Custom Patches

Which Patch Type Should You Choose?

Start with your design — it usually picks the type for you:

• Gradients, a photo, or an AI-generated design? Go printed. It prints your art exactly as you see it — embroidery can't hold gradients or fine shading.
• Small text or thin, fine lines? Go woven. The flat weave holds detail embroidery would lose.
• Going outdoors, getting wet, or onto tactical gear? Go PVC — it's molded rubber and fully waterproof.
• Letterman or varsity jacket? Go chenille for that raised, fuzzy varsity look.
• Classic logo for a uniform, hat, or club? Embroidered is the go-to.
• Premium hat or a rustic, heritage look? Go leather.

Still not sure? Send us your artwork — we'll tell you the best type and show it on a free mockup before you pay a cent.

Six core types compared

Here is a quick breakdown of all six custom patch types we produce, from the classic raised look of embroidery to full-color printing.

• Embroidered patches are the most popular choice. Thread is stitched directly onto a twill backing, creating a textured, premium look. Best for logos, text, and bold designs with solid colors. From $0.91/pc at 2x2 inches and 1,000 pieces; smaller orders cost more per piece.
• Woven patches use thinner thread for a flatter, more detailed result. Ideal when your design has fine lines, small text, or gradient shading that embroidery cannot replicate cleanly.
• PVC patches are made from soft rubber and are fully waterproof. The best option for tactical gear, outdoor equipment, bags, and anything exposed to weather or heavy wear.
• Chenille patches deliver the classic varsity look. A raised, fuzzy pile surface with a felt backing. Standard for letterman jackets, sports teams, and award patches.
• Leather patches give a premium, heritage finish. Laser-engraved or debossed. Popular for denim jackets, hats, bags, and brand merchandise that needs to stand out.
• Printed patches reproduce gradients, photographs, and full-color or AI-generated art exactly, with unlimited colors at no extra charge. The only type that handles true gradients and fine color blends, and the right call when embroidery can't hold your detail.

Mistakes We Talk People Out Of

We make patches all day, so we'll save you the ones we see most often:

• “Make my AI design exactly like this, embroidered.” Most AI-generated art is full of gradients, glows, and tiny detail that thread can't stitch. We'll tell you straight — printed will look way cooler, and it holds your design exactly as you generated it.
• “The size won't change the price.” It will — a bigger patch uses more material and more stitching, so it costs more. Pick the size for where the patch actually goes, not how big it looks on your phone. That's why we send the mockup with the vector at its true size, say 4 inches by 2 inches, so you can print it and hold it against the hat or jacket with a ruler before you approve.
• “Another supplier quoted me cheaper.” Order one from them and one from us, put them side by side, and we'll match their price. Same money — you'll see exactly what you're getting from us.
• Too many colors, or colors too close together. Extra colors add cost, and near-identical shades blend together on a small patch. High-contrast designs read best from a distance.
• Tiny text on an embroidered patch. Under about a quarter inch, stitched letters fill in and get hard to read. If your design has small type, woven or printed will hold it cleanly.

Backing Options: Iron-On, Sew-On, Velcro, and More

Every custom patch can be made with your choice of backing. The backing determines how the patch attaches to fabric or gear.

• Iron-on (heat seal): A thermoplastic adhesive backing that bonds to fabric with a household iron or heat press. Quick to apply, permanent, and included free on all orders.
• Sew-on: No adhesive. The patch is stitched directly onto fabric for the most secure, long-lasting attachment. Required for performance wear and technical fabrics.
• Velcro (hook and loop): Both hook and loop sides included. Allows the patch to be removed and repositioned. Standard for military, law enforcement, and tactical vests. Velcro backing is charged separately on every order.
• Sticker (self-adhesive): Peel-and-stick for temporary applications, helmets, notebooks, and promotional use.

Who Orders Custom Patches?

Custom patches serve a wide range of industries and communities. Our customers include:

• Sports teams and leagues ordering jersey patches, championship patches, and award patches for players, coaches, and staff.
• Businesses and brands using logo patches on uniforms, merchandise, corporate gifts, and promotional items, including seasonal runs such as Christmas and Valentine's Day patches.
• Military and law enforcement ordering morale patches, unit identification patches, and tactical Velcro patches for vests and bags.
• Schools and universities commissioning chenille varsity patches, club patches, and school spirit wear embellishments.
• Motorcycle clubs and organizations creating MC back patches, center patches, and rocker patches for vests and jackets.
• Streetwear and fashion brands adding woven labels, leather patches, and PVC badges to caps, hoodies, and bags.
• Scouts and youth groups ordering merit badge-style patches and event commemoratives for uniforms and sashes.

How to Order Custom Patches: 4 Simple Steps

Ordering custom patches from Panda Patches takes minutes. Here is what the process looks like from quote to delivery:

1. Submit your quote. Upload your artwork or describe your idea using our quote form. Include patch type, size, quantity, and backing preference.
2. Receive your digital mockup in 12 to 24 hours. Our design team creates a digital proof showing exactly what your patch will look like. Review it and request any changes, free of charge.
3. Approve and pay. Once you are happy with the mockup, confirm your order. Production begins immediately after approval.
4. Receive your patches in 11-15 days. Standard production ships in 7-10 business days. Rush production is available if you need them sooner.

Custom Patch Pricing: What to Expect

Patch pricing depends on three main factors: patch type, size, and quantity. The more you order, the lower the per-piece cost. Here is a general pricing guide for embroidered patches under 4 inches:

• 50 pieces: $180 total ($3.60/pc) as a fixed-price pack — $196 ($3.92/pc) priced by size on the calculator
• 100 pieces: $240 total ($2.40/pc)
• 500 pieces: $750 total ($1.50/pc)
• 1,000 pieces: $1,200 total ($1.20/pc)

PVC, chenille, and leather patches carry slightly higher base prices due to materials and production complexity. Woven patches are comparable to embroidered. All prices include free worldwide shipping and a digital mockup in 12 to 24 hours. There are no setup fees and no hidden charges.

Need a precise quote? Use our free quote form above, upload your design, and receive a detailed price breakdown within 24 hours.

Explore the details: backing options (including sew-on, adhesive, and magnetic), patch borders, and threads & twills. Popular niche patches: airsoft, martial arts & BJJ, EMS, and letterman.