Build Your Embroidered Patch

An embroidered patch is a fabric badge created by stitching coloured thread onto a twill or cordura canvas backing to reproduce a logo, badge or design. They are one of the most durable and professional branding solutions available and are commonly used for uniforms, workwear, clubs, military units, motorcycle groups, fashion brands and promotional merchandise.

Unlike printed patches, embroidered patches use raised thread to create texture and depth, giving them a premium appearance. Modern embroidery machines can reproduce intricate logos using
thousands of stitches while maintaining excellent durability.

Most embroidered patches are available with several backing options including sew-on, iron-on, and Velcro® hook-and-loop.

At Emporium Embroidery, every embroidered patch is produced in the UK using commercial embroidery equipment, with custom sizes, shapes and colours available.

Embroidered patches are made by stitching thousands of threads onto a durable fabric backing using a commercial embroidery machine. Before production begins, your artwork is professionally digitised into a stitch file that tells the machine exactly how to recreate the design.

The embroidery is sewn onto materials such as polyester twill or cordura canvas before being finished with your choice of backing, including sew-on, iron-on or Velcro®, and cut to shape with either a merrow border or precision laser cutting.

Unlike printed patches, embroidered patches use raised thread to create a textured, premium finish that is highly durable and ideal for uniforms, workwear, clubs, fashion and branded merchandise.

At Emporium Embroidery, every patch is professionally digitised, quality checked and manufactured in the UK using commercial embroidery equipment, ensuring crisp detail, vibrant colours and a professional finish on every order.

The right backing depends on how your patch will be used. The most popular options are sew-on, iron-on, Velcro® hook-and-loop, adhesive, and no backing for customers who want maximum flexibility.

Sew-on patches offer the strongest and most permanent attachment, making them ideal for uniforms and workwear. Iron-on patches feature a heat-activated adhesive for quick application to suitable fabrics, while Velcro® backing allows patches to be removed and replaced easily, making it popular with military, emergency services, airsoft teams and outdoor gear. Adhesive backing is best suited for temporary use, events or packaging.

At Emporium Embroidery, we offer a range of backing options to suit your application and can recommend the most suitable finish based on the garment, intended use and required durability. Every patch is manufactured in the UK and finished to the highest standard, ensuring it looks great and performs reliably.

Yes, embroidered patches can be ironed onto many fabrics using a heat-activated adhesive backing. This backing creates a strong bond when applied with the correct temperature and pressure, making it a convenient option for jackets, bags, uniforms and other suitable garments.

While iron-on backing provides a secure attachment, it works best on natural fibres such as cotton and cotton blends. Some synthetic fabrics, waterproof materials and heat-sensitive garments may not be suitable for ironing. For items that will be washed frequently or used in demanding environments, sewing around the edge of the patch after ironing is recommended for maximum durability.

At Emporium Embroidery, we offer embroidered patches with premium iron-on backing and can advise whether it's the right choice for your application. If another backing option, such as sew-on or Velcro®, would provide better performance, our team will recommend the most suitable solution before production begins.

Yes, embroidered patches are highly durable and can be washed regularly when they are applied correctly. The stitched design is created using colourfast embroidery thread, making it resistant to fading, fraying and everyday wear, even after repeated washing.

For the best results, wash garments with embroidered patches at a moderate temperature and avoid harsh bleach or high-heat tumble drying where possible. Sew-on patches offer the greatest long-term durability, while iron-on patches should be applied correctly and may benefit from being stitched around the edge if the garment is washed frequently or used in demanding environments.

At Emporium Embroidery, we manufacture high-quality embroidered patches using premium threads and materials designed for long-lasting performance. Whether you choose sew-on, iron-on or Velcro® backing, we'll recommend the best option to ensure your patches remain secure and look their best for years to come.

Yes, embroidered patches can usually be dry cleaned, provided they are made with high-quality materials and attached correctly. Commercial embroidery threads are designed to withstand professional cleaning processes, making embroidered patches suitable for uniforms, blazers and other garments that require dry cleaning.

Sew-on patches are generally the best choice for items that will be dry cleaned regularly, as they provide the most secure and durable attachment. While many iron-on adhesives can withstand occasional dry cleaning, repeated exposure to dry cleaning solvents may reduce the strength of the adhesive over time, so stitching around the edge is recommended for added security.

At Emporium Embroidery, we manufacture patches using premium threads and durable backing materials that are suitable for demanding environments. If your patches are intended for garments that will be professionally dry cleaned, we'll recommend the most appropriate backing option to ensure long-lasting performance.

Yes, embroidered patches can be made in almost any shape, allowing you to create designs that perfectly match your logo, badge or artwork. Whether you need circles, squares, shields, name tapes or completely custom outlines, modern manufacturing techniques make it possible to produce patches in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Simple shapes can be finished with a traditional merrow border for a classic look, while more intricate designs are precision laser cut or heat cut to follow the exact outline of the artwork. This makes custom-shaped patches ideal for branding, uniforms, clubs, military insignia and fashion labels where a distinctive finish is important.

