Woven patches
Woven patches are made on a loom rather than by a needle, from threads about a third the thickness of embroidery thread. That single difference is why a woven patch can hold six-point type and a shaded gradient, and why it sits flat instead of standing proud.
Woven or embroidered?
| Woven | Embroidered | |
|---|---|---|
| Detail limit | Type down to about 2 mm; fine linework holds | Type from about 5 mm; linework thins out |
| Feel | Flat, flexible, low profile | Raised, textured, substantial |
| Best size | Small — 1 to 3 inch | Medium to large — 2.5 inch up |
| Colour blends | Handles shading and blends | Flat colour blocks only |
| Typical use | Detailed logos, name tapes, small badges | Bold crests, workwear, uniforms |
If your logo has small type in it and you have been told embroidery will not work, this is the construction you were being steered towards.
Specification
| Item | Standard |
|---|---|
| Construction | Damask weave, polyester threads |
| Detail limit | Type down to about 2 mm cap height |
| Edges | Merrowed, hot cut, laser cut |
| Typical size | 1–4 inch |
| Minimum order | 50 pieces |
| From | $0.95 per patch |
Choosing a backing
| Backing | Best on | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iron-on (heat seal) | Cotton and cotton-rich blends | Permanent enough for everyday wear; will lift on nylon, waterproofs and heavy fleece |
| Sew-on (plain back) | Anything, including technical fabric | The only backing that reliably outlives the garment |
| Velcro (hook & loop) | Tactical, service and ID panels | Designed to come off — the loop side is sewn to the garment once |
| Peel-n-stick | Events, samples, photography | Temporary. Not a wash-safe backing |
| Magnetic | Garments you cannot pierce | No holes at all; keep away from cards and devices |
| Button loop | Caps, bags, lanyards | Hangs rather than attaches |
How ordering works
- Send artwork. Any format — a logo file, a photo of an old patch, or a sketch on paper.
- Approve the proof. You get a digital proof with the size, colours and border marked. Nothing runs until you sign it off.
- Production. 10–12 business days as standard, 5–7 on a rush, at no extra charge.
- Tracked delivery. Shipped worldwide, to you or straight to your printer.
Common questions
Is woven cheaper than embroidered?
At small sizes, usually yes, because there is no stitch count to pay for. At large sizes the gap closes and embroidery often wins on presence. Ask for both on the quote and compare.
Can woven patches be washed?
Yes — they are polyester and hold up well. The failure point is the backing, not the patch; sew-on outlasts iron-on on anything washed weekly.
Ready to order woven patches?
If your artwork has small type or fine detail, send it over and we will show you what it looks like woven before you commit.
Related reading
- Patch types compared — the full construction comparison
- Thread, twill and materials — what each construction is made from