Build Your Printed Patch

Printed patches are custom patches that use Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing to reproduce full-colour artwork onto a fabric patch. This process allows for sharp details, smooth gradients and photographic-quality images that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with embroidery. To give the patch a durable, finished shape, each printed patch is completed with a traditional merrowed edge.

Unlike embroidered patches, which create designs using raised thread, printed patches reproduce the artwork exactly as supplied. This makes them the ideal choice for logos with fine lines, small text, complex illustrations or colour gradients where maintaining every detail is important.

At Emporium Embroidery, our printed patches combine high-quality DTF printing with a professionally applied merrowed border, delivering a durable, full-colour patch with a classic embroidered appearance. If you're unsure whether a printed or embroidered patch is best for your design, our team will recommend the option that delivers the highest quality result.

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.

Yes, printed patches are ideal for designs with gradients, shading and subtle colour transitions. Using Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, we can reproduce smooth blends, photographic images and complex artwork that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with embroidery.

Unlike embroidered patches, which are limited by the available thread colours and stitch techniques, printed patches can accurately reproduce fine details, tonal changes and unlimited colour combinations. This makes them the perfect choice for intricate logos, illustrations and designs that rely on soft gradients or realistic imagery.

At Emporium Embroidery, our printed patches combine high-resolution DTF printing with a traditional merrowed edge to create a durable, professional finish. If your artwork contains gradients or intricate detail, we'll recommend printed patches to ensure your design is reproduced as accurately as possible.

Yes, photographs can be printed onto patches using Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing. Unlike embroidery, which recreates artwork using coloured thread, DTF printing can reproduce photographic images, fine details, smooth gradients and thousands of colours with exceptional clarity.

This makes printed patches an excellent choice for portraits, landscapes, detailed illustrations, complex logos or any design where preserving every detail is important. While the final image quality will depend on the resolution of the photograph provided, high-resolution images produce the best results.

At Emporium Embroidery, our printed patches combine high-quality DTF printing with a traditional merrowed edge to create a durable, professional finish. If you're unsure whether your artwork is better suited to a printed or embroidered patch, our team will review your design and recommend the option that delivers the highest quality outcome.

Printed patches are available with a range of backing options to suit different applications. The most popular choices are sew-on, iron-on and Velcro® hook-and-loop, allowing you to choose the attachment method that best suits your garment or equipment.

Sew-on backing provides the most secure and permanent attachment, making it ideal for uniforms and workwear. Iron-on backing offers a quick and convenient application to suitable fabrics, while Velcro® backing allows patches to be easily removed and replaced, making it a popular choice for military, emergency services, airsoft teams and tactical clothing.

At Emporium Embroidery, we can supply printed patches with the backing option that best meets your needs. If you're unsure which is right for your project, our team will recommend the most suitable solution based on how and where your patches will be used.

Yes, printed patches are water-resistant and are designed to withstand everyday outdoor use. The Direct-to-Film (DTF) print is permanently bonded to the patch material, making it resistant to moisture, light rain and regular washing without the design peeling or fading under normal conditions.

While printed patches perform well in wet environments, they are not completely waterproof if they are sewn or ironed onto garments, as water can still penetrate the fabric itself. For applications that are regularly exposed to harsh weather or heavy abrasion, we'll recommend the most suitable backing and materials to maximise durability.

At Emporium Embroidery, our printed patches are manufactured using high-quality DTF printing and finished with a durable merrowed edge, ensuring they remain vibrant and long-lasting in a wide range of conditions. If your patches are intended for demanding outdoor use, our team can advise on the best construction for your application.

Yes, printed patches can be supplied with an iron-on backing, making them quick and easy to apply to suitable fabrics. The heat-activated adhesive creates a strong bond when applied correctly, making iron-on printed patches a popular choice for jackets, bags, uniforms and promotional clothing.

Iron-on backing works best on cotton and cotton-blend fabrics. Some synthetic, waterproof or heat-sensitive materials may not be suitable for heat application, and for garments that will be washed frequently or subjected to heavy use, stitching around the edge is recommended to provide the most secure and long-lasting attachment.

At Emporium Embroidery, we offer printed patches with premium iron-on backing as well as sew-on and Velcro® options. If you're unsure which backing is best for your application, our team will recommend the most suitable solution to ensure your patches perform as expected.

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

Because each printed patch is custom made, lead times for single patches can vary depending on our current production schedule. Individual orders are often grouped with larger production runs to ensure the highest quality and the most efficient manufacturing process. If you have a specific deadline, we'll always do our best to accommodate it.

