software. Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, plus Windows, Mac, and app compatibility, give you several ways to prepare projects.

Best For: New crafters and small businesses wanting a ready-to-start Brother sublimation package.

Pros:

• Includes black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation inks at 47 ml each.
• Includes 10 sheets of 8.5-by-11-inch sublimation paper.
• Artspira software provides 100 sublimation designs.
• Supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Windows, Mac, and app connectivity.

Cons:

• The included paper quantity is limited to 10 sheets.
• A heat press is not listed as included.
• The bundle’s maximum listed resolution is 1200 by 1200 dpi.

For buyers who want supplies in the box, this bundle reduces the number of separate purchases needed to begin. It is especially practical for testing shirts, mugs, tumblers, coasters, and other compatible projects before scaling up.

Best All-Around Pick – Sawgrass SG500

The Sawgrass SG500 is a strong choice among sublimation printers for crafts when you want vivid results in a compact desktop design. It prints up to 8.5 x 14 inches, includes CMYK SubliJet UHD inks and TruePix paper, and supports projects ranging from apparel and drinkware to signage.

Best For: Home-based entrepreneurs, hobbyists, and small businesses making small to medium-sized sublimation projects.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of 31 mL CMYK SubliJet UHD inks and TruePix paper.
• Supports media up to 8.5 x 14 inches, with bypass-tray printing up to 8.5 x 51 inches.
• Offers Wi-Fi connectivity, automatic print-head maintenance, and access to MySawgrass design tools.
• Provides 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution and a stated two-year manufacturer warranty.

Cons:

• Its standard maximum media size is smaller than the SG1000’s 11 x 17-inch format.
• Designed for standard 110/120V US and North American outlets.

The SG500 balances desktop-friendly size, included supplies, and software support. It is particularly practical for creators who need reliable color printing without moving up to a larger-format machine.

Best for Everyday Use – Brother SP-1

The Brother SP-1 stands out among sublimation printers for crafts because its starter bundle includes more than the printer and ink. It comes with sublimation paper, 50 blanks, heat-resistant tape, design resources, and software, helping new crafters begin making apparel, mugs, tumblers, totes, and other products.

Best For: Beginners and crafters who want a ready-to-use package with supplies and design resources included.

Pros:

• Includes 47 mL bottles of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink.
• Bundle includes 160 sheets of sublimation paper, 50 blanks, and four rolls of heat-resistant tape.
• Works with Wi-Fi and Ethernet and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and the Artspira app.
• Supports paper sizes up to legal format, including 8.5 x 11 and 8.5 x 14 inches.

Cons:

• Its listed 600 x 600 dpi resolution is lower than the Sawgrass models in this roundup.
• It is a print-only device rather than an all-in-one printer.

The SP-1’s main advantage is convenience: the included blanks, paper, tape, and designs reduce the number of separate purchases needed to start crafting. Its compact format is best suited to standard-size projects rather than oversized prints.

Best for Larger Prints – Sawgrass SG1000

The Sawgrass SG1000 is a strong option among sublimation printers for crafts when larger designs and business growth matter. It prints up to 11 x 17 inches out of the box, includes CMYK SubliJet UHD inks and TruePix paper, and is designed for apparel, banners, panels, signage, drinkware, and promotional products.

Best For: Growing businesses and creators who need tabloid-size prints and a more scalable sublimation workflow.

Pros:

• Prints up to 11 x 17 inches without requiring an additional format upgrade.
• Includes 31 mL CMYK SubliJet UHD inks and TruePix paper.
• Automatic maintenance is designed to help prevent clogged print heads during periods of inactivity.
• Includes MySawgrass tools, a one-to-one onboarding session, and lifetime education and support.

Cons:

• The larger-format capability may be more than needed for small, standard-size crafts.
• Designed for standard 110/120V US and North American outlets.

The SG1000 is the better fit when expanding print dimensions is more important than keeping the setup minimal. Its larger media capacity and maintenance features support a broader range of products and more consistent business use.

Best with Extra Features – Epson SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is a polished choice among sublimation printers for crafts, combining a compact design with a closed 150-sheet tray, OEM sublimation ink, and support for media up to 8.5 inches wide. Its PrecisionCore printhead and 1200 x 600 dpi resolution suit detailed transfers for common craft blanks.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses wanting a dedicated, supported sublimation printer.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks and a starter kit.
• PrecisionCore printhead supports clear, detailed color output.
• Closed 150-sheet auto-feed tray helps reduce paper handling and dust exposure.
• Offers USB, Ethernet, and wireless connectivity plus a full manufacturer warranty.

Cons:

• Does not support connection to mobile devices.
• Prints only, without scanning or copying functions.
• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.

The F170 stands out as a dependable, purpose-built option when print quality, genuine ink, and straightforward desktop operation matter more than multifunction features.

