12 Different Types of Custom Patches

Custom patches have evolved from mere adornments to powerful branding tools. Whether you want to personalize clothing, enhance uniforms, or represent a team or organization, the correct patch is not just a choice but a significant representation. With countless options available in terms of materials, designs, and backing, choosing the perfect patch can be overwhelming.

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However, you can make an informed decision with the proper knowledge about aspects such as cost, material, turnaround time, durability, texture, etc. In this blog, we will tell you about different types of custom patches and their general cost, so you can make that significant choice and feel pride in representing your team or organization with the best patch.

Common Types of Patches

1. Embroidered Patches

, one of the oldest and most cherished types of custom patches, offer a unique style that is your own. With hundreds of thread colors, they allow for precise brand or image matching, making them ideal for showcasing your individuality. The distinctive texture of embroidered patches adds depth to specific patterns, making designs stand out and making you feel special.

Embroidered patches balance cost and durability, providing a high-quality, lasting solution without breaking the bank. Their quick and efficient creation process ensures a rapid turnaround, fitting seamlessly into your schedule and making you feel productive.

Embroidered patches are a cost-effective choice. In the U.S., prices typically range from $2.00 to $5.00 per patch, depending on size, design complexity, and quantity ordered. This affordability and their visual appeal and durability make embroidered patches a smart choice for any purpose.

2. Woven Patches

are a refined alternative to embroidered patches, offering a smoother finish without raised textures. They are durable, offer various color options, and allow for intricate and precise designs. While lacking the textured feel of embroidery, woven patches provide a sleek and polished look, making them an excellent choice for detailed and visually appealing designs. In the U.S.

Woven patches generally cost between $1.50 and $3.00 per patch, making them an affordable option for high-quality custom patches.

3. Leather Patches

, versatile in shapes and designs, are embossed or printed with names, logos, or trademarks. Perfect for jackets, caps, bags, blankets, beanies, and shirts, these patches offer a canvas for creativity and numerous attachment options.

Leather patches, a symbol of rugged elegance, can be tailored to your liking. You can personalize your patches with logos, rivets, and more, knowing they are getting the best quality.

In the U.S., the cost of leather patches typically ranges from $3.00 to $7.00 per patch, depending on size, design complexity, and quantity. Choosing leather patches ensures a durable, stylish, customizable option for enhancing your products, providing security and satisfaction.

4. PVC Patches

are a contemporary and durable alternative to traditional embroidered patches. Made from rigid plastic, these patches offer vibrant colours and a high-quality look that embroidery cannot match. Their waterproof nature and ability to withstand extreme temperatures make them perfect for outdoor use and harsh environments, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable investment.

With 2D and 3D styles, PVC patches offer a versatile canvas for your designs. The 2D style presents a flat design, while the 3D style delivers a raised, textured appearance that adds depth and dimension. This versatility makes them a perfect choice for creating standout pieces or unique gifts, as well as for outdoor activities.

PVC patches generally cost between $2.50 and $5.50 per patch, depending on size and design complexity. Choosing PVC patches ensures a high-quality, durable, and visually appealing product for any purpose.

5. Chenille Patches

offer a unique aesthetic that is not just for varsity jackets. Their fully textured, warm, and classic style can be incorporated into various fashion accessories, creating vibrant, energetic motifs with a whimsical finish. This unique look makes them ideal for bright, colorful designs with simple lettering.

Chenille patches are timeless and trendy, adding a touch of nostalgia to modern fashion. While they excel in creating bold and simple designs, their fuzzy texture may not capture intricate details. In the U.S., chenille patches generally cost between $3.00 and $6.50 per patch, making them an affordable and cost-effective addition to any fashion collection.

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6. Name Patches

Name patches are commonly used on work shirts in chains and factories where formal ID cards aren't practical. These straightforward patches, with their practical design, typically feature two color options, making them affordable and easy to produce in large quantities.

When it comes to uniform identification, name patches offer a cost-effective solution. In the U.S., they generally cost between $1.00 and $2.50 per patch, making them a more affordable option than embroidered logos or customized work shirts.

7. Bullion Patches

Bullion patches, with their distinctive wire stitching, not only add sparkle and a 3-D effect to any design but also lend a polished, iconic touch to blazers, shirts, and bags. Their unique selling points make them perfect for elite clubs, military outfits, golf clubs, and other institutions seeking a standout logo.

Bullion crests are not just patches, they are crafted with gold and silver wire beads, adding dimension, weight, texture, and an eye-catching appeal. The high-end appearance is not just a result of handcrafting, but of time and precision. Their luxurious look is a testament to the craftsmanship involved, making them worth the investment.

