Embroidered vs. Woven Patches

Patches are incredibly versatile, offering countless creative uses—and turning them into a profitable product is easier than you might think!

Whether you’re creating:

• Custom sports memorabilia that’s leagues ahead of the generic options at the stadium,
• Trendy, retro-inspired tees and hats with unique personality, or
• Stand-alone patches inspired by bands, travel destinations, or classic movie quotes,

One thing is certain: small patches can lead to big business.

If you’re considering turning your art or ideas into patches instead of stickers, prints, or apparel, you’re on the right track. Patches are a fantastic addition to any product lineup.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re new to the world of patches, the sheer variety available might feel daunting. Understanding the differences between patch types is crucial to creating the perfect product for your audience.

At their core, patches serve to mend or decorate clothing, bags, or other fabric accessories. However, the type of patch you choose significantly affects its:

• Aesthetic
• Material
• Cost
• Look and feel

Before you place an order, take the time to explore your options.

Start with the Basics: Embroidered vs. Woven Patches

Among the various types of patches, embroidered and woven patches are the most popular. Understanding their differences will help you choose the perfect fit for your designs.

Let’s dive into the details so you can confidently select the right patch for your business!

What Types of Patches Are Out There?

When it comes to patches, there’s no shortage of variety! Different patch types are distinguished by their materials, manufacturing processes, and the overall look they create. Whether you’re aiming for a bold, traditional vibe or a sleek, modern aesthetic, there’s a patch type to match your vision.

At THE/STUDIO, we specialize in seven major types of custom patches:

Embroidered Patches

Classic and textured, these patches are perfect for bold designs and traditional aesthetics.

Woven Patches

Smooth and detailed, ideal for intricate designs and modern, polished finishes.

Printed Patches

Vibrant and photo-realistic, these patches are great for highly detailed or colorful artwork.

Bullion Patches

Luxurious and metallic, these patches add a premium, handcrafted look to any product.

Chenille Patches

Soft and fuzzy, perfect for varsity jackets and nostalgic designs with a retro feel.

Leather Patches

Durable and stylish, these patches bring a rugged, high-end appeal to clothing and accessories.

PVC Patches

Waterproof and flexible, ideal for outdoor gear, backpacks, and modern branding.

No matter the project, there’s a patch type to bring your vision to life!

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Custom Embroidered Patches

When you hear the word “patch,” custom embroidered patches are probably what comes to mind. As the most traditional and timeless type of patch, they’re a popular choice for a reason.

Embroidered patches are crafted with a fabric backing and feature textured embroidery, giving them a classic, dimensional look. Their bold, raised designs are perfect for creating standout logos, text, or artwork that catches the eye and exudes a handcrafted appeal.

Whether you’re designing patches for sports teams, uniforms, or fashion pieces, embroidered patches deliver the perfect blend of tradition and durability.

Custom Woven Patches

For a clean, refined look with exceptional detail, Woven patches are an excellent choice. These patches use thinner threads and a tighter weave than their embroidered counterparts, resulting in a high-resolution finish that captures even the smallest design elements.

Woven patches are ideal for designs that include:

• Intricate details: Perfect for fine lines or small text that wouldn’t stand out on embroidered patches.
• Complex patterns: Great for logos or artwork with gradients or detailed shading.
• Polished aesthetics: Smooth and flat, they’re perfect for fashion brands or modern designs.

Their versatility and sleek appearance make woven patches a go-to for brands aiming for a contemporary, professional vibe.

Custom Printed Patches

If your design is all about vibrant colors and photo-realistic detail, custom printed patches are the perfect solution. Unlike embroidered or woven patches, printed patches don’t rely on threads to create the design. Instead, the artwork is directly printed onto a fabric base using high-quality printing techniques.

Key benefits of printed patches include:

• Unlimited color options: Easily incorporate gradients, shading, and a full spectrum of hues.
• Photo-realistic designs: Perfect for designs featuring images, illustrations, or detailed artwork.
• Smooth finish: Lightweight and flat, offering a modern, polished look.

Printed patches are ideal for showcasing creative, eye-catching designs, especially when detail and color accuracy are critical.

Custom Bullion Patches

Bullion patches, often referred to as crest patches, exude elegance and sophistication. Made using metallic wire stitching, these patches have a distinctive 3D texture and a luxurious shine that commands attention.

Highlights of bullion patches include:

• Premium texture: The tight wire stitching creates a raised, dimensional effect.
• High visibility: Their reflective metallic threads catch the light beautifully, making them pop.
• Prestige: Commonly used for military insignias, corporate logos, or any design with a formal and distinguished appearance.

Whether used on blazers, ceremonial garments, or luxury accessories, bullion patches add a sense of exclusivity and quality to any product.