At Emporium Embroidery, every printed patch is produced in the UK using high-quality DTF printing and finished with a traditional merrowed edge. Whether you're ordering one patch or thousands, you'll receive the same professional service and attention to detail.

Printed patches are designed to last for years with normal use. Using Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, the design is permanently bonded to the patch material, creating a durable finish that resists cracking, peeling and fading. With proper care, printed patches will maintain their colour and appearance through regular wear and washing.

The lifespan of a printed patch depends on how it's used and the backing option selected. Sew-on patches typically offer the longest service life, while iron-on patches perform well for everyday use but may benefit from being stitched around the edge if they're exposed to frequent washing or heavy-duty conditions. Avoiding excessive heat and harsh chemicals will also help maximise the life of the patch.

At Emporium Embroidery, we manufacture printed patches using premium materials and professional DTF printing to ensure long-lasting performance. If your patches are intended for demanding environments or specialist applications, we'll recommend the most suitable backing and construction to achieve the best possible durability.

Printed patches are the best choice for designs that contain fine details, small text, gradients or photographic images. Because they're produced using Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, they can accurately reproduce artwork that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with embroidery, making them ideal for intricate logos, illustrations and full-colour branding.

They're commonly used by fashion brands, promotional campaigns, events, merchandise, clubs and businesses that want vibrant, high-resolution designs without the limitations of thread colours or stitch density. Printed patches are also an excellent option when maintaining every detail of the original artwork is more important than achieving a raised embroidered finish.

At Emporium Embroidery, we manufacture printed patches in the UK using premium DTF printing and finish each one with a traditional merrowed edge for a professional appearance. If your artwork contains complex graphics or subtle colour transitions, our team will recommend printed patches to ensure the highest quality result.

Production times for printed patches depend on the quantity ordered, the complexity of the artwork and our current production schedule. Every patch is made to order, with your artwork reviewed and prepared before printing to ensure the highest quality finish.

Most standard orders are completed within 5–10 working days after artwork approval, although larger orders or peak production periods may require additional time. Single patch orders are also available, but these may take slightly longer as they are often scheduled alongside larger production runs. If you have a specific deadline, we'll always do our best to meet it.

At Emporium Embroidery, all of our printed patches are manufactured in the UK using high-quality DTF printing and finished with a traditional merrowed edge. We'll confirm your estimated lead time when you place your order, so you know exactly when to expect your patches.

The best artwork for printed patches is a high-resolution PNG or JPEG, as these formats usually provide enough detail to produce a sharp, high-quality print. The clearer the artwork, the better the finished patch will look.

For the best possible results, we also accept vector files, including AI, EPS, PDF and SVG. These formats allow artwork to be scaled without losing quality and are ideal for logos, text and intricate designs. If you don't have a vector file, don't worry—we can usually work from a high-quality image and prepare it for production.

At Emporium Embroidery, every piece of artwork is reviewed before printing to ensure it will produce the best possible result. If your file needs adjusting or converting, our team will prepare it for production and provide a digital proof for your approval before your printed patches are manufactured.

The cost of printed patches depends on the size of the patch, the quantity ordered, the backing option and any additional finishes. For smaller quantities, printed patches are priced similarly to embroidered patches, while larger production runs are generally more cost-effective, making them an excellent choice for high-volume orders.

As a guide, pricing is based primarily on the overall size of the patch, with optional extras such as iron-on backing or Velcro® available for an additional cost. If you're ordering larger quantities, the cost per patch decreases, offering excellent value without compromising on print quality or durability.

At Emporium Embroidery, we provide transparent, no-obligation quotations based on your artwork and requirements. Every order is reviewed by our team to ensure you receive the most suitable and cost-effective solution, with all printed patches manufactured in the UK using high-quality DTF printing and finished with a professional merrowed edge.

We deliver printed patches throughout the UK and internationally using trusted courier services. Delivery times depend on your location and the shipping method selected, but once production is complete, UK orders are typically delivered within 1–2 working days.

As every order is custom made, delivery times are in addition to the production lead time. If you have a specific deadline or event date, let us know when placing your order and we'll advise on the quickest production and shipping options available.

At Emporium Embroidery, all printed patches are manufactured in the UK, carefully quality checked and securely packaged before dispatch. We'll keep you updated throughout the process and provide tracking information where available, so you know exactly when to expect your order.