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Custom Patches · Printed

Custom sublimation and printed patches.

When your artwork has gradients, photos or more colors than thread can match, a printed patch reproduces it in full color on a flat fabric surface.

Get a patch quoteHow ordering works
  • 50+Pieces per design
  • ProofDigital proof before production
  • In-housePatches made in-house
  • USShipping within the United States
Printed patch showing a fish in full color
Look and feel
Flat and smooth, full color
Detail
Gradients, photos and fine detail
Often chosen for
Full-color logos, photo patches, event and souvenir patches

Examples

Printed patch examples

Example designs for style and material reference.

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Up close

Color that blends.

Printing is not limited to separate thread colors, so gradients, shading and photographic detail can carry through to the patch.

  • Close-up of the surface of a printed patch
    Photographic shading
  • Close-up of the surface of a printed patch
    Smooth color blends
  • Close-up of the surface of a printed patch
    Fine printed detail

Fit

Where printed patches work well.

Works well for

  • Artwork with gradients, shading or many colors
  • Photographs and illustration
  • Event, souvenir and commemorative patches

Consider another type for

  • Designs meant to look stitched or raised, which suit embroidery, chenille or PVC

How it compares

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

The patch

Printed and sublimated, explained.

A printed patch puts the design onto fabric with ink instead of thread, so it can show full color, gradients and photographic detail. The surface is flat, without the raised texture of embroidery.

Sublimation is one way of printing a patch: heat and pressure transfer the dye into polyester fabric, so the color becomes part of the material rather than sitting on top. The terms "printed" and "sublimated" are often used interchangeably; we confirm the method that suits your design with the quote.

  1. 1Full-color print
  2. 2Smooth fabric surface
  3. 3Wrapped or cut edge
Cross-section diagram

Design

Designing for a printed patch.

  • 01

    Image quality

    Because the print reproduces your artwork closely, send the highest-resolution file you have. Low-resolution images print soft.

  • 02

    Color

    Screen colors and printed colors differ. Give us brand color references and check them on the proof.

  • 03

    Edge

    A printed patch can still have a stitched edge. Tell us your preference and we confirm it with the quote.

Artwork & size

Artwork for a printed patch.

Artwork

Raster files such as a large PNG, JPG or PDF suit printing, and photographs can be used. Keep important details away from the very edge of the design, where the patch is finished.

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 is a sublimated patch?

A sublimated patch is printed by using heat and pressure to transfer dye into polyester fabric, so the color becomes part of the material. The surface stays flat and can show gradients and fine detail.

What is the difference between printed and sublimated?

Sublimation is a printing method that transfers dye into polyester fabric with heat and pressure. Other methods print ink onto the surface. Many makers use the terms interchangeably; we confirm the method for your design with the quote.

Can you print a photo on a patch?

Yes, printed patches suit photographs. Send the highest-resolution image you have.

Printed or embroidered?

Choose printed for gradients, photos and many colors. Choose embroidered for a raised, stitched look.

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 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