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Custom Patches · Embroidered

Custom embroidered patches.

The classic patch: your design stitched in thread onto a fabric base, with the raised texture people recognize as embroidery.

Get a patch quoteHow ordering works
  • 50+Pieces per design
  • ProofDigital proof before production
  • In-housePatches made in-house
  • USShipping within the United States
Embroidered patch showing a compass rose
Look and feel
Raised, textured thread
Detail
Bold shapes and lettering; very fine detail may need simplifying
Often chosen for
Logos, crests, uniforms, caps and jackets

Only need the stitch file? If you sew patches on your own machines, the embroidery file is a separate service: patch digitizing.

Patch digitizing

Examples

Embroidered patch examples

Example designs for style and material reference.

Get a patch quote

Up close

Thread you can see and feel.

Stitch direction catches the light, so one color can show highlights and shadow. That raised texture is what sets embroidery apart.

  • Close-up of the surface of a embroidered patch
    Rows of thread build the shape
  • Close-up of the surface of a embroidered patch
    Stitch direction adds light and shade
  • Close-up of the surface of a embroidered patch
    Thread colors sit side by side

The patch

What an embroidered patch is.

An embroidered patch is stitched with thread onto a fabric base, usually polyester twill or felt. Where the thread covers the base, the patch has a raised, slightly glossy surface; where it does not, the base shows as the background.

How much of the base is stitched is called coverage. Partial coverage keeps the twill as a solid background color, which suits simple logos. Full coverage stitches nearly the whole surface and gives a richer, thicker patch.

  1. 1Raised thread surface
  2. 2Fabric base
  3. 3Stitched or cut edge
Cross-section diagram

Fit

Where embroidered patches work well.

Works well for

  • Logos and crests with clear shapes
  • Bold lettering, names and numbers
  • Caps, jackets, bags and uniforms

Consider another type for

  • Very small text or hairline detail, which may need enlarging or simplifying
  • Photographs and smooth color gradients, which suit a printed patch

How it compares

Raised feel
Good
Fine detail
Good
Gradients & photos
Not suited
Compare other types

Design

Designing for embroidery.

  • 01

    Small text

    Thread has physical width, so very small letters can close up. If the design has small text, tell us the finished size and we will say whether it should grow or move to a woven patch.

  • 02

    Background and coverage

    If the design has a solid background color, a matching twill can show through instead of being stitched, which keeps the patch lighter.

  • 03

    Edge and shape

    Simple shapes often take a merrowed edge; detailed outlines usually need a cut edge. Tell us your preference and we confirm it with the quote.

  • 04

    Made from a stitch file

    Every embroidered patch is sewn from a digitized file that plans the base, the border and the detail, built for the size and material of your patch.

Artwork & size

Artwork for an embroidered patch.

Artwork

Vector artwork (AI, EPS, SVG or a vector PDF) is ideal, but a clear JPG or PNG of your logo is enough to quote. Add brand color references in your notes so the thread colors can be checked on the proof.

BestPDFAIEPSSVG

Fine for a quoteJPGPNG

No artwork yet? Choose to send it later in the form and describe the design in your notes.

Backing & edges

Backings and edges, explained.

General guidance on how patches attach and how their edges are finished, so you can tell us what suits the way your patch will be used.

Show backing and edge options

Backing

Patch backing types guide
  • Diagram
    Sew-on (no backing)Stitched onto the garment. The most secure choice for items that are washed often.
  • Diagram
    Iron-on / heat sealA heat-activated adhesive on the back, applied with heat and pressure. It can loosen with frequent washing, so stitching around the edge adds security.
  • Diagram
    Hook and loopUsually the hook side is on the patch and the loop side is sewn onto the garment or gear, so the patch can be removed and swapped.
  • Diagram
    Peel-and-stick adhesiveA peel-and-stick back for temporary use, such as events. It is not meant for washing.

Edge

  • Diagram
    Merrowed edgeA thick, rounded stitched edge wrapped around the patch. It suits standard shapes such as circles, ovals, squares and rectangles.
  • Diagram
    Heat-cut edgeThe edge is cut and sealed with heat, giving a flat finish. It suits more detailed outlines.
  • Diagram
    Laser-cut edgeCut with a laser, which can follow complex outlines closely.

Diagrams These are preferences: we confirm what is feasible for your patch with the quote.

Edge options apply to fabric patches. PVC patches are molded to shape, and leather patches are cut to shape.

How it works

How ordering works.

Sending the form is a quote request, not an order. Nothing is produced until you approve a digital proof.

  1. 01

    Send your request

  2. 02

    Review and quote

  3. 03

    Digital proof

  4. 04

    You approve

  5. 05

    Production

  6. 06

    Shipping

Written approval by emailPayment terms in your quote or invoiceEstimates quoted individually Order terms

FAQ

Common questions

What does coverage mean on an embroidered patch?

How much of the patch base is stitched. With partial coverage the twill background shows; with full coverage nearly the whole surface is thread. Tell us the look you want and we confirm the options with your quote.

Embroidered or woven?

Embroidered patches have a raised, textured surface. Woven patches use thinner threads that lie flat and hold finer detail. If your design has very small text, a woven patch may suit it better.

Is this the same as patch digitizing?

No. Here we make the finished patches. Patch digitizing is for shops that sew their own patches and only need the embroidery file.

What is the minimum order?

50 pieces per design.

Related

Compare other patch types.

All custom patches Embroidered vs woven vs PVC patches Patch backing types Patch digitizing (stitch files only)

Patch quote

Tell us about your patches.

Patch type and quantity are all we need to start. Everything else helps us quote accurately, and "Not sure" is always fine.

  • Orders from 50 pieces
  • Digital proof before production
  • Made in-house
  • Shipping within the US
  1. We reply with questions or a quoteIncluding the payment terms and estimated timing.
  2. You approve a digital proofIn writing, by email, before anything is made.
  3. We make and ship your patchesIn-house, within the United States.

Order terms · Privacy

Fields marked with an asterisk are required. "Not sure" is fine for everything else.

01Your patchType and quantity are required.
Orders start at 50 pieces per design.
Size, shape, backing and other details (optional)
Size (optional)

Shape, backing and edge are preferences. We confirm what is feasible for your patch with the quote.

For embroidered patches, woven patches, printed / sublimated patches, chenille patches
For embroidered patches
02ArtworkUpload now or send it later. Please confirm your rights to use it.
    For universities, professional teams, franchises, government, military, police and other restricted marks we may ask for proof of permission and may hold or decline the request without it.
    03DeliveryOptional. We ship within the United States.
    Shipping state, ZIP and needed-by date (optional)
    5 digits, or ZIP+4 with or without the dash.
    We'll tell you whether the date is achievable. Production and shipping estimates come with your quote.
    04Contact and notesWhere we send your quote
    Phone, company and notes (optional)

    This is a quote request, not an order. No payment is taken, and nothing is produced until you approve a digital proof in writing. Sending it does not sign you up for marketing emails.

    Free quote · No payment required

    Send the artwork. We'll handle the stitches.

    01ArtworkLogo, photo, sketch or existing file. Optional if you only have a question.
      02Embroidery detailsService, size, placement, fabric, format
      Finished size (optional)
      Turnaround
      03ContactWhere we send your quote

      No payment required to request a quote. No artwork yet? Write your question in Notes and send it without a file.

       Get a patch quoteQuote request