YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AN ARTIST!

Step 1: Concept

Every custom patch starts with an idea. That idea may be a theme, an event to commemorate, or a brand identity. A good patch converts that idea into an understandable graphic. The most important thing is for the custom patch to get the intended message across to your audience. Simplicity is always best. Don't try to crowd in too many details. An idea, simply stated, makes for a better embroidered patch.

Step 2: Design

Step 3: Shape

Choose your patch shape above

Above are some suggestions for the shape of your custom patch. Your design is not limited to the designs pictured here although they represent popular patterns.  Use them if they are applicable but feel free to consider other shapes as well. You can also view shield shapes

If you would like a shield or custom shape, specify here: Choose Shape Shield Shape #1 Shield Shape #2 Shield Shape #3 Shield Shape #4 Shield Shape #5 Shield Shape #6 Shield Shape #7 Shield Shape #8 Shield Shape #9 Shield Shape #10 Shield Shape #11 Shield Shape #12 Custom / Other

Step 4: Backing (This step is required)

PLASTIC: This backing adds stiffness and gives your patch support, allowing it to retain its shape over time. It is still thin enough to sew through. There is no charge for this backing.

HEATSEAL: Another word for iron-on. Allows you to apply your patch onto a garment using a home iron. If you are planning to wash your garment more than 50-80 times after the patch is applied, it is recommended that the heatseal only be used for pre-placement before sewing, and then followed up with a few tag stitches along the patch to hold it in place longer. NOTE: Heatseal will NOT stick to nylon.

VELCRO: One (hook) side or both sides are available.

ADHESIVE: This is a peel and stick backing to hold a patch in place for a single event. Will not hold up to machine washing. If you desire your patch to stay in place permanently, go with the heatseal option, or plastic and sew your patches.

MAGNETIC: A magnetic strip is placed on the entire back surface, turning your patch into an embroidered magnet.

Choose Desired Embroidery Coverage (This step is required)

Step 5: Border

The most common type of border is a merrowed border, which wraps around the edge of the entire patch, and is always 1/8” in thickness.  This is best for simple shapes, such as circles, squares, rectangles, ect.

A diecut border is cut to the shape of the design and is ideal for more complex custom shapes with many in-cuts and sharp angles.

There is no price difference between these two types of borders. Choose the border that is most appropriate for the design, unless the customer has a specific preference.

Choose border preference: Merrowed Die-Cut

Step 6: Size (This step is required)

The proper size for your custom patch is usually determined by its intended use:
For Hats - 2-1/2" to 3" sizes are most common. For shoulder or front of jacket - 3-1/2" to 5" sizes are preferred. -Back patches usually range from 10 - 17" sizes.

Size =width + height divided by 2

Step 7: Lettering
For best clarity, we recommend that all letters be at least 1/4" tall, which is the equivalent to 14 points in a standard word processing program. Letters smaller than this tend to lose sharpness and will not stand out as effectively as larger letters. Choose contrasting colors for best clarity.

Allow plenty of room for the best legibility. If lettering seems cramped, consider abbreviating. Block letters are most common and work the best. However, many styles of lettering can be reproduced.

Choose desired font: Specify font #1 - Tahoma Bold #2 - Square 721 #3 - Avant Garde #4 - Rockwell #5 - Cheltenhm #6 - Cooper Black #7 - Copperplate Gothic #8 - Athletic #9 - Planet Estyle #10 - Bauhaus #11 - Magnum #12 - Venus Rising #13 - Balder #14 - Jester #15 - Segoe Print #16 - Script ___________________ Biker Font #1 Biker Font #2 Biker Font #3 Biker Font #4 Biker Font #5 Biker Font #6 Biker Font #7 Biker Font #8 Biker Font #9 Biker Font #10 Biker Font #11 Biker Font #12 Biker Font #13 Biker Font #14 Biker Font #15 I'm supplying finished art I'm supplying my own font I need assistance ___________________
View our font options>>

Step 8: Picking Colors
Select contrasting colors for a more dramatic and beautiful embroidered patch. If lightly colored lettering or design elements are desired, then select a dark background color. Use dark lettering or designs on a light background. Using a variety of colors will greatly add to the appearance of your patch.

You may use up to 10 colors and one twill (background) color without incurring any extra charges. So be creative!

Choose up to ten thread colors from our most popular color choices below:

Not enough colors? If you have specific color requirements, see below

If you have access to Pantone Matching System, you may specify exact colors from the PMS Color Chart. Otherwise, you may leave your color matching in the hands of our professional artists.

Step 9: Embroidery Percentage (This step is required)

Every embroidered patch starts with a piece of twill fabric, and then threads are stitched on top of this fabric. Embroidery coverage simply refers to whether or not the entire surface of the twill will be covered by thread.

As you can see in the above example, the patch with less than 100% embroidery coverage has an unstitched background, leaving the gray twill exposed. This is ideal if your design has a large area of solid color. It is also a lower cost option.

Now moving on to the 100% embroidery example. On this patch, thread completely covers the twill. There is no gray showing. The customer decided that they wanted a multi-colored background, therefore making 100% embroidery necessary.

Step 10: Submit Request For Quote