Use
Name the garment or item, fabric, washing method, and whether the patch must come off.
First custom patch order
Plan your first custom patch order
Choose the right patch type, size, backing, border, artwork, quantity, and proof details before production begins.
- 7guided steps
- 45minutes
- 1ready-to-send brief
The complete plan
Make these eight decisions before you order
Each choice affects the next one. Start with the real use, not the artwork, and your specification becomes easier to explain and approve.
Size
Test paper shapes on the real item, then record the finished width and height.
Patch type
Match the construction to your artwork, detail level, texture, and working environment.
Backing
Choose sew-on, heat-applied, hook-and-loop, or temporary adhesive for the actual surface.
Border
Use a merrowed edge for simple shapes or a close-cut satin edge for detailed outlines.
Artwork
Send clean vector artwork when possible and list every background, design, border, and text color.
Quantity & date
Include useful spares and work backward from the date the finished patches must be in hand.
Proof
Check size, shape, construction, colors, spelling, quantity, and placement before approval.
Choose by outcome
Six patch types, six different strengths
There is no single best construction. Choose the one that protects the most important part of your design and suits where the patch will be used.
Embroidered
Bold logos, uniforms, teams
Classic raised thread on twill. Strong for clear shapes, short wording, and a traditional patch finish.
Woven
Small text and fine linework
Finer woven threads hold more detail with a flatter surface than standard embroidery.
PVC
Outdoor, wet, or rugged use
Flexible molded material with solid color areas and strong dimensional detail.
Chenille
Varsity and heritage styling
Soft looped yarn creates a bold, tactile look that works best with simple artwork.
Leather
Caps, bags, and premium labels
Usually debossed or laser engraved for a restrained, durable finish.
Printed
Photos, gradients, many colors
Best when the original image depends on continuous tone or detail that thread cannot reproduce.
Unsure between two types? Ask for the trade-offs at your finished size before approving a large run.
Measure the real space
Size the patch on the item—not on your screen
- Cut two or three paper shapes and place them on the real garment or product.
- Check seams, pockets, zippers, cap curves, and any existing loop panel.
- Record the finished width and height of the version that looks balanced.
- Print the artwork at that size and confirm that wording and small details still read clearly.
Trade size(width + height) ÷ 2Example: a 4 × 2 inch patch has a 3 inch trade size.
Open the Patch Size Calculator 
Sew-on
The most permanent option and a practical choice for heat-sensitive fabric or hard washing.
Heat-applied
Fast application on compatible cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics. Confirm the garment can take heat.
Hook-and-loop
Built for patches that move between items or need to be removed before washing.
Adhesive
A temporary peel-and-stick option for suitable hard goods rather than everyday clothing.
Heat-sensitive material needs care.
Avoid assuming an iron-on backing is safe for nylon, coated rainwear, leather, or another sensitive surface. Confirm the fabric and application method first.
Your order brief
Send one clear specification instead of scattered messages
Complete these ten fields and attach your best artwork. Your maker can then quote, prepare the proof, and ask focused questions without guessing.
01Purpose
Uniform, club, team, resale, event, or identification
02Item & fabric
For example: cotton shirt, nylon jacket, cap, backpack, or hard case
03Finished size
Width × height, with the shape named or sketched
04Patch construction
Embroidered, woven, PVC, chenille, leather, or printed
05Backing
Sew-on, heat-applied, hook-and-loop, or temporary adhesive
06Border
Merrowed or close-cut satin, plus the border color
07Colors
Background, design, wording, and border colors
08Artwork
Vector file or the largest, sharpest image available
09Quantity
Required count plus sensible spares
10In-hand date
The date patches must arrive, before application or distribution
Before production
Read the proof like a production document
Compare the proof with your written brief line by line. Do not rely on memory, and send every correction in writing before you approve.
- Finished width, height, shape, and orientation
- Patch type, backing, border style, and border color
- Background, artwork, and wording colors
- Spelling, punctuation, dates, and small details
- Quantity and any packaging or application requirements
- Written changes completed before final approval
When the patches arrive
Count the delivery, compare several pieces with the approved proof, then apply one patch to spare fabric of the same type before completing the full run.
Ready to plan yours?
Work through the interactive seven-step lesson
Use the saved checklists and short knowledge checks to turn these decisions into your own complete patch specification.
Start the full lesson0 of 7 steps doneYour ticks are saved in this browser only.
Common first-order questions
Useful answers before you request a quote
Should I choose the patch type before sending artwork?
Start with how the patch will be used, then compare that need with the detail in your artwork. The best construction must satisfy both.
How do I know whether small text will work?
Print the design at the finished size. If it is difficult to read on paper, enlarge the patch, shorten the wording, simplify it, or consider a construction that holds finer detail.
Is an iron-on backing suitable for every garment?
No. The garment must tolerate the required heat and pressure. Heat-sensitive or coated materials may need a sew-on or removable option instead.
What should I approve on the proof?
Approve the complete production specification: size, shape, construction, backing, border, colors, spelling, quantity, and any agreed application details.
How many spare patches should I order?
Allow for new staff, lost or damaged pieces, and application mistakes. The sensible number depends on the use and how easily you can reorder.