Best Multifunction Value – Pinckney Super-Tank Sublimation Printer

This Pinckney bundle adapts an ET-2800 or ET-2803 all-in-one into a sublimation printer, giving crafters a scanner and copier alongside wireless printing. Its refillable tanks include substantial volumes of sublimation ink, while support for several paper sizes adds flexibility for heat-transfer projects.

Best For: Crafters who want sublimation printing plus scanning and copying in one wireless machine.

Pros:

• Combines sublimation printing, scanning, and copying.
• Cartridge-free tanks use easy-fill nozzles and include black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink.
• Supports multiple sizes, including letter, legal, A4, and long media up to 8.5 x 47.2 inches.
• Wireless connectivity and a claimed resolution up to 5760 x 1440 dpi.

Cons:

• It is a converted ET-2800 or ET-2803 rather than a dedicated sublimation printer platform.
• The supplied guidance notes that prints may appear dull before heat transfer and recommends nozzle checks and alignment for quality issues.
• Coverage is backed by a one-year limited warranty.

This is a practical space-saving pick for makers who need everyday document functions as well as sublimation capability, provided they are comfortable with the supplied maintenance guidance.

Best Simple Pick – Brother SP-1 Deluxe Kit

The Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle is aimed at hands-on makers who want supplies ready for their first projects. In addition to the printer and full CMYK ink set, it includes 310 transfer sheets, 50 blanks, heat-resistant tape, design resources, and a tool set.

Best For: New crafters, personalized-project sellers, and small businesses that want an extensive starter package.

Pros:

• Includes 310 sublimation transfer sheets, 50 blanks, and four rolls of heat-resistant tape.
• Comes with a full 47 ml CMYK ink set and a seven-piece tool set.
• Includes Artspira software, 100 sublimation designs, and 500 design cards for project development.
• Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet and works with Windows, Mac, and the app.

Cons:

• The printer uses a maximum media size of 8.5 x 14 inches.
• It is a print-only device with no scanner or copier.
• The listed color resolution is 300 dpi.

For buyers comparing sublimation printers for crafts, the SP-1’s main advantage is its unusually complete accessory package, which can reduce the need to purchase blanks, paper, tape, and design resources separately.

How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printers for Crafts

We compared these Sublimation Printers for Crafts by looking at their intended use, maximum print dimensions, included ink and accessories, workflow features, and overall suitability for home crafting. Dedicated models from Epson, Brother, and Sawgrass are evaluated alongside wide-format and cartridge-free options because crafters have different space, budget, and production needs.

We also considered whether each package offers practical value beyond the printer itself. Starter bundles with transfer sheets, blanks, heat tape, or design software can reduce the cost and effort of getting started, while printer-only packages may be better for shoppers who already have supplies.

Quick Comparison

Best For	What to Prioritize	Models to Consider
Small home projects	Compact footprint and simple setup	Epson SureColor F170, Brother SP-1
Shirts, mugs, and gifts	Reliable color workflow and available supplies	Brother SP-1, Sawgrass SG500
Larger designs	Wide-format printing	Sawgrass SG1000, Epson EcoTank ET-15000
New crafters	Included paper, blanks, tape, or software	Brother and Epson starter bundles
Lower ongoing supply costs	Refillable or cartridge-free ink system	Epson EcoTank, Pinckney Super-Tank

Key Buying Factors for Sublimation Printers for Crafts

Print Size and Project Compatibility

Check the maximum paper size before buying. Letter-size printers work well for many shirts, mugs, ornaments, and small signs. Wide-format models are more suitable for larger apparel graphics, banners, and bigger hard goods, but they generally require more workspace and cost more to operate.

Ink System and Running Costs

Dedicated sublimation printers are designed around compatible dye-sublimation ink systems. Pay attention to included ink volume, replacement pricing, refill convenience, and whether the printer is intended for sublimation rather than ordinary document printing. Cartridge-free tanks may offer economical refilling, but setup and color management still matter.

Software and Ease of Use

Wireless connectivity, guided setup, color-management tools, and included design software can make a significant difference for beginners. Confirm that the printer works with your computer, design programs, and preferred workflow before purchasing.

Included Accessories

Bundles can include transfer paper, blanks, heat-resistant tape, or sample materials. These extras are helpful for testing, but compare the quantity and type of blanks with what you actually plan to make. A larger bundle is not automatically the better value if the included materials do not match your projects.

Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printers for Crafts?

Choose a compact Epson SureColor F170 or Brother SP-1 if you want a dedicated, space-conscious setup for common DIY projects. A Sawgrass SG500 is a strong fit for crafters who value a polished sublimation workflow and bundled supplies. For larger artwork, consider the Sawgrass SG1000 or a wide-format Epson model.

Beginners may benefit most from a starter or deluxe bundle because it provides materials for immediate testing. Experienced crafters who already own a heat press, blanks, and transfer paper may save money with a printer-focused package. If you also need scanning, copying, or flexible tank refilling, an all-in-one cartridge-free model may be the more practical choice—provided it is configured with appropriate sublimation ink.