How to Make Custom Embroidery Patches: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating custom embroidery patches is a fulfilling way to express your creativity or bring a brand’s vision to life. Whether you're crafting a patch for a personal project or starting a business, understanding the process and materials is key to achieving high-quality results. With custom patches, you can add personal flair to clothing, accessories, or even home decor. The good news is that it’s easier than ever to make them, even if you’re working from home.

In this blog post, we will discuss everything from the essential steps of making your own custom embroidery patches to sharing insights into the best materials to offer tips for those who want to start a business in this industry.

Let's start with the essentials of custom embroidery patches

What Materials Are Needed to Make Custom Embroidery Patches?

To get started, you must gather a few essential materials like fabric, stabilizer, heat-n-bond, fray check, embroidery thread, and embroidery machine. Now discuss. 

Fabric: 

Image Source

The main item is fabric, with Poly Twill being a popular choice due to its durability. It provides a solid base that holds stitches well, ensuring your designs last for a long time.

Stabilizer: 

Image Source

You’ll also need a stabilizer to keep the fabric in place as you work, which prevents puckering.

Embroidery Thread:

Image Source

Other necessary materials include embroidery thread, which comes in various colors to match your design.

Heat-n-Bond:

Image Source

Heat-n-Bond is a type of adhesive that will help your patches easily adhere to clothing or other surfaces.

Fray Check: 

Image Source

Don't forget Fray Check, which will help seal the edges of your patch and keep them from unraveling.

While you can use a basic home embroidery machine, investing in an industrial-grade machine will provide higher precision, especially for more complex designs.

Type of Custom Embroidery Patches

Embroidery patches come in various forms, each designed for different uses and finishes. Embroidered patches are perhaps the most common, as they create intricate, raised designs that look professional. 

On the other hand, Woven patches are created with finer thread, allowing for more detailed images. If you need a patch that can withstand outdoor conditions, PVC patches made of rubber are a durable option, and Chenille patches, which are soft and textured, are great for creating a retro look often seen on varsity jackets.

Understanding the differences between patch types can help you select the best option for your needs. For instance, embroidered patches provide a classic aesthetic, while woven patches help for more intricate detail.

Do you know how to make embroidery patterns? Check out this blog: How To Make Embroidery Patterns  

DIY Custom Embroidery Patches Made Easy: Step-by-Step

Here’s a simplified guide to making your own embroidery patches at home:

Step 1: Design Your Patch

Image Source

 Use design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to create your custom design. Ensure the design is in a format your embroidery machine can read.

Step 2: Choose Your Fabric and Backing 

Image Source

For a durable patch, use poly twill fabric with a stabilizer. Apply Heat-n-Bond to the back of the fabric to ensure it will adhere to garments easily.

Step 3: Stitch the Design 

Image Source

Set your embroidery machine and load your design. Ensure you use the right thread colors and hoop your fabric securely.

Step 4: Finish the Patch

Image Source

After stitching, use Fray Check to seal the edges of the patch. Trim any excess fabric to give your patch a clean, professional look.

Step 5: Iron-On Backing (Optional)

Image Source

For patches that need to be attached easily, apply an iron-on backing using a heat press.

What Fabric Should You Use to Make Embroidery Patches?

Poly Twill is the best fabric to create long-lasting and professional-looking patches. It's strong and can withstand embroidery. and is commonly used for commercial patch production. For DIY projects, you can also experiment with fabrics like felt or cotton. The key is to choose a material that won’t fray easily and can hold the stitches securely.

The backing is equally important, and using a good stabilizer will prevent any unwanted puckering, keeping your design clean and attractive. This attention to detail in choosing materials ensures that your patches will hold up well over time, regardless of how frequently they’re used.

Tips for Choosing the Right Custom Embroidery Patch Maker

If you’re looking to outsource your custom patches, choosing the right patch maker is important. Consider these factors:

• Quality of Materials: Ensure they use high-quality fabrics and threads.
  
  

• Customization Options: Do they offer a wide range of patch types, borders, and backing options?
  
  

• Production Time: Look for a provider that can deliver within your required timeframe.
  
  

• Pricing: Make sure their prices are competitive for the quality they offer.

At True Digitizing, providing custom embroidery patches with exceptional quality and detail. Our service ensures your designs are converted perfectly onto patches, and we offer a range of materials and customization options to suit any project.

Easy Ways to Attach Patches on Clothes

Attaching patches to clothing is easy, and there are several methods you can use. But there are 3 easy ways to attach your patch on cloths.

Iron-On:

Image Source

Simply place the patch on any fabric, cover it with a cloth, and press with a hot iron for 10-15 seconds.

Sewing:

Image Source

For a more permanent attachment, sew around the edges of the patch.

Adhesive Backing: 

Image Source

Some patches come with peel-and-stick adhesive backing for temporary attachment.

Advanced Techniques for Professional Results

For those looking to create patches with a professional edge, here are a few advanced  tips for you:

• Use a Merrow Border: This gives your patch a clean, durable edge.
  
  

• Digitizing Software: Use digitizing software to convert your designs into machine-friendly embroidery files.
  
  

• Test Stitch: Always run a test stitch on scrap fabric to ensure your design looks correct before stitching on the final fabric.

What Is the Best Material for Homemade Patches?

The best material for homemade patches is Poly Twill. It’s durable, resistant to fraying, and holds embroidery stitches well, making it the fabric of choice for many commercial patches.

How Do I Start My Own Embroidery Business?

If you're thinking about starting an embroidery business, the first step is investing in the right equipment. Multi-needle embroidery machines are right for this type of work because they can handle intricate designs and multiple colors simultaneously.