Can I make a patch without artwork?
Yes. Send a sketch, a photo or a written description. Our design studio can create or clean up artwork, and we'll show you a digital mockup before you pay.
Custom Patch Maker
Make Your Own Patch
To make your own patch, start with your artwork, pick a patch type, size, backing and border, choose a quantity, then approve a free digital mockup before paying. We produce every order from 5 pieces and send a photo of a real sample for approval before the full run, so you know exactly what you're getting.
- No setup fees
- Free digital mockup within 24 hours
- No payment until you approve
- Real sample photo before full run
- Standard turnaround: 10 to 14 business days after sample approval
- Tracked Shipping | No Extra Charges
- 5-piece patch minimum
- Quality guarantee
Step 1: Start with an idea or artwork
A clean vector file gives the sharpest result, but a high-resolution image works too. If you only have a sketch, a photo of an old patch or an idea in words, that's fine: the design studio can create a logo, redraw rough artwork or prepare vector files for production.
Think about where the patch will be worn and how far away people will see it. A patch that reads from across a room needs bold shapes and few words.
Step 2: Choose a patch type
Embroidered patches have raised thread texture and are the most popular. Woven patches are thinner and hold small text. PVC is waterproof and rubber-like. Leather gives an engraved premium look, chenille a fuzzy varsity texture, and printed patches reproduce photos and gradients.
Not sure? The free Patch Advisor recommends a type and size from your artwork in a minute.
Step 3: Pick a size
Measure the spot where the patch will go: a hat front, a shirt chest, a jacket back. Then preview it with the actual-size visualizer or check the patch size chart and embroidery size chart. Sizes are measured on the longest side; designs up to 4″ get instant prices and larger ones a custom quote.
Step 4: Choose backing and border
- Iron-on / heat seal: quick to apply on cotton and denim.
- Sew-on: most durable, works on every fabric.
- Hook-and-loop: removable, adds $0.30 per patch.
- Adhesive: peel-and-stick for temporary use or hard surfaces.
For the edge, a merrowed border gives a thick rounded finish on simple shapes, while a cut border follows detailed custom outlines.
Step 5: Choose quantity and check the price
Orders start at 5 pieces and the per-patch price drops as quantity rises. Enter your type, size and quantity in the custom patch price calculator to see your total before you request a mockup.
Step 6: Approve your mockup, then your sample
- Mockup: we send a free digital mockup within 24 hours.
- Payment: you pay only after approving the mockup.
- Sample photo: After payment, we make a real sample and send you a photo to approve before the full production run begins.
- Production: Standard turnaround: 10 to 14 business days after sample approval, then tracked shipping.
Tips for designing a patch that stitches well
- Keep text large. Embroidery needs bolder, larger letters than woven or printed patches; switch to woven when lettering is small. See best patch type for small text.
- Limit colors. A handful of solid colors reads better than many shades, and gradients usually need a printed patch.
- Use simple shapes. Thin lines and tiny gaps fill in with thread. Bold outlines and open spaces stay crisp.
- Add contrast. Dark text on a light background, or the reverse, keeps the design readable from a distance.
- Pick a simple outline. Circles, ovals, rectangles and shields are easiest; complex custom shapes need a cut border.
Patch prices by type
Prices below come straight from our price sheet. Standard backing is included.
| Patch type | 25 pieces | 50 pieces | 100 pieces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidered | $120$4.80 each | $165$3.30 each | $220$2.20 each |
| Woven | $148$5.92 each | $185$3.70 each | $235$2.35 each |
| PVC | $165$6.60 each | $225$4.50 each | $320$3.20 each |
| Leather | $175$7 each | $220$4.40 each | $350$3.50 each |
Pricing shown covers designs up to 4″ on the longest side. Over 4″? We’ll email your custom price within 6 to 10 hours.
Making your own patch: questions
How many patches do I have to order?
Every custom patch type starts at 5 pieces: embroidered, woven, printed, chenille, leather, PVC and glow-in-the-dark PVC. Larger quantities simply lower your per-piece price.
How small can text be on a patch?
It depends on patch type and size: embroidery needs larger, bolder letters than woven or printed patches, which hold finer detail. Your mockup shows whether every word stays readable before you pay.
How much does it cost to make your own patch?
It depends on type, size and quantity. Designs up to 4″ on the longest side are priced instantly on our pricing page; larger designs get a custom price.
What happens after I order?
You review and approve your free digital mockup before paying. After payment, we make a real sample and send you a photo of it to approve before the full production run begins.
Related pages
Make your own patch today
Upload your artwork or describe your idea. Free digital mockup within 24 hours. Standard turnaround: 10 to 14 business days after sample approval. No payment until you approve the mockup.