At Emporium Embroidery, we manufacture custom patches in virtually any shape, with expert advice on the best border and cutting method for your design. Every patch is produced in the UK using commercial embroidery equipment to ensure a clean, professional finish that accurately reflects your artwork.

A merrow edge is a thick, overlocked stitched border that wraps around the outside of an embroidered patch to protect the edges from fraying while giving it a classic, professional finish. It is one of the most popular edging options for embroidered patches and is commonly used on uniforms, military badges, scout patches and workwear.

Merrow edging is best suited to simple shapes such as circles, squares, rectangles and shields, where the border can follow smooth curves and straight edges. For highly detailed or irregular designs, a laser-cut or heat-cut border is often a better choice, as it allows the patch to follow the exact outline of the artwork. Due to the additional setup and machinery required, merrow edging is only available on orders of 50 patches or more.

At Emporium Embroidery, we offer both traditional merrow edging and precision laser-cut borders, helping you choose the best finish for your design. Our team will recommend the most suitable option based on your artwork, quantity and intended use to ensure the highest quality result.

Yes, we can colour match your logo using Pantone® references wherever possible. If you can provide your brand's Pantone colour codes, we'll select the closest available embroidery thread colours to achieve the best possible match across your design.

Unlike digital printing, embroidery uses coloured thread, so it's not always possible to achieve an exact Pantone match. There are millions of colour variations, but embroidery threads and patch materials are manufactured in a finite range of shades. Factors such as thread texture, stitch direction and the base fabric can also affect how a colour appears, meaning slight variations are sometimes unavoidable.

At Emporium Embroidery, we use premium thread ranges and experienced colour matching to ensure your embroidered patches closely reflect your brand colours. If an exact Pantone match isn't available, we'll recommend the nearest alternative and provide a digital proof for approval before production begins, so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes, embroidered patches can reproduce fine details, but there are practical limits. Using smaller embroidery needles, lighter-weight threads and expert digitising, we can achieve excellent definition for intricate logos, symbols and lettering while maintaining a clean, professional finish.

For text, we recommend a minimum letter height of 3mm to ensure it remains clear and legible. Below 3mm, standard satin stitching is no longer possible, so we use a running stitch instead. While this allows very small text to be represented, it won't appear as bold or as crisp as larger embroidered lettering. For artwork with extremely fine details or very small text, a printed patch may produce a better result.

At Emporium Embroidery, every design is reviewed by an experienced digitiser before production. We'll advise if any elements need to be adjusted for embroidery and provide a digital proof for approval, ensuring your finished patches deliver the best possible balance of detail, durability and appearance.

The best files to send are high-quality PNG or JPEG images, as these usually provide enough detail for our team to create an accurate embroidery file. If your logo or artwork is clear and high resolution, we can often work directly from these formats.

For the highest level of accuracy, we also accept vector artwork such as AI, EPS, PDF and SVG files. Vector files contain scalable artwork, making them ideal for reproducing fine details and ensuring the best possible embroidery results. If you don't have a vector file, don't worry—we can usually convert your artwork into a production-ready embroidery design.

At Emporium Embroidery, every order is professionally digitised before production, regardless of the file format you provide. If your artwork needs cleaning up or converting, our team will take care of it and provide a digital proof for your approval before your patches are embroidered.

No, there is no minimum order quantity for our embroidered patches. Whether you need a single sample, a small batch or a large production run, we can manufacture patches to suit your requirements.

Orders of 25 patches or more benefit from the best value, as orders under 25 units are subject to a one-off setup charge. This covers the professional digitising and machine setup required to prepare your artwork for embroidery. Once your design has been set up, repeat orders can usually be produced without this charge, provided the artwork remains unchanged.

At Emporium Embroidery, we offer the same high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship and attention to detail regardless of order size. Our team will provide a clear quotation upfront, so you'll know exactly what's included before production begins.

Yes, you can order a single embroidered patch. We don't have a minimum order quantity, so whether you need one patch, a prototype or a larger production run, we're happy to help.

Because every custom design requires professional digitising and machine setup before production can begin, orders of fewer than 25 patches are subject to a one-off setup charge. This covers preparing your artwork for embroidery and setting up the machines. If you reorder the same design in the future, this setup charge can usually be avoided, provided no changes are made to the artwork.

At Emporium Embroidery, every order receives the same level of care and attention, regardless of quantity. Whether you're creating a one-off sample or placing a bulk order, we'll provide a digital proof for approval and manufacture your patches in the UK to the highest professional standard.

The cost of embroidered patches depends on several factors, including the size of the patch, the number of thread colours, the backing option and the quantity ordered. Smaller patches with fewer colours are the most economical, while larger patches or those with additional features such as metallic thread or specialist backings will cost more.

