At Artex Group, our in-house designers have been crafting embroidered patches since 2002.
There’s a lot of terminology to learn in the wide world of patches. Do you need a sublimated patch or an embroidered one? Or maybe you’d be better off with a woven patch? Do you want a merrowed edge or a hot-cut one? Will your backing be heat-seal, velcro, plain? It’s a tough decision to make unless you have the right information, especially if you’re new to the patch game – but don’t worry, it’s not as complex as it seems!
Embroidered patches
There’s nothing quite like the classic, old-school look of an embroidered patch. Although embroidered patches were first widely adopted for military use in the early 19th century, their modern purpose is twofold: they can bring a sense of officialdom to a logo, such as on a police officer’s uniform, or they can lend an undeniable coolness which harkens back to denim vests and vintage Americana motifs. Which effect you get all depends on your design!
Embroidered patches are classy and recognizable, bringing dimension and character to your logo. Embroidered patches are ideal for simple and bold designs, and they work best with 1″ patches and larger. They’re also great for achieving a textured look.
Woven patches
he big-city cousin of the embroidered patch! Because woven patches are made using thinner thread and a different methodology, they can render fine detail more cleanly than a typical embroidered patch, which is why they’re often used in clothing labels and other compact designs.
Examining a woven patch feels like sharpening the focus on a camera lens: the blurred edges fall away and become crisper, clearer. They capture minute details well and still retain a sense of dimension. They’re also a very popular option for apparel, bringing a refined look and modern flair to your logo – in that last few years, for example, demand for woven patches in the hat industry has skyrocketed.
If your design requires intensive detail, or if you’re creating something like a shirt label or uniform name tag, woven patches are a great choice! They’re flexible, attractive, and undeniably stylish.
Sublimated patches
While woven patches may be capable of capturing more detail than embroidered ones, sublimated patches take the prize when it comes to faithfully rendering every element of your design. Sublimated patches aren’t actually stitched onto a twill base like a woven or embroidered emblem – they’re printed, which means a sublimated patch can capture photo-quality detail. No matter how busy or difficult your design, it can be digitized and translated onto a sublimated patch.
If your logo looks like a work of art, with an array of colors and a wealth of detail, sublimation is a great option for showcasing the quality of your design. Background elements such as gradients translate perfectly into sublimation, representing complex imagery such as sunsets with a fantastic blend of color.
Plus – here’s an insider secret for you – you can always combine embroidery with sublimation to achieve that sought-after textured look!
PVC, leather, and other nonstandard patches
Of course, not all patches are made up of thread and twill. PVC patches, made with rubber, are fast becoming popular due to their architectural qualities and their ability to match most Pantone colors. And as an added bonus, they’re both extremely durable and stylistically unique. PVC patches are totally weatherproof and can stand up to whatever punishment you have in store. They’re a great choice for outdoorsy apparel or any equipment which might end up on the receiving end of constant abuse, such as a hiking backpack. The thickness and makeup of PVC patches give them an extra layer of armor, which means they can keep a licking and keep on ticking.
Need help choosing a patch style?
That’s totally understandable! It’s a lot to take in all at once. Fortunately, we have an expert team with dozens of years of experience. If you’re wrestling with which style of patch would look best with your design, we’d be happy to give you our two cents – totally free of charge!
One of the most frequent questions we get from new customers is this: “So how does this work, anyway?”
Some folks want to hold a physical patch sample in their hands, put it up the light, and examine the thread before proceeding with production. Others are content with a digitized sample. What’s important to remember is that everyone’s journey is different, just as each patch has a unique purpose.
That said, everyone’s patch journey has the same basic structure:
If you’re not an artist this may seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry, it’s simpler than it seems. Read more about this in our FAQ section to your left.
This is a whole blog post in and of itself… luckily, we already have one, which you can read by clicking here! We also walk you through the options in our first question in our FAW section to your left.
Once the details are settled, the next step is to produce what’s called a “stitch-out” or “sew-out” for your approval. A stitch-out is just a scanned sample that will be passed along to you in order for you to decide whether you’d like to make any changes to the design prior to proceeding with production.
