Custom Printed Patches
Your artwork printed in full color with photo level detail. Gradients, shading, and unlimited colors that thread simply cannot do. No minimum order, and a free design proof within 24 hours.
Get a Free QuoteWhat Are Custom Printed Patches?
A printed patch is made by dye sublimation printing. Your design is printed with special dye and heat pressed into polyester fabric, so the dye becomes part of the fabric itself. The result is a smooth, flat patch that can carry a photograph, a gradient, or artwork with dozens of colors, with nothing raised and nothing stitched.
It is the only patch type with no color limits and no detail limits. If your logo has a gradient, your artwork is a painting, or you want a team photo on a patch, printing is how it gets done. Add a stitched border and you even get the best of both worlds: full color print in the middle, classic embroidery around the edge. Send us your artwork, approve a free digital proof, and we print your patches to your exact size and backing.
Unlimited Colors
A photo costs the same to print as a two color logo.
Photo Realistic Detail
Gradients, shading, and fine artwork reproduced exactly.
Smooth, Flat Finish
Lightweight patches that sit clean on any garment.
Free Proof in 24 Hours
See your exact design before we print.
Why Choose Printed Patches?
Unlimited Colors
Ten colors or ten thousand, the price is the same. Color count never raises your cost.
Photo Realistic Detail
Photographs, illustrations, and complex artwork reproduce with sharp accuracy.
True Gradients and Shading
Smooth color blends that embroidery and weaving cannot match.
Smooth and Lightweight
A flat, flexible finish that sits comfortably on light garments and hats.
Color That Lives in the Fabric
The dye becomes part of the fabric, so the design will not crack or peel off.
Great Value in Bulk
Printing is one of the most affordable patch types for large, colorful runs.
Sizes, Borders, and Backings
Every printed patch is made to order. These choices shape the final look and price.
Your Artwork
Photos, paintings, digital art, logos with gradients, and detailed illustrations all print beautifully. High resolution files give the sharpest result, and our design team will tell you honestly if a file needs a touch up. Your free proof shows the print exactly as it will look.
Sizes and Shapes
Standard shapes include circle, square, rectangle, and oval. Custom shapes are cut to follow your artwork. Printed patches usually start around 2 inches, where photos and detail read best, and can run to large jacket back sizes. Patch size is measured as the average of width and height.
Borders
- Merrowed border: A wrapped thread edge for the classic patch outline. Best for standard shapes.
- Embroidered border: A stitched edge in your choice of thread color, framing the print with a premium finish.
- Laser cut or hot cut edge: A clean, sealed edge cut to your shape with no stitched border. Best for complex outlines.
Backing Options
- Iron-on: Bonds with heat in minutes. Best for hats, jackets, and bags.
- Sew-on: The strongest, most permanent hold. Best for uniforms and workwear.
- Velcro (hook and loop): Swap patches in seconds on gear, vests, and uniforms.
- Peel and stick: Adhesive back for events, packaging, and temporary branding.
Who Orders Custom Printed Patches?
If the design is the star and color is non negotiable, printed is the patch that does it justice.
- Artists and illustrators: Artwork and paintings turned into wearable merch.
- Teams and events: Photo patches, tournament art, and colorful sponsor designs.
- Brands with gradient logos: Modern logos with blends and many colors, reproduced exactly.
- Pet and memorial patches: Favorite photos carried on jackets, bags, and quilts.
- Schools and clubs: Detailed crests and full color mascot art.
- Promotional campaigns: Affordable full color giveaways in large quantities.
Printed or Embroidered: Which One Do You Need?
Choose printed if your design has gradients, photographs, or many colors, or if fine artwork detail matters more than texture. Printing reproduces your design exactly as you drew it.
Choose embroidered if you want the raised, textured, classic patch feel and your design uses a limited set of bold colors. For rough outdoor wear, embroidered and PVC also handle abrasion harder than a printed surface. Honest guidance is free: send us your artwork and we will tell you which type serves it best.
Quick Rule of Thumb
- Photos, gradients, many colors: go printed.
- Classic texture, bold simple logo: go embroidered.
- Color print with a stitched frame: ask for printed with an embroidered border.
How Ordering Works
Send Your Design
Upload your artwork or just describe your idea. Our team handles the rest.
Approve Your Proof
Get a free digital proof within 24 hours. Unlimited revisions until it is perfect.
We Print Your Patches
Your design is dye printed into the fabric, finished with your chosen border and backing, and checked piece by piece.
Delivered to Your Door
Fast, tracked shipping. Most orders arrive within 2 to 3 weeks.
What Affects the Price of Printed Patches?
One simple rule first: the number of colors in your design does not change the price. These four things do:
- Size: Bigger patches use more fabric and print area.
- Quantity: The per patch price drops as quantity goes up. Bulk orders save the most.
- Border: An embroidered or merrowed border adds a stitching step compared with a plain cut edge.
- Backing: Velcro and specialty backings add a little more than standard iron-on.
What you will never find here: hidden fees. The quote you approve is the price you pay. Send your design and get your exact price free, with no obligation.
Get My Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Can you turn a photo into a patch?
Yes. Photographs are exactly what printed patches do best. Family photos, pet portraits, team pictures, and artwork all reproduce in full color. Send the highest resolution file you have, and your free proof will show the result before we print.
Do more colors cost more on printed patches?
No. Dye sublimation printing is a digital process, so a full color photograph costs the same to print as a simple two color logo. Colors never change your price.
Are printed patches durable?
The dye becomes part of the fabric, so the design will not crack, peel, or wash out. Printed patches handle everyday wear and washing well. For gear that takes constant rough abrasion, embroidered or PVC patches are the harder wearing choice, and we will tell you if your use case calls for them.
What is the difference between printed and embroidered patches?
Embroidered patches stitch thread onto fabric for a raised, textured look with a limited color palette. Printed patches dye the design into the fabric for a flat finish with unlimited colors, gradients, and photo detail. Same job, different strengths.
Is there a minimum order for printed patches?
No. You can order a single printed patch or a bulk run of thousands. Every order gets the same print quality and the same final check before shipping.
How long will my printed patch order take?
Your free digital proof arrives within 24 hours. Once you approve it, most orders are produced and delivered within 2 to 3 weeks.