As a guide, our smallest embroidered patches (up to 25cm²) start from £1.86 per patch for designs with 1–3 colours, while larger patches increase in price depending on their size and complexity. Designs with 4–6 colours or 7–9 colours carry a small additional cost, and colours beyond this are charged at £0.10 per additional colour. Sew-on backing is included as standard, while options such as iron-on backing are available for a small additional charge. Premium threads, including metallic or glow-in-the-dark, are also available at an extra cost. The pricing guide is intended as an estimate and final quotations may vary depending on the design and specification.

At Emporium Embroidery, we provide clear, no-obligation quotations based on your artwork and requirements. Every order is professionally reviewed to ensure you receive the most cost-effective solution, with high-quality UK manufacturing and a digital proof included before production begins.

Production times depend on the size of your patches, the quantity ordered and our current production schedule. As every order is made to order, we first prepare your artwork, produce a digital proof for approval and then manufacture your patches using commercial embroidery equipment.

As a guide, we can produce up to 250 small embroidered patches per day or approximately 50 large patches per day. Once your artwork has been approved, most standard orders are completed within 5–10 working days, although larger or more complex orders may require additional time. If you have a specific deadline, we'll always do our best to accommodate it.

At Emporium Embroidery, all patches are manufactured in the UK, allowing us to maintain strict quality control and offer reliable lead times. We'll confirm an estimated production schedule when you place your order, so you know exactly when to expect your finished patches.

Yes, all of our embroidered patches are manufactured in the United Kingdom. From digitising your artwork to embroidery, finishing and quality inspection, every stage of production is completed in-house using commercial embroidery equipment and premium materials.

Manufacturing in the UK allows us to maintain strict quality control, provide faster lead times and ensure every patch meets our high standards. It also gives us the flexibility to produce everything from one-off prototypes to large production runs while offering direct support throughout the process.

At Emporium Embroidery, we're proud to manufacture custom embroidered patches in the UK for businesses, military organisations, clubs, fashion brands and individuals. Every order is professionally digitised, quality checked and produced with the craftsmanship and attention to detail that has been at the heart of British embroidery for generations.

Yes, embroidered patches can be fully personalised to suit your exact requirements. You can customise almost every aspect of the patch, including the shape, size, thread colours, border style, backing option and design. Whether you need a company logo, name badge, club emblem, military insignia or a unique one-off design, we can create a patch that's tailored to your specifications.

Personalised patches are ideal for businesses, sports teams, schools, fashion brands, events and promotional merchandise. We can also produce individual names, sequential numbers and other custom details where required, making each patch unique while maintaining a consistent, professional appearance.

At Emporium Embroidery, every personalised patch is professionally digitised and manufactured in the UK using commercial embroidery equipment. We'll provide a digital proof for your approval before production begins, ensuring your finished patches look exactly as intended.

The best patch size depends on your artwork and where the patch will be applied, but bigger is almost always better. A larger patch allows for greater detail, clearer text and a higher-quality embroidered finish, while very small patches can limit how much detail can be reproduced.

As a general rule, we recommend choosing the largest size that comfortably fits your garment or application. If your design contains fine details, small lettering or multiple colours, increasing the patch size will significantly improve the overall appearance. While we can produce very small patches, text should ideally be at least 3mm high to remain legible, and extremely fine details may need to be simplified at smaller sizes.

At Emporium Embroidery, we'll review your artwork and recommend the most suitable patch size before production. If we believe increasing the size will improve the finish or readability, we'll advise you during the proofing process to ensure you receive the best possible result.

Yes, you can reorder your embroidered patches at any time. Once your design has been digitised and approved, we keep the embroidery file on record, making it quick and easy to produce additional patches whenever you need them.

Reordering an existing design is usually faster than creating a new one, as the artwork has already been prepared for production. If your design remains unchanged, repeat orders can typically be produced without the initial setup charge that applies to orders of fewer than 25 patches. If you'd like to make changes to the size, colours or design, we'll review the artwork and advise if any additional digitising is required.

At Emporium Embroidery, we make repeat ordering simple and hassle-free. Whether you need a small top-up order or another large production run, we'll ensure your patches are manufactured to the same high standard, providing consistency across every order.

Embroidered patches are the best choice if you want a premium, textured and highly durable finish. Instead of printing ink onto fabric, embroidered patches are created using coloured thread, giving them depth, a professional appearance and excellent resistance to wear. They are ideal for uniforms, workwear, military insignia, clubs, fashion brands and corporate branding where durability and quality are a priority.

Printed patches are better suited to designs with very fine details, gradients or photographic images that can't be accurately recreated with embroidery. While printed patches can reproduce intricate artwork, embroidered patches offer the classic raised finish that many organisations prefer and are often considered the more traditional and prestigious option.

At Emporium Embroidery, we manufacture both embroidered and printed patches and will always recommend the most suitable option for your artwork. If your design will achieve the best result with embroidery, we'll ensure it's professionally digitised and produced in the UK to deliver a durable, high-quality finish that stands the test of time.