Help & Advice

Frequently asked questions about patches

27 answers on artwork and print data, production, prices, ordering and care – gathered from almost 40 years of experience with custom patches. Nothing that fits? Write to us, we usually reply within 24 hours.

Artwork & print data

Which file format do I need for my patch?

Ideally, supply your artwork as Vector file (AI, EPS or PDF) – outlines and colours can be taken from these exactly. Don't have a vector file? That's no problem: a high-resolution PNG or JPG is enough in most cases. We check every design free of charge and get in touch if anything needs reworking.

What resolution does my file need?

As a rule of thumb 300 dpi at original size. So for a patch 8 cm wide, the file should be at least around 960 pixels wide. With vector files the resolution is irrelevant – they can be scaled without any loss.

How many colours can a patch have?

That depends on the Manufacturing method from: embroidered and woven patches we produce with up to 8 colours. For printed patches the number of colours is practically unlimited – colour gradients and photo motifs are possible too.

Can I have colour gradients or photos reproduced?

Embroidery and weaving use fixed thread colours – real gradients or photos cannot be reproduced with them. Fine gradients are translated into clearly separated blocks of colour. If your design absolutely needs gradients or photorealism, printed patches the right choice.

How small can lettering and details be?

On embroidered patches the lettering height should at least around 4 mm otherwise the letters run together. Woven patches can be considerably finer – small lettering and thin lines are possible here. We check your artwork in advance and tell you honestly what can be done at the size you want.

Why doesn't deep black look completely black on printed patches?

Printing works in the CMYK process, where absolute deep black cannot be fully achieved technically – a slight grey cast remains. If a rich black is crucial for your design, we recommend embroidered or woven patches with a black base fabric or black thread.

Do I get to see a sample before production?

Yes. Before production you will receive a Proof for your approval. Only once you approve it does your patch go into production. On request we also produce a physical pre-production sample for a surcharge.

Production, material & options

Embroidered, woven or printed – what is the difference?

Embroidered looks three-dimensional and high quality, is particularly robust and is the classic choice for club and company crests. Woven allows finer detail and smaller lettering with a flatter surface. Printed reproduces unlimited colours, gradients and photos. You can find a detailed comparison in our Magazine articles.

What is the difference between a merrowed border and a laser cut?

When chain stitch edge the edge is overstitched with thread – this gives the typical, sturdy patch border. With the Laser cutting the edge is sealed with heat; this allows any outline and a flatter appearance, without the fabric fraying.

Twill or felt – which base fabric is better?

twill fabric is our standard: robust, washable and suitable for almost any purpose. felt looks softer and more traditional, costs 10 % surcharge and is not washable – it is therefore more suitable for decorative patches than for work or sportswear.

Are metallic colours possible?

Yes. Gold and Silver are available as metal threads for 20 % surcharge available, Bronze against 50 % surcharge. Metal threads are available for embroidered and woven patches.

What fastenings are there – sewing on, ironing on or hook-and-loop?

By default, patches are sewn on. Optionally we offer a Ironing surface (+€0.20 per piece) and Velcro (+€0.50 per piece). Hook-and-loop is recommended wherever the patch needs to be changed – for example on duty or club clothing.

How do you iron on a patch correctly?

  • Set the iron to its highest setting, without steam
  • Spread the fabric out flat and briefly pre-iron the spot
  • Place the patch down and lay a thin cloth over it
  • With printing, iron for 20–30 seconds from the inside out
  • Turn the garment inside out and iron again from the back

For heavily used clothing we recommend stitching the patch on as well.

Which shapes and sizes are possible?

Round, oval, rectangular, as a crest or in a completely free outline – your artwork determines the shape. Up to a average size of 12.7 cm you can see the price directly in the Calculator calculate. We also produce larger patches – these are quoted individually.

Ordering & delivery

How do I order patches with my own artwork?

In four steps: you calculate your price in the Price calculator, send us your artwork, receive a proof for approval – then production starts. You can also send us your artwork directly via the Contact form send it; we usually get back to you with a quote within 24 hours.

Is there a minimum order quantity?

We produce from 10 pieces. Smaller runs are possible on request – just get in touch.

How long is the delivery time?

After your approval, the delivery time is usually approx. 5–6 weeks. For urgent projects, an Express production on request possible – please get in touch early and we will check what can be done.

Are there any extra or postage costs?

Within within Germany we deliver postage-free. For deliveries abroad, the shipping costs depend on the destination country. There are no hidden costs with us: digitising your artwork and the sample approval are included in the price.

Can I order on account as a club or company?

Yes. For business customers, clubs and public authorities, the Purchase on account possible. The usual payment methods are also available – you can find an overview on our page Payment methods.

Can I change my order afterwards?

As long as you have not yet approved the proof, changes to the design, size or quantity are no problem. Once approved, production starts – from that point we unfortunately cannot take changes into account. If in doubt, call us immediately on 09833 98894-0.

Prices & discounts

How much does a patch cost?

The price depends on Version, size and quantity. An embroidered patch up to 7.6 cm costs around 2,44 € per piece, at 500 pieces only around 1,37 €. You can calculate your exact price in seconds in the Patch price calculator.

Why are woven patches more expensive for small quantities?

The weaving machine has to be set up again for every design. These fixed costs only spread out sensibly across larger runs – from around 100 pieces woven patches are therefore very good value; for very small quantities, embroidered ones are usually the better choice.

Do the prices include VAT?

Yes, all prices shown on the website are including statutory VAT and, within Germany, including shipping.

Are there quantity discounts?

Yes – the unit price drops automatically with the print run. You can find the full quantity discounts for embroidered, woven and printed patches in the Price tables.

Care & durability

How do I wash my patches correctly?

Patches sewn onto twill fabric are washable. Wash the garment inside out and avoid tumble dryers and aggressive bleach. You can find detailed advice in our guide Washing patches. Patches with a felt backing are not washable.

Do iron-on patches hold permanently?

An iron-on backing holds well under normal use, but comes away over time with frequent washing or on heavily worn workwear. If the patch is to stay put permanently, we recommend to be stitched on as well.

Do the colours fade over time?

We work with colourfast, high-quality threads. With normal care, embroidered and woven patches stay colour-stable for years. Direct, prolonged sunlight and frequent washing at high temperatures can nevertheless reduce colour intensity over the long term.

Your question wasn't there?

We advise you personally – from choosing the version through size and colours to the best way to reproduce your design. Whether a one-off for a club or a large run for your company: you get a free, no-obligation quote – usually within 24 hours.

Embroidered patch. Metal threads
Base fabric for patches
Patch with special fastening
Shapes of patches