Frequently asked
The questions that come in before a first order, answered properly. If yours is not here, send it — useful ones end up on this page.
Ordering
What is the minimum order?
Fifty pieces per design. That is per artwork, not per order — you can run three different designs of fifty in the same job.
How much do custom patches cost?
Embroidered patches start at $0.75 each at 1,000 pieces and $2.95 at fifty. Chenille from $2.50, PVC from $1.85, leather from $1.95, woven from $0.95, keychains from $1.95. The full grid by size and quantity is on the pricing page.
How long does production take?
Ten to twelve business days as standard, and five to seven on a rush. Rush carries no extra charge — tell us the date you need them by and we work back from it.
Do I get to see the patch before it is made?
Yes, always. You get a free digital proof showing the size, the colours and the border. Nothing goes into production until you approve it in writing.
Is digitizing charged separately?
No. Converting your artwork into a machine-ready stitch file is included in the per-patch price, and the file is yours to take elsewhere.
What artwork do you need?
Anything you have. A vector file (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) is ideal because it scales cleanly. A high-resolution PNG or JPG works. So does a photograph of an old patch, or a sketch on paper — we redraw it either way.
Choosing what to make
Which patch type should I choose?
It depends on the artwork, not the budget. Bold logos and lettering go embroidered; small type and gradients go woven; anything that gets wet goes PVC; a premium tone-on-tone mark goes leather; varsity letters go chenille. The comparison guide sets out the limits of each.
Which backing should I choose?
Iron-on for cotton garments that are not laundered commercially, sew-on for anything that must last, Velcro if the patch will move between garments, magnetic if you cannot pierce the fabric. The application guide covers press settings and stitch lines.
Can you match my brand colours exactly?
Close, not exact. Thread comes in fixed dyed shades, so a Pantone match is the nearest available thread rather than an ink match. Send the Pantone reference and the proof will show you what it will actually look like.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, tracked, anywhere. Shipping is quoted with the order and can go to you or straight to your printer or decorator.
Practicalities
Can I order one sample before committing?
The minimum run is fifty, so there is no single-unit sample. What you get instead is the free digital proof, which is where most problems are caught — and on apparel orders, a physical sample garment approved before the bulk run.
Do you make uniform and insignia patches?
Yes. Send the regulation size and placement and we will produce to it. Our insignia guide sets out the written placement rules for common service, scouting and cadet uniforms, with the source named for each figure.
Can I reorder the same patch later?
Yes. The digitized file is kept, so a repeat run needs no set-up and no new proof unless something has changed.
Who owns the digitized file?
You do. It is produced for your artwork and we will send it to you on request.
What is the difference between 50% and 100% embroidery coverage?
Coverage is how much of the twill backing is covered by thread. A design that leaves the base cloth showing between elements is roughly 50% and sits at the standard rate. One where thread covers the whole face is 100% and carries a 15% uplift, because it is close to twice the stitches.
Still deciding?
Send the artwork and a rough quantity. You get a price and a free digital proof back, with no obligation, usually the same working day.
Related reading
- Patch types compared — the construction limits, side by side
- Patch pricing — the full grid, uplifts and what is included
- Patch placement guides — measured positions for every garment