Guides

Custom Patch Guides and How-To Articles

Clear answers to the questions we hear most, from attaching patches to choosing a backing, size and design.

Hands pressing a household iron over a press cloth, showing how do you iron on a patch on a denim jacket

How-To · 7 min read

How to Iron On a Patch (Step-by-Step)

The right heat, pressure and time for each fabric, plus the inside-out press, how to spot an iron-on patch, why patches peel and how to wash them.

How to make patches: a multi-head embroidery machine stitching rows of round patches on twill

Manufacturing · 7 min read

How Custom Patches Are Made: From Artwork to Finished Patch

A step-by-step look at how embroidered, PVC, woven and chenille patches are made in production, plus honest advice for DIY makers.

Needle and thread stitching around a merrowed border, showing how to sew a patch onto a canvas jacket

How-To · 6 min read

How to Sew a Patch On by Hand or Machine

Step-by-step methods for sewing a patch by hand and by machine, plus the best stitches, thread and needles for jackets, hats and backpacks.

Iron on patch backing, sew-on, hook-and-loop and peel-and-stick patch backs laid side by side

Guides · 6 min read

Patch Backing Types: Iron-On vs Sew-On vs Velcro vs Adhesive

Iron-on, sew-on, Velcro, adhesive, magnetic or pin? Compare every patch backing type and find the right one for your fabric and use.

Fabric glue for patches spread in a thin layer on the back of an embroidered patch beside a denim jacket

How-To · 6 min read

Fabric Glue for Patches: How to Glue On a Patch

Which glue types hold patches on clothes, how to apply and cure them, how they handle washing, and when sewing or iron-on backing is the better choice.

Patch shapes and sizes compared: circle, shield, rectangle and custom-cut patches beside a ruler

Guides · 6 min read

Patch Size and Shape Guide: Choosing Patch Shapes and Sizes

Typical patch sizes for hats, chests, shoulders and backs, how patches are measured, and when to pick a standard or custom shape.

Patch design in progress: a pencil sketch, color swatches and a finished embroidered mountain patch

Guides · 6 min read

How to Design a Custom Patch: Patch Design Rules That Work

Practical patch design rules for bold, readable patches: shapes, colors, text size, outlines, file types and how to test your design at actual size.

Types of patches side by side: embroidered, woven, PVC, chenille, leather and printed patches

Guides · 6 min read

Types of Patches: A Complete Guide to Patch Styles and Materials

Embroidered, woven, PVC, chenille, leather, printed and bullion patches compared, with the twill, felt and thread materials behind them.

Clamshell machine used to heat press patches onto a navy cap on a curved hat platen

How-To · 6 min read

How to Heat Press Patches: Settings and Tips

Typical heat press settings for embroidered, woven, chenille, leather and printed patches, plus hat press technique and a troubleshooting table.

Canvas and nylon backpacks with sewn and hook-and-loop patches, showing how to put patches on a backpack

How-To · 6 min read

How to Put Patches on a Backpack (4 Ways)

Sewing, iron-on, hook-and-loop panels and glue compared for nylon, polyester and canvas backpacks, with step-by-step tips for each method.

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