It’s important to be detail-oriented at this stage, but also to remain realistic. Remember what attracted you to your logo and focus on what matters. It’s essential that you love your logo – that’s what counts! – but no one will ever analyze it to the same extent that you will during the design phase. Knowing what matters most to you will help you keep that perfectionist tendency in check while also ensuring that your custom patches are exactly what you wanted.
As soon as your patch is approved, production begins!
Once your patches have been manufactured, the last step is getting them to your doorstep! Artex Group offers shipping options ranging from standard to overnight, but communication is key! Make sure you leave room in your schedule for mishaps.
… and that’s it! You have your custom patches!
Our typical minimum order quantity is 50 pieces. However, if your patch design is particularly large (6+ inches), we may be able to accommodate smaller orders. Click here to get a quote and to discuss your needs with one of our experts.
Our standard turnaround time ranges from 15 to 30 days, but can be longer for specialty items. Production begins once payment terms are finalized and artwork is approved. If you have a specific event date, let us know as soon as possible so we can expedite your order if needed.
Costs vary based on numerous factors. To get an accurate estimate, please click here to get a quote with your details, and one of our experts will assist you.
Definitely! For a small fee, our designers will turn your sketch into a professional design you’ll love.
Yes, we need a starting point for your design. Even a simple sketch can help our designers craft the perfect artwork for your patches. We’ll work with you to ensure you’re satisfied with the final design.
Absolutely! You will work directly with one of our experts, and all artwork will be emailed to you for approval before we proceed with production.
Yes, indeed! Send us a physical sample of the patch, and we’ll replicate it exactly. We can return the original patch to you once production is complete if you’d like.
There are very few limitations! While some designs may translate better to certain types of patches, nearly any artwork can be adapted into a high-quality patch. Our experts are here to help you choose the best option for your vision
Yes, we do! Check out our military patches and law enforcement patches for examples of our work.
All our patches are custom-made to order; we do not keep any stock.
We are headquartered in Fairview, NC, near Asheville.
The easiest way to place a reorder is to speak to the rep who helped you with your original order by calling 866-845-1042. If you don't remember your rep's name, no worries. Call the number above and we'll help connect you with the right person. If you prefer, you may submit a quote, and we'll forward your inquiry to the correct expert.
Embroidered patches are becoming more popular, and not only because they’re effective for marketing your business or association. With heat transfer, you can place patches on jean jackets, pants, bookbags, purses, and more, adding a fun and even vintage aesthetic to your look.
But how exactly do heat transfer patches work? Here, we’ll help you understand how to transfer your patches onto your clothing or accessories so you can look your best while feeling confident that your patches aren’t going anywhere.
How Do You Adhere Patches With an Iron?
If you’re using an iron to adhere your heat transfer patches, you’re going to start by pre-heating your iron on the “cotton” setting. Be sure that your steam setting is turned off. Set your custom patch on the garment in the place where you’d like to adhere it. Place a heat-safe piece of cloth such as a cotton pillowcase over the patch and garment. Be careful that you don’t move the patch. This fabric serves as a protective barrier between the patch and the iron.
When the iron is ready and the steam is turned off, press the iron onto the patch. Keep the iron on the patch for approximately 25 seconds and don’t move the iron. Use firm, consistent pressure. Moving the iron back and forth can prevent the patch from adhering properly to your garment. After ironing on the patch, let your garment cool down for about five hours prior to wearing it. This gives your patch enough time to properly adhere to the fabric.
How Do You Adhere Patches With a Heat Seal Machine?
If you’re usingheat press patches and a heat seal machine, you’ll start by setting your machine to 365 degrees. Unlike when you’re using an iron, you’ll need to pre-heat the spot where you plan to adhere your heat press patches. Pre-heat the spot on the garment for approximately 15 seconds and then place your patch in the pre-heated area. Using about 50 to 70 pounds of pressure, apply heat to your patch for approximately 18 to 20 seconds. Once the patch is adhered, let the garment cool down for about five hours prior to wearing it.
Are you looking for custom iron on patches to add to your clothes or accessories? We’ve got you covered. Artex Group provides custom patches for individuals, sports teams, business organizations, and more. Reach out to us today to learn more about our heat press patches and how they work.
