Custom Patch Manufacturer: Types, Materials & How to Order (2026 Guide)

Custom patches are one of the most versatile branding tools in apparel — used on caps, jackets, workwear, bags, uniforms and promotional merchandise. This guide explains every major patch type, the materials and backings available, and how to order custom patches from a manufacturer.</p><h2>The 8 main types of custom patches</h2><ul><li>Embroidered patches — thread stitched onto a twill base; the classic durable patch. Available flat, 3D puff, with merrowed or laser-cut borders.</li><li>Woven patches — fine thread woven flat, holding much smaller text and detail than embroidery.</li><li>Sublimated (printed) patches — dye-sublimation printing for unlimited colours, gradients and photographic artwork on polyester.</li><li>PVC / rubber patches — moulded soft PVC, waterproof and hard-wearing, ideal for tactical and outdoor brands.</li><li>Chenille patches — plush varsity/letterman texture in yarn on a felt base.</li><li>Leather patches — genuine or vegan leather, debossed, embossed or laser-engraved, popular on denim and caps.</li><li>Iron-on / heat-seal patches — any patch type with heat-activated adhesive backing for fast application.</li><li>Bullion patches — hand-embroidered metallic wire crests for blazers and ceremonial use.</li></ul><h2>Backing options</h2><p>Every patch can be finished with a backing to suit its use: iron-on (heat-seal adhesive), velcro (hook-and-loop, popular for morale and tactical patches), sew-on (plain or merrowed edge) or self-adhesive. Choose based on the garment and whether the patch needs to be removable.</p><h2>Artwork requirements</h2><p>Vector artwork (AI, EPS, PDF) is ideal, but a clear PNG or JPG can be digitised. For embroidery and weaving, artwork is converted to a stitch file; for sublimation and PVC it is colour-matched to Pantone. Reputable manufacturers produce a physical or digital sample for approval before bulk.</p><h2>How to order custom patches</h2><ol><li>Send artwork, size, quantity and preferred patch type.</li><li>Receive a quote and digitised mock-up.</li><li>Approve a sample.</li><li>Bulk production and delivery.</li></ol><h2>Get a Custom Patch Quote</h2><p>Mughal Apparel is a B2B custom patch manufacturer in Daska, Sialkot, Pakistan. We produce OEM and private-label patches — embroidered, woven, sublimated, PVC, chenille, leather, iron-on and bullion — at MOQ 50 pieces, with 10–12 business-day samples and 12–20 day bulk production, shipped DDP door-to-door to the USA, UK and EU under GSP+ 0% import duty. <a href="/contact">Send your artwork for a free quote and mock-up within 24 hours.</a>