Custom Chenille Patches

For that nostalgic, retro feel, custom chenille patches are the way to go. Known for their soft, fuzzy texture, these patches are a classic choice for varsity jackets, athletic uniforms, and school-related apparel.

Here’s why chenille patches stand out:

• Timeless appeal: Their fluffy, 3D texture creates a bold and memorable look.
• Best for simple designs: Chenille works great for large, open areas of color and bold shapes.
• Durability: Ideal for garments or accessories that see frequent use.

Whether you’re creating a modern take on a letterman jacket or designing a playful, retro-inspired piece, chenille patches offer a timeless style that’s always in demand.

Custom Leather Patches

Leather patches bring a touch of sophistication and durability to any product. Fully customizable, these patches allow you to choose the leather color, size, shape, and embossing or debossing style, ensuring they perfectly complement your brand’s aesthetic.

Why leather patches?

• High-end look: Adds a premium, rustic, or vintage feel to hats, jackets, bags, and more.
• Versatility: Available in a variety of finishes, from smooth to textured.
• Custom detailing: Options include embossed logos, stitched borders, and various shapes.

leather patches are a favorite for accessories and apparel brands aiming to convey quality and craftsmanship.

Custom Chenille Patches

For that nostalgic, retro feel, custom chenille patches are the way to go. Known for their soft, fuzzy texture, these patches are a classic choice for varsity jackets, athletic uniforms, and school-related apparel.

Here’s why chenille patches stand out:

• Timeless appeal: Their fluffy, 3D texture creates a bold and memorable look.
• Best for simple designs: Chenille works great for large, open areas of color and bold shapes.
• Durability: Ideal for garments or accessories that see frequent use.

Whether you’re creating a modern take on a letterman jacket or designing a playful, retro-inspired piece, chenille patches offer a timeless style that’s always in demand.

Custom Leather Patches

Leather patches bring a touch of sophistication and durability to any product. Fully customizable, these patches allow you to choose the leather color, size, shape, and embossing or debossing style, ensuring they perfectly complement your brand’s aesthetic.

Why leather patches?

• High-end look: Adds a premium, rustic, or vintage feel to hats, jackets, bags, and more.
• Versatility: Available in a variety of finishes, from smooth to textured.
• Custom detailing: Options include embossed logos, stitched borders, and various shapes.

Leather patches are a favorite for accessories and apparel brands aiming to convey quality and craftsmanship.

Custom PVC Patches

When durability and weather resistance are non-negotiable, custom PVC patches are the ultimate choice. Made from rubberized PVC material, these patches are built to last and offer a bold, modern aesthetic with a 3D effect.

What makes PVC patches unique?

• Weatherproof: Perfect for outdoor gear and accessories that need to withstand the elements.
• Bold, vibrant colors: PVC material retains its color and shape over time, ensuring your design stays vivid.
• Fun 3D texture: Adds depth and a contemporary look to your products.

PVC patches are popular in industries ranging from tactical and outdoor gear to modern streetwear and branding-focused accessories.

Beyond the Basics: Endless Customization Options

At The Studio, we believe your patch should reflect your unique vision, and that means offering customization options beyond the seven major categories. With a variety of materials, backings, threads, and borders to choose from, you can design a patch that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Materials

Choose from a wide range of base materials to match your design and functionality needs:

• Polyester Blend: Durable and versatile for most designs.
• Twill: A smooth, traditional option for bold patterns and embroidery.
• Felt: Perfect for a soft, vintage aesthetic.
• Black Ballistic Nylon: Adds a tough, tactical feel to your patch.
• Camouflage: Ideal for outdoor or military-inspired designs.
• Reflective Mylar: For patches that stand out in low-light conditions.

Backing Options

Decide how your patch will be affixed with these versatile backing methods:

• Iron-On: A simple, no-fuss application method.
• Velcro: Great for reusable or interchangeable patches.
• Adhesive: A peel-and-stick option for temporary use.
• Thin Plastic: Lightweight and sturdy for sewing.
• Magnet: Transform your patch into a collectible or display piece.
• Pin: A classic option for jackets, hats, or bags.

Thread Customizations

Take your patch to the next level with bold thread choices:

• Metallic Threads: Add a shimmering, premium look.
• Neon Threads: Create vibrant, eye-catching designs.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Threads: Perfect for novelty or nighttime use.
• Puff Embroidery: Add a three-dimensional texture that pops.
• Multi-Color Designs: Use 10+ colors to bring intricate details to life.

Borders

Finish your patch with a border that enhances its overall look:

• Merrowed Edge: Classic, rounded, and durable.
• Embroidered Edge: Seamlessly integrated into the design.
• Frayed Edge: Adds a rugged, rustic style.
• No Border: For a clean, minimalist finish.