Bullion patches generally cost between $5.00 and $10.00 per patch, depending on size and design complexity. But more than their cost, their durability makes them a worthy investment.

8. Printed Patches

are perfect for any design, offering versatility and intricate detail. Using a sublimation dyeing method, the pattern is printed directly onto a blank twill base. This process ensures that colors merge seamlessly, creating a smooth, level surface that looks vibrant and detailed.

Printed patches are ideal for time-sensitive tasks or when you need a photograph-quality design on a patch. They are perfect for detailed, wearable designs, making them great for t-shirts and other apparel.

These patches are not only detailed and vibrant but also durable, ensuring they can withstand regular wear and tear. In the U.S., printed patches generally cost between $1.50 and $3.00 per patch.

Note: The above prices mentioned are just to give you an estimate. If you order from us, original prices may vary.

Modern and New Types of Patches

Earlier, I mentioned the common types of patches. However, the world of custom patches has evolved, and there are a few new and modern additions that you need to know about. Below, I will discuss these new types.

Glow-in-the-Dark Patches

emit a soft glow to stand out in low-light conditions. They are perfect for safety gear, nighttime events, or adding a unique touch to clothing and accessories. They are both fun and functional, enhancing visibility in dark environments.

Price Range in the U.S: $2.50 - $4.50 per patch

Reflective Patches

Reflective patches, crafted with materials that reflect light, significantly enhance visibility in low-light conditions. These are not just patches; they are your safety companions. Perfect for safety uniforms, outdoor gear, and activewear, these patches ensure you stay visible and safe during nighttime activities. They are essential for anyone needing extra visibility for safety reasons.

Price Range in the U.S: $2.00 - $4.00 per patch

Appliqué Patches

Appliqué patches, featuring intricate designs and patterns sewn onto a fabric base, provide a decorative and textured appearance that is uniquely yours. These patches add a stylish and personalized touch to garments, bags, and home decor items. They offer a high-quality look that enhances any item, making you stand out in a crowd.

Price Range in the U.S: $2.50 - $5.00 per patch

Beaded Patches

Beaded patches embellished with beads add elegance and sparkle to your items, making you feel like a star. Perfect for fashion garments, accessories, and special occasion outfits, these patches make any design stand out with their intricate and eye-catching detail. They are ideal for creating a luxurious and unique look that will turn heads.

Price Range in the U.S: $3.00 - $7.00 per patch

Note: The above prices mentioned are just to give you an estimate. If you order from us, original prices may vary.

Types of Backing

So far, you know the variety of available patches, but the backing options are also important. Below, I will explain the backing types and which type is ideal for particular custom patches.

Sew-On

requires stitching the patch onto the fabric, ensuring a secure and permanent attachment. Ideal for durable patches, such as embroidered, woven, and chenille patches on jackets, uniforms, and heavy fabrics.

Iron-On

uses heat-activated adhesive for easy application with an iron. It is perfect for quick, semi-permanent attachment on lighter fabrics like T-shirts and hats and is suitable for embroidered and printed patches.

Velcro

features hook-and-loop fasteners for removable and reusable patches. It is ideal for military, tactical gear, and corporate uniforms where patches need to be swapped out frequently. It also works well with embroidered and PVC patches.

Adhesive

Adhesive backing provides a peel-and-stick solution for temporary use. It is best for promotional items, events, or temporary decoration on various surfaces. It is also suitable for printed and woven patches.

Magnetic

Magnetic backing uses magnets to attach patches without damaging the fabric. It is perfect for non-permanent applications on metal surfaces like lockers, refrigerators, and vehicles. It is also suitable for PVC and woven patches.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right custom patch is more than just a design choice; it's about representing your brand, team, or organization with pride and distinction. Whether you opt for the classic appeal of embroidered patches, the sleek finish of woven patches, the rugged elegance of leather patches, or the modern versatility of PVC patches, each type offers unique benefits tailored to different needs and preferences. With options like glow-in-the-dark, reflective, appliqué, and beaded patches, the possibilities are endless for creating standout, personalized designs.

Understanding the variety of backing options'from sew-on to magnetic'ensures that your patches not only look great but also stay securely attached. By considering the specific requirements of your application and the benefits each type of patch and backing offers, you can make an informed decision that enhances your product's appearance and functionality.

Investing in is a powerful way to elevate your brand or team identity. With the knowledge gained from this guide, you're well-equipped to choose the perfect patch that meets your needs. If you are looking to buy custom patches, you can get them from ThePatchio. Our reliable service, low minimums, and free delivery worldwide make us a popular choice among customers in the U.S.

