Embroidered patches
Custom Embroidered Patches Stitched to Last
Embroidery gives a design dimension you can feel. Each color in your artwork becomes its own layer of thread, and the stitch type changes how it catches the light: long satin stitches give lettering and borders a smooth sheen, while dense fill stitches cover larger areas with a woven-looking texture.
Most customers choose between 50%, 75% and 100% embroidery coverage. At 50–75% coverage the twill fabric shows through as your background color, which keeps the patch flexible and economical. At 100% coverage the entire surface is stitched, which gives the boldest look and the most premium feel — ideal for military unit patches, club colors and brand merchandise.
Embroidery works best for designs with clear shapes and lettering at a readable size. Very fine details such as hairline strokes, tiny text under about 1/4 inch tall, or photographic gradients can lose definition in thread. When a design is highly detailed, we will tell you honestly and may suggest a woven or printed patch, or a hybrid that combines embroidery with a printed center.
Every order begins with digitizing — converting your artwork into a stitch file that tells the embroidery machine where each stitch goes. Our team handles this for you and sends a proof before anything is stitched, so you can approve colors, size and layout.
Thread and color
We match thread to your brand colors as closely as possible using standard thread charts, and can work from Pantone references. Metallic gold and silver threads, glow-in-the-dark thread and reflective accents are available for designs that need extra impact.
Why choose embroidered patches
- Raised, textured look that reads as high quality
- Excellent durability on uniforms and outerwear that are washed often
- Wide choice of thread colors, including metallic and glow-in-the-dark
- Works with every backing and border style
- Coverage options (50–100%) to balance look and budget
Recommended applications
- Uniform shoulder and chest patches
- Club, team and organization emblems
- Branded merchandise for jackets, hats and bags
- Commemorative and event patches
- Scout, school and achievement awards
Materials
Patches are stitched with polyester or rayon embroidery thread on a polyester twill base. Polyester thread is colorfast and resists bleach and fading, which makes it the best option for workwear and uniforms. Rayon has a slightly higher sheen. Metallic, glow-in-the-dark and reflective specialty threads can be added to selected areas.
Size guidance
Most embroidered patches are ordered between 2 and 4 inches. Sleeve and shoulder patches usually measure 3–4 inches tall, chest and hat patches 2–3 inches, and jacket back patches 8–12 inches. Lettering should be at least about 1/4 inch tall to stay legible in thread. Size is measured as (width + height) ÷ 2 for pricing on most quotes.
Quantities & pricing
Our minimum is 10 patches per design. The per-patch price falls as quantity rises because digitizing and machine setup are shared across the run, so ordering 100 or more of a design is often noticeably cheaper per piece than ordering 25.
Artwork recommendations
Send the cleanest version of your logo you have — vector files (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF) are ideal, but a clear PNG or JPG works too. Tell us your thread colors or Pantone numbers if you have brand standards. Keep text short and bold, avoid gradients, and let us know if any part of the design must match an existing patch exactly.
Simple process
How to order embroidered patches
- 1
Share your idea
Send your logo, a sketch or just a description. Tell us the size, quantity and where the patch will be worn.
- 2
Get your free quote
We recommend the right patch style, backing and border, then send clear pricing — usually within one business day.
- 3
Approve a digital proof
Our artists prepare a detailed proof showing colors, thread and size. Nothing is produced until you approve it.
- 4
Production & delivery
Your patches are made, inspected and shipped to your door anywhere in the United States.
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Who orders embroidered patches
FAQ
Embroidered patch FAQs
What is the difference between 50%, 75% and 100% embroidery?
The percentage is how much of the patch surface is covered in thread. At 50–75% the twill fabric shows through as the background color, which keeps the patch thinner and lowers the price. At 100% every area is stitched for the boldest, most textured result.
How small can text be on an embroidered patch?
As a rule of thumb, letters should be at least about 1/4 inch tall and not too thin. Smaller text can fill in or blur. If your design needs very fine lettering, a woven patch keeps small text sharper.
Will embroidered patches survive washing?
Yes. Polyester thread is colorfast and holds up to regular laundering. For garments washed frequently we recommend a sew-on backing, or sewing around the edge of an iron-on patch for extra security.
Do I need to pay for digitizing?
Digitizing your artwork into a stitch file is part of every new embroidered design. Any setup or digitizing charge is shown clearly on your quote before you approve anything, and reorders of the same design reuse the existing file.
Ready to order embroidered patches?
Tell us about your design and get a free, no-obligation quote. Minimum order is just 10 patches per design.