Make Your Patch Vision a Reality

With so many customization options, the possibilities are virtually endless. Whether you’re going for a bold, detailed design or a clean, minimalist look, your patch will be a reflection of your brand or personal style.

The most important step? Partnering with a trusted patch manufacturer to ensure the highest quality. With The Studio, you’ll have expert guidance every step of the way.

Still debating between embroidered and woven patches? Keep reading to explore the key differences and find the best fit for your design!

What Is an Embroidered Patch?

An embroidered patch is a timeless piece of fabric backing that’s decorated with raised, colorful thread to create a textured, dimensional design. This classic style is the most popular type of custom patch and is often chosen for its bold, traditional look.

What Makes an Embroidered Patch Unique?

Embroidered patches are easy to recognize thanks to their:

• Classic Textured Design: The raised threads give the patch a distinct 3D look and feel.
• Versatile Aesthetic: Ideal for logos, bold patterns, and traditional styles.
• Durable Construction: Made with sturdy fabric backing, these patches are built to last.

Customization Options

Embroidered patches offer flexibility in design with options like:

• Backing: Choose from iron-on, Velcro, adhesive, or more.
• Thread Colors: While most manufacturers have a wide selection of thread colors, it’s worth noting that some may charge extra for designs requiring multiple or specialty threads.
• Embroidery Coverage: You can choose the embroidery percentage (50%, 75%, or 100%) based on your design and budget.

Cost and Turnaround Time

While embroidered patches are a premium option, they come with some considerations:

• Pricing: Embroidered patches are often more expensive than other types due to their handcrafted appearance and the amount of thread used. Retail prices can range from $3 to $30+ depending on the design's complexity, the materials, and the market.
• Turnaround Time: These patches may take longer to produce compared to simpler styles, especially for high-percentage embroidery or intricate designs.

When to Choose an Embroidered Patch

Opt for an embroidered patch if you want a traditional, bold, and durable patch that makes an impact. Whether you’re creating custom patches for uniforms, sports teams, or branding, this style offers a timeless appeal that customers will love.

Pros and Cons of Embroidered Patches

Pros of Embroidered Patches

• Classic Look: Embroidered patches have a timeless, traditional appeal. They’re the type of patch most people picture when they think of a classic patch, making them a safe and popular choice.
• Three-Dimensional Design: The raised texture and depth of embroidered patches give them a bold, eye-catching look that stands out on any garment or accessory.
• Most Popular Style: As the most sought-after type of patch, embroidered patches are likely to resonate with your customers. Their popularity means they’re often a top seller in many markets.

Cons of Embroidered Patches

• Bulky Design: The thickness of embroidered patches can make them feel heavy or overpowering, particularly on lightweight or thin fabrics.
• Higher Cost: Custom embroidered patches are more expensive to produce compared to woven patches, largely due to the amount of thread and labor required. However, their premium look often allows you to sell them at a higher price.
• Longer Turnaround Time: The intricate process of creating embroidered patches typically requires more time, so you’ll need to account for a slightly longer production timeline. Rush options can help if you’re in a pinch, but it’s best to plan ahead.
• Limited Detail: The thicker threads and chunkier fabric used in embroidery make it difficult to achieve fine detail or small text. If your design includes intricate elements, woven or printed patches might be a better option.

What is a Woven Patch?

A woven patch is created by weaving thin threads into a fabric backing, unlike embroidered patches, which rely on thick thread stitched on top of fabric. The tight weave of the threads results in a high-resolution, smooth design that’s perfect for intricate details. If your design includes small text or fine elements, a woven patch might be your ideal choice.

Key Features of Woven Patches:

• Smooth Surface: Unlike embroidered patches, woven patches have a flat, smooth texture with no raised threads.
• High-Resolution Detail: The tight weave allows for crisp, clean designs, making them perfect for fine details or small text that needs to be easily legible.
• Less Bulk: Being one-dimensional, woven patches are less bulky and lightweight, making them a great choice for thin fabrics or adding patches to the inside of garments or accessories.

Customization Options

Similar to embroidered patches, woven patches can be customized with:

• Backings: Choose from iron-on, Velcro, adhesive, and more.
• Thread Colors: Woven patches allow for a wide range of color options, depending on the manufacturer’s available threads.

Cost and Turnaround Time

Woven patches tend to cost less than embroidered patches and have a faster production timeline. Depending on factors like quantity, design complexity, and size, woven patches typically retail anywhere from $2 to $25+. The lower cost and quicker turnaround make woven patches a great option for projects with larger orders or tight timelines.