Custom Patches Backing Type

Iron-On, Velcro, Adhesive, oh my! There are too many backing options when you are customizing your custom patches. We want to make sure you can fully understand each of the backing options we offer. Each backing represents a different purpose and you will need to determine if you want a permanent backing or a temporary backing. Here is GS-JJ, We will tell you how to choose your right backing, You can also click here to see more about custom patches and get your quote.

A list of custom patches backing:

iron on backing
velcro backing
No backing
Plastic backing
Tap/Adhesive backing

Iron on backing

Iron On backing for patches 'It's a fast and easy way to attach. Just put the patch on the clothing and cover it with a thin wet towel to prevent scalding. Then take the iron on the patch for 15-30 seconds until it is fully seated. Iron on backing provides an easy way to attach patches to almost any type of material. A standard home iron with a temperature of 302oF can be used to connect iron blocks for 5-8 seconds When you use ironing support on a patch, you only receive temporary security because it does not last long and we do not recommend using a hot press to apply the hot stamp. Iron On backings are perfect for ceremonial and casual wear, but never use it for any type of practice or training. As you know, Iron on backings are mainly used to safely place the patch during the sewing process, so iron on backing is not the best choice if you want to use it for active lifestyle purposes.

Advantages

'More Durable

'Fast operation, suitable for mass production.

Disadvantage:

'Need to use tools ' ironing machine

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Velcro backing

Velcro Backing for patches 'Our Velcro backing with high quality, hook & loop design. Velcro backings come with a hook-and-sew seam to your patch and a soft side ready to sew to your clothes. Size up to 4.5'. If you need to change new patches frequently or make other minor adjustments (such as military and police uniforms), hooks are the best option. But if there are no connectors on the clothes, we can use double-sided Velcro in this process.

Advantages

'Paste and remove at any time

Disadvantage:

'Compared with the iron on and sew-on backing, Velcro patches are attached a bit loosely

No backing

No Backing for patches 'Patches without backings do not have the same thickness or stiffness as patches with backings; therefore, The best time to order No Backing patches is to sew them to clothing or other types of fabrics The back of your patch will be exposed and no backing will be applied during splicing. Patches with no backing are very flexible and lightweight.

Advantages:

'flexible

'lightweight.

Disadvantages:

'not have the same thickness or stiffness as patches with backings

Plastic backing

Plastic Backing for patches'A rigid plastic backing is added to your patches. This provides additional support for your patch, which means that even after continuous use, they will maintain their shape. Plastic backing adds stiffness and support to the patch, allowing it to remain flat over time.

Advantages:

'Extra Support to Patch

'Stay flat over time

Disadvantages:

Needs hand sewing or sewing on clothes, bags or hats

Tap/adhesive backing

Tap/Adhesive Backing for patches'Easily removable, versatile, and less permanent than other backings, tape backing is great for when you need a quick option for a costume or outfit. As the Adhesive backing is very Convenient, so the most popular and familiar backing for embroidered patches is adhesive backing. and the background process is very simple. Although Adhesive backing is the best choice for you, it has its disadvantage if you want to use it for a long time.

Advantages:

'Easy to use on any Clothing

'Ideal patch backing for a short period.

Disadvantages:

'Stay away when the patchwork is required to remain permanent.

 

Tips:Keep reading the blog to find out the backing that suits your custom patches on different materials!

 

A list of materials suitable for custom patches

Cotton materials

Polyester, Nylon and Spandex

Leather Material

Denim Material

Which backing is suited for cotton materials?

Cotton material is a versatile material, It can be used for almost all custom patches backing. you can choose iron on backing If you want a permanent embroidered backing, They will be more usable! You can choose adhesive backing if you only want one-off backing on cotton material.

 

Which backing is suited for polyester, Nylon and spandex?

Iron on backing is not suitable for this material, Because iron on backing requires high temperature, it may damage the material of the clothes. We would recommend Velcro and iron on backing for your polyester, Nylon and spandex.

Which backing is suited for Leather Material?

The material of leather is also sensitive, so iron on backing is not suitable. the best backing option is for adhesive backing.

Which backing is suited for denim material?

Iron on ,Velcro, Adhesive, Plastic and No backing we provided are suitable for denim. But Iron on backing is the most durable of these backings.

Now you can understand how to choose your backing for custom patches.  In addition to the backing, the border of patches is very important too! You can read what's the best border for custom patches If you don't know how to select custom patches border. 

GS-JJ.com is very proud to provide dozens of customization options for your custom embroidery patches, including lots of thread colors, multiple patch sizes and a large selection of patch backing for you to choose from. Whether you are buying a custom patch for the first time or you have already ordered a custom patch, we are here to guide you through every step to explain the process and what will works best for your custom embroidered patches design. Check out our Exhibition page for helpful tips on creating custom patches.

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