Custom Patches

Patches that carry a brand on the outside of the garment

A patch is a self-contained badge: a design built up on its own base fabric, finished with a border and a backing, then attached to a jacket, cap, bag or uniform. Unlike an inside label, it is meant to be seen, so the choice of technique decides how your logo reads from a distance and how it survives years of wear. We produce custom patches in our own facility in Bulgaria, which means the people who digitise your artwork are the same people who run the machines and check the finished pieces.

Patch types

Embroidered patches

Embroidered patches are stitched with polyester or rayon thread onto a twill base. Stitch count drives both look and cost: a design with partial coverage lets the twill show through as part of the artwork, while full coverage (100% embroidered) gives a dense, raised surface that hides the base completely. Polyester thread holds colour better under frequent washing and sunlight; rayon has a slightly higher sheen. For extra relief we can add 3D puff, where foam is stitched over to create letters that stand several millimetres proud of the surface — popular on caps and streetwear. Metallic threads are possible for accents.

Woven patches

Woven patches are made on jacquard looms with fine threads, the same principle as our woven labels. Because the threads are thinner than embroidery thread, they reproduce small text, thin outlines and gradients far more precisely, and the patch stays flat and light. If your logo has lettering below about 3 mm in height, a woven patch is usually the better choice over embroidered patches.

Chenille patches

Chenille uses looped yarn that produces a soft, terry-like pile, typically combined with a felt base and an embroidered outline. It is the classic varsity look for letters, numbers and mascots on jackets and knitwear. Chenille works best on bold, simple shapes and larger sizes; fine detail is added with an embroidered border rather than in the pile itself.

Printed and sublimated patches

When the artwork contains photographs, colour gradients or more colours than thread can sensibly match, we print it. Dye sublimation on polyester twill gives unlimited colours with a smooth surface, and the print can be framed with an embroidered or merrowed border so the patch still feels like a patch.

Borders and edges

• Merrowed border — an overlocked, rounded edge wrapped around the patch. Durable and traditional; best suited to circles, ovals, squares and simple shapes.
• Laser cut — the laser follows any contour, including tight inner corners and complex outlines, and seals synthetic fibres as it cuts.
• Heat cut (hot knife) — a heated die or blade cuts and fuses the edge in one step, a clean finish for woven and printed patches with medium-complexity shapes.

All edges are sealed so they do not fray on the garment or in the wash.

Backings and attachment

• Sew-on — no backing or a light stiffener; the most secure and wash-resistant method, recommended for workwear and uniforms.
• Iron-on / heat-seal — a heat-activated adhesive film for application with a heat press or domestic iron. Ideal for fast application in production; for heavily washed items we still suggest an additional stitch.
• Hook-and-loop — the hook side is sewn to the patch and the loop side supplied for the garment, so patches can be swapped on tactical, rescue and team wear.
• Adhesive (peel-and-stick) — for temporary use on bags, packaging or event giveaways, not for washable textiles.

Typical patch sizes

Most patches we make fall between 50 and 100 mm; we can produce custom shapes and sizes outside this range. Size is measured at the widest and tallest points of the finished patch, border included.

Colours, artwork and proof

Embroidered patches typically use up to 10–12 thread colours per design, matched to Pantone references; woven patches are generally limited to around 8 colours per design by the loom setup. Send a vector file or even a sketch: our express design service prepares the digitised artwork, and you usually receive a digital proof within 24–48 hours.

MOQ, samples and lead time

Our minimum order is usually 1,000 pcs per design. A physical sample lets you check colour, size and backing before production. After sample or proof approval, production typically takes 10–20 working days, with delivery across the EU free of customs formalities; if you are on a tight launch date, ask about express options in your quote request — see fast delivery.

Patches pair naturally with other branding parts: a leather label on the waistband or a silicone label for a technical look. Browse examples in our Labels 2026 catalogue.

Frequently asked questions