Custom patches are one of the most versatile branding tools in custom apparel. They can be sewn onto virtually anything — hats, jackets, bags, backpacks, uniforms, workwear, merchandise — and they create a distinctive, high-quality look that printed decoration on a garment can't always achieve.
At Personal Graphics, we offer three types of custom patches: sublimation patches, embroidered patches, and laser-engraved leather patches. Each has its own aesthetic, production method, and ideal use case. We'll help you figure out which one is right for your project.
The Three Types of Custom Patches We Offer
SUBLIMATION PATCHES — Full Color, In-House, No Minimum
Sublimation patches are produced in-house using burlap sublimatable blanks from JDS Industries — a trusted supplier with an extensive catalog of patch shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. The sublimation process bonds full-color ink directly into the patch material, producing vibrant, detailed results that won't crack, peel, or fade.
Because sublimation supports unlimited colors, gradients, and photographic detail, it's the best option for complex logos, illustrated designs, and full-color artwork. Patches are available in many stock shapes and materials from the JDS catalog.
No minimum order quantity. Produced in-house for faster turnaround.
EMBROIDERED PATCHES — Classic Texture, Minimum 50 Pieces
Embroidered patches bring the classic look and feel of stitched thread to a standalone patch format. The design is embroidered onto patch material and can be finished with a border and backing for sewing or iron-on application.
For orders of 50 or more, embroidered patches are produced through a trusted outside supplier. Lead time is approximately 6 weeks from order confirmation. Plan ahead if you have a deadline.
Note: Embroidered patches are not available as individual standalone retail items. However, if you want the look of an embroidered patch on a hat, jacket, or bag, our team can embroider directly onto the garment in a way that looks and feels just like a sewn-on patch — with no extra piece required.
Puff embroidery is available as an upgrade, adding a raised, 3D texture to the stitching for an additional $2 per design.
LASER-ENGRAVED LEATHER PATCHES — Premium, Handcrafted Look
Laser-engraved leather patches are produced in-house at Personal Graphics. The design is burned directly into the leather surface using a precision laser, creating a clean, permanent mark with a natural contrast between engraved and unengraved areas.
Available shapes: round, oval, rectangle, and square.
These patches are ideal for brands and businesses that want a premium, handcrafted aesthetic on their apparel and accessories. Leather patches on hats, jackets, bags, and workwear communicate a quality and authenticity that other decoration methods struggle to match.
No minimum order quantity. Produced in-house.
How to Choose the Right Patch
Use this quick guide to find the best option for your project:
SUBLIMATION PATCH — best for:
- Full-color logos or illustrations
- Any quantity, including single pieces
- Faster turnaround
- Designs with gradients or photographic detail
EMBROIDERED PATCH — best for:
- Classic, traditional patch look with raised thread texture
- Orders of 50 or more pieces
- Logos and designs with defined solid colors
- Projects with at least 6 weeks of lead time
LEATHER PATCH — best for:
- Premium, handcrafted aesthetics
- Hat labels, jacket patches, bag tags
- Bold logos, text, and clean graphic designs
- Any quantity, including single pieces
Not sure which to choose? Submit a quote request and our team will make a recommendation based on your design and project requirements.
How Each Patch Is Made
Sublimation patches: Design is printed onto the patch blank using heat and sublimation ink, which bonds permanently into the material. Full color, smooth surface, durable.
Embroidered patches: Design is stitched in thread onto patch material. Classic texture, raised feel, merrowed border available. Outsourced production for orders of 50+.
Leather patches: Design is laser-engraved directly into the leather surface. Permanent, clean contrast, premium feel. Produced in-house.
Artwork Requirements by Patch Type
Sublimation patches: High-resolution raster or vector file. Full color, gradients, and photographic detail are fully supported.
Embroidered patches: Vector file with solid color areas and clean outlines. Fine detail and small text may need simplification for clean stitching.
Leather patches: Vector file required. Bold shapes, solid lines, and clean contrast. No color or gradient support — laser engraving produces a single-tone result.
Artwork & Design Services
Need help getting your artwork print-ready? Our in-house design team handles file cleanup, logo vectorization, logo recreation, and custom artwork builds. Basic file setup is free if it's under 15 minutes. Vector conversion and custom design are $65/hr after that; embroidery digitizing starts at $25. at no extra charge — minor adjustments are usually covered. For larger projects such as full logo recreation, complex artwork builds, or custom design work, billing is $65/hr with a . Design fees are non-refundable.. Learn more about our Artwork & Design Services →
Pricing & Production Details
- Sublimation patches: priced per the sublimation production rate, no minimum
- Embroidered patches: priced per embroidery rate + digitization fee, minimum 50 pieces, 6-week lead time
- Leather patches: quoted per order based on laser engraving rate, no minimum
- Puff embroidery upgrade: $2 per design additional
- Design/artwork: $65/hr. Design fees are non-refundable. Basic file setup is free under 15 minutes
- In-house production turnaround: 7–14 business days
- Rush available for in-house patches — ask when requesting a quote
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order just one patch?
Yes — for sublimation and leather patches, there is no minimum. Embroidered patches require a minimum of 50 pieces.
Can patches be ironed on or do they need to be sewn?
It depends on the backing applied. Patches can be finished with a sew-on edge, an iron-on adhesive backing, or hook-and-loop (Velcro) backing. Let our team know your preference when ordering.
I want an embroidered look on my hat — do I need to order patches?
Not necessarily. Our team can embroider directly onto hats and other garments in a way that closely replicates a patch aesthetic — no separate patch needed. This is often faster and more cost-effective for hat decoration.
How long do leather patches last?
Laser engraving is a permanent process — the design is burned into the leather surface and will not fade or wash away. The leather itself will age naturally, which many customers find adds to the character of the patch.
Can sublimation patches get wet?
Sublimation ink is bonded into the material itself, not applied on top. The patch material and the design will hold up through normal use. For the most durable option in wet environments, leather patches are the most resilient.
What shapes are available for leather patches?
Round, oval, rectangle, and square — produced in-house. Custom shapes may be available — ask our team.
What shapes are available for sublimation patches?
A wide range of stock shapes and sizes from the JDS Industries catalog. Our team can share available options when you submit a quote request.
Why Order From Personal Graphics
Sublