15-Head Machines3D Puff AvailableCustom PatchesFree Digitizing

Professional Embroidery & Patches for Premium Apparel

From classic embroidered logos to custom patches - achieve that premium, professional look that lasts forever.

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Types of Embroidery & Techniques

Flat Embroidery

Classic, professional, refined

Best For:

• Corporate logos
• Chest emblems
• Polo shirts
• Caps

Stitch Types:

• Satin stitch (smooth coverage)
• Fill stitch (large areas)
• Running stitch (outlines)

Thickness: 1-2mm heightCost: Standard pricing

3D Puff Embroidery

Bold, eye-catching, premium

TRENDING

Raised embroidery using foam underneath for dimensional effect

Best For:

• Caps and snapbacks
• Streetwear brands
• Sports team logos
• Statement designs

Limitations:

Simple shapes only, no fine details

Height: 3-5mm raisedCost: +$2-3 per design

Appliqué Embroidery

Textured, varsity-style, bold

Fabric pieces sewn onto garment with embroidered edges

Best For:

• Large letter designs
• Varsity jackets
• Team names
• Color blocking

Process:

1. Fabric cut to shape
2. Placed on garment
3. Zig-zag stitch borders
4. Additional embroidery details

Cost: +$4-6 per design

Metallic Thread Embroidery

Shiny, premium, luxurious

PREMIUM

Using metallic threads for shine and luxury

Best For:

• Premium branding
• Special editions
• Fashion pieces
• Awards/recognition

Note:

Thread can break more easily

Cost: +$2 per location

Chain Stitch Embroidery

Retro, thick, textured

Vintage-style embroidery with looped appearance

Best For:

• Vintage designs
• Letterman jackets
• Retro sportswear
• Thick lettering

Uniqueness:

Different machine required

Cost: +$3-4 per design

Custom Patches - Types & Applications

Embroidered Patches

Traditional patches with embroidered design on twill backing

Edge Options:

• Merrowed border
• Laser cut
• Die cut

Backing:

• Iron-on (heat seal)
• Velcro
• Adhesive
• Sew-on only

Specs:

• Thickness: 2-3mm
• MOQ: 50 pieces
• Production: 10-12 days
• Cost: $2-4 per patch

Woven Patches

Thin patches with fine detail woven into fabric

Advantages:

• Thinner profile
• Finer detail possible
• Smooth texture
• Photo-realistic capability

Best For:

• Detailed logos
• Small text
• Fashion brands
• Premium apparel

Thickness: 0.5-1mmMOQ: 100 piecesCost: $1.50-3 per patch

PVC/Rubber Patches

3D molded patches in soft PVC or rubber

Advantages:

• Weatherproof
• 3D design possible
• Modern look
• Extremely durable

Best For:

• Outdoor gear
• Tactical apparel
• Modern brands
• Caps and bags

Thickness: 2-5mmMOQ: 100 piecesCost: $2-5 per patch

Chenille Patches

Fuzzy, raised patches popular for letterman jackets

Appearance:

Vintage, collegiate, thick

Best For:

• Varsity letters
• School logos
• Retro designs
• Awards

Thickness: 5-10mmMOQ: 50 piecesCost: $5-10 per patch

Leather Patches

Genuine or PU leather with embossed/printed design

Options:

• Laser etched
• Embossed
• Printed
• Combination

Best For:

• Denim
• Caps
• Premium brands
• Heritage looks

Appearance: Premium, natural, uniqueMOQ: 100 piecesCost: $3-6 per patch

Embroidery Digitizing Explained

Digitizing converts your artwork into stitch instructions that embroidery machines can read.

Artwork Analysis

Evaluate design complexity, size, fabric type

30 minutes

Path Planning

Determine stitch direction, density, and sequence

1 hour

Digitizing

Convert to stitch file using specialized software

2-4 hours

Test Sew

Sample on actual fabric, adjust as needed

30 minutes

Final File

Deliver production-ready DST/EMB file

Digital file + sample

Design Tips:

• Simplify complex designs for better results
• Minimum text height: 4mm for clarity
• Avoid gradients - use solid colors
• Consider fabric stretch and texture
• Maximum 15 colors per design

Pricing:

Simple: Free for 50+ orders
Complex: $25-50 one-time fee
Rush: $75 for 24-hour digitizing

Placement & Sizing Guidelines

Left Chest

Standard: 3.5" - 4" wide

Max Size: 5" wide

Stitch Count: 5,000-8,000

Common For: Logos, monograms

Center Chest

Standard: 6" - 8" wide

Max Size: 10" wide

Stitch Count: 10,000-20,000

Common For: Team names, large logos

Great for hoodies

Full Back

Standard: 8" - 10" wide

Max Size: 12" wide

Stitch Count: 20,000-40,000

Common For: Large designs, team names

Statement placement

Sleeve

Standard: 2.5" - 3" wide

Max Size: 4" wide

Stitch Count: 3,000-6,000

Common For: Logos, flags

Professional look

Cap Front

Standard: 2.25" H x 5" W

Max Size: 2.5" H x 5.5" W

Stitch Count: 6,000-10,000

Common For: Logos, text

12-20 minutes

Additional Factors:

• Thread changes add time
• Metallic thread costs more
• 3D puff adds $2-3
• Rush orders +50%

Best Fabrics for Embroidery

Cotton/Cotton Blends

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stability: Excellent

Notes: Ideal for all embroidery types

Backing: Standard cutaway

Polyester Performance

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stability: Good

Notes: May need extra stabilizer

Backing: No-show mesh

Fleece/Hoodies

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stability: Good with proper backing

Notes: Use topping for clean stitches

Backing: Cutaway + topping

Caps/Hats

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stability: Structured

Notes: Perfect for 3D puff

Backing: Cap backing

Lightweight/Stretch

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Stability: Challenging

Notes: Requires expertise

Backing: Soft cutaway

Nylon/Windbreakers

Rating: ⭐⭐

Stability: Difficult

Notes: Prone to puckering

Backing: Tearaway

Design Tips for Best Results

Text Guidelines

• Minimum height: 4mm (0.16")
• Block fonts work better than script
• Avoid fonts thinner than 1mm
• ALL CAPS more legible than mixed case
• Sans-serif fonts recommended

Logo Optimization

• Simplify complex gradients
• Convert to solid colors
• Minimum line thickness: 0.75mm
• Avoid tiny details under 1mm
• Group similar colors together

Color Selection

• Maximum 15 colors per design
• Use Madeira/Pantone thread charts
• Consider fabric color contrast
• Metallic = premium but tricky
• White underlay for dark fabrics

Size Considerations

• Bigger isn't always better
• Consider garment proportions
• Leave 1" from seams/edges
• Scale affects stitch density
• Test on actual garment size

Variation between items

Embroidery & Patches FAQs

What's the minimum order for custom embroidery?

25 pieces for embroidery, 50 pieces for custom patches.

Can you match specific Pantone colors in thread?

We match as close as possible using Madeira thread charts. Exact matches available for 500+ orders.

How much does digitizing cost?

Free for orders 50+. Otherwise $25-50 depending on complexity.

Can you embroider on any fabric?

Most fabrics yes, but very thin or stretchy materials may have limitations.

What's better - direct embroidery or patches?

Direct embroidery is permanent and professional. Patches offer flexibility and can be applied to multiple items.

How long do embroidered designs last?

Lifetime with proper care. Embroidery is the most durable decoration method.

Can you do 3D puff on any garment?

Best on structured items like caps. Possible on flat garments but less common.

What file format do you need for embroidery?

Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) preferred. High-res PNG/JPG acceptable. We convert to DST format.

Related Products

→ Custom Hoodies → Custom Jerseys → Track Tops & Jackets

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