When to Choose a Woven Patch

Opt for a woven patch if you need:

• Fine Detail: Designs that feature small text, logos, or intricate artwork.
• Lightweight Finish: A sleek, non-bulky design for items like hats, shirts, or bags.
• Cost-Effective Option: A more affordable alternative to embroidered patches for bulk orders or tight budgets.

Pros and Cons of Woven Patches

Pros of Woven Patches

• Less Bulky: Woven patches are more lightweight and less bulky compared to embroidered patches, making them a great option for thin fabrics. They can easily be applied to both the outside or inside of garments and accessories without adding extra weight.
• Ideal for Fine Detail: The tight weave of threads in woven patches allows for clearer, finer details, making them perfect for designs with small text, intricate logos, or precise patterns.
• Lower Cost: Woven patches are typically more affordable than embroidered patches, offering a cost-effective option for larger orders or tight budgets.
• Faster Turnaround Time: Since woven patches are simpler to produce than embroidered patches, they often have a quicker production time, meaning you can receive your order faster.

Cons of Woven Patches

• One-Dimensional Design: Unlike embroidered patches, woven patches have a smooth, flat surface and lack the raised, 3D texture that makes embroidered patches stand out.
• Less Popular: While woven patches are a popular option, they’re not as widely known or sought after as embroidered patches. This could mean they may not have the same market appeal, potentially making them harder to sell.
• Less Eye-Catching: The flat, one-dimensional look of woven patches can make them stand out less when affixed to clothing or accessories, especially compared to the textured and bold appearance of embroidered patches.

When to Choose a Woven Patch

Woven patches are perfect if you need:

• A sleek, lightweight patch for thin fabrics or a low-profile look.
• Detailed designs that require crisp, clean lines.
• A budget-friendly option with faster turnaround.

What Do Embroidered Patches & Woven Patches Have in Common?

While embroidered and woven patches have distinct differences in texture, thread size, and manufacturing methods, they also share a lot in common. Here’s what makes them alike:

1. Versatility in Design

Both embroidered and woven patches can be made into any shape, from traditional circles and squares to custom shapes that fit your unique vision. Whether you’re designing logos, text, or intricate artwork, both patch styles offer the flexibility to bring your designs to life.

2. Customization Options

Thread Colors: Both types of patches can accommodate a wide range of thread colors to match your design’s scheme. While the execution of the colors may differ, the design possibilities are limitless.

Backings: Whether you prefer iron-on, Velcro, magnet, or pin backing, both embroidered and woven patches can be customized with any type of backing to suit your application needs.

Fabric Options: Both types can be applied to almost any fabric or clothing accessory, making them perfect for jackets, hats, bags, and more.

3. DIY Design Capability

With THE/STUDIO’s DIY online design tool, you can create both embroidered and woven patches from scratch. This intuitive platform allows you to experiment with designs, colors, and backing types to create the perfect custom patch without any prior experience in manufacturing.

4. Hybrid Possibility

If you love the look of embroidery but need more detail, it’s possible to mix patch methods! For example, you could opt for a woven patch with an embroidered border to combine the crisp detail of woven design with the bold, textured finish of embroidery.

Embroidered vs Woven Patches: Which is Better?

When it comes to choosing between embroidered and woven patches, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The best patch type for your needs will depend on several factors, including your design, budget, personal preferences, and customer expectations.

When to Choose an Embroidered Patch:

• Classic Look: If you’re aiming for that traditional, textured look with a bold, 3D effect, embroidered patches are a great choice.
• Simplicity: For designs that aren’t overly intricate or that rely on larger elements, embroidery’s textured finish will give them a stand-out appeal.
• Customer Appeal: If your audience favors a more traditional, visually striking patch style, embroidered patches are likely to be a hit.

When to Choose a Woven Patch:

• High-Resolution Detail: If your design includes fine details, small text, or intricate patterns, woven patches are the better option. The tight weave creates a cleaner, crisper design.
• Budget-Friendly: Woven patches typically cost less to produce than embroidered patches, making them a great choice if you’re working with a tighter budget.
• Faster Turnaround: Since woven patches are quicker to produce, they’re ideal if you need a fast delivery time.

Still Unsure? Test Both!

If you're having trouble deciding between the two, why not try both? Order a small batch of custom embroidered and woven patches using the same design to see which style best suits your vision. Comparing them side by side will give you a better understanding of the aesthetic and functionality of each. Plus, you can even get customer feedback to see which patch resonates more with your target audience.

Once you’ve made your choice, you can confidently place a larger order knowing you’ve found the perfect patch style for your needs.

No matter what you choose, THE/STUDIO makes it easy to create custom patches with no design experience required. Our DIY online tool walks you through the entire process, and our customer service team is here to support you every step of the way.

Start creating your custom embroidered or woven patch today!