Are you looking for custom embroidered patches? At Laughing Lizards, we create custom patches of any shape or size for sports teams, businesses, military units, clubs, organizations, or events such as martial arts, scouting, fashion, and other purposes.

No matter what custom patch needs you have, we craft them carefully to produce high-quality custom embroidered patches that will last a long time. And to help you create your dream custom patch, we created this blog to let you know your available options when ordering custom embroidered patches from us.

 

Custom Embroidered Patch Options
Please refer to the options below to determine what type of custom embroidered patch will suit your needs. Our creative team is always ready to help you create your dream custom patch.

1. Woven vs. Embroidered Patch

If you’re looking for custom patches but struggling between embroidered patches and woven patches, then read on to learn more. Both of these patches are the most common type of patches, but each has its own set of unique features. Let’s dive into the core differences between embroidered and woven patches to help you decide the best patch type.

• Embroidered Patch: An embroidered patch is the most popular type of patches in the market today. It is also called a cloth badge, and is a piece of embroidery created using a fabric backing and many threads. They can be seen everywhere and come in different styles, shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Embroidered patches are often used on business merch or company uniforms, military uniforms, a cause promotion, group affiliation, fashion statements, and even as a tool for expressing a personal style.
• Woven Patches: Woven patches have a similar look to embroidery patches, but if you take a closer look, woven patches don’t have the raised look as the embroidery patches. This is because woven patches are made with thinner threads. Thinner threads make it possible to achieve greater details in the design.

The Difference between Embroidered and Woven Patches

• Thread Thickness

Both types of patches use durable, colorful threads, but the difference lies in the thickness of the thread used.
Embroidered patches use thicker threads stitched into a base fabric, giving an embroidered patch a thick and classic look with a unique dimension. While woven patches are created with thinner thread, giving them a smooth, flattened look.

• Text Clarity and Design

The thicker threads used in embroidered patches captured fewer design details than the thinner thread used in woven patches. Fine design details can be easily created in woven patches and smaller spaces because the thread used is thinner. 

• Patch Texture

Embroidered patches have a more textured feel. The design pops out of the patch, giving it a three dimension feel. The patch also feels thicker.
Woven patches have a smooth, non-raised texture. Because the threads are thinner, it provides cleaner lines that look closer to a printed look.

• Color Gradient

The blending effect in embroidered patches can be achieved by overlaying threads on multiple levels. While in woven patches, an illusion of color gradient can be created by concentrating different shades of similar colored threads in small areas.

• Durability and Fade Proof

Embroidered patches are more durable the woven patches because it uses thick threads on a twill background fabric base. Woven patches use thinner threads without an anchoring base fabric. Although it can hold many wash cycles, it is not as durable as embroidered patches.

• Look

Embroidered patches have a more classic, vintage look, giving them a high-end and professional look. While woven patches have a smooth and modern look.

• Flexibility

Because of the thinner threads used in woven patches, woven patches can go on the inside or outside of the cloth without a bulky feeling. Thinner threads make woven patches lighter and more flexible than embroidered patches.

Borders

Another option to consider when designing and ordering custom embroidered patches is the border. The border will have a big impact on how your design will look. However, our creative team can help you choose the right border for your custom patch for a clean and unique look. The two types of borders for custom patches are:

• Hot Cut Border

Hot cut borders, also known as “laser cut” or “satin stitch borders,” are created by embroidering or stitching the border directly into the patch and then cutting it with a laser or hot scissors as close as possible around the border. Because the border is embroidered before cutting out the patch, the cutting tools can create perfect shapes and angles flawlessly. Hot-cut borders are great for patches with complex or unique shapes and offer more flexibility when creating custom patches. 

• Merrowed Border

Merrow border, also called “overlock sewing border,” is the most traditional-looking border you can use. The Merrow stitch is named after the Merrow sewing machine, which is a type of sewing machine that popularized the overlock stitch. 

The overlock stitch wraps around the outside of the patch, creating a wrapped thread border of about two to four millimeters wide. The border adds durability and weight to the patch, which eliminates the possibility of frayed edges. 

Merrow borders are ideal for patches with simple shapes and great for woven and traditional-looking embroidered patches, as they add a vintage look. This border is common in uniforms and basic patch shapes.

Backing

Another essential factor to consider when creating your custom patch is the backing. Patch backing is important because they improve the application and contributes to the patch’s lifespan. The backing secures your patch, which can last for many years. At Laughing Lizards, we offer several types of patch backing, which will give you options to choose from.

• None (Sew On)

Sew-on backing is used to sew patches into clothes. With none or sew-on backing, a patch is sewn by hand or by using a sewing machine. Sewing a patch into a garment is the most secure way of attaching patches because the patch will stay in the exact location even after washing and wearing. 

• Iron-On

Custom embroidered patch with iron-on backing has an adhesive backing that is activated when heated. Using an iron to attach patches is the fastest and easiest way to attach patches to garments. To learn more on how to iron patches, click here.

• Velcro

Velcro backing has a loop and hook backing, which allows the patch to be easily attached to something. The loop is sewn on clothes, and the hook is sewn to the patch. A velcro backing is an easy way to secure a patch to your clothes, jacket, hat, backpack, uniform, and accessories. This backing is very durable and will last longer than adhesive backing. 

• Sticker

Sticker backing is made of sticky adhesive paper backing that you need to feel away and simply stick your patch on any fabric or material. Sticker backing is ideal for temporary use and is not as durable as the other backings. 

Why Choose Laughing Lizards?

Laughing Lizards have been creating high-quality custom and embroidered patches for several years. Our goal is to provide high-quality patches and to make patch ordering easy. 

We offer a wide variety of custom-embroidered patches for your specific needs. Our creative team is always happy to help you make your dream patch a reality. 

Click here to get a quote for your first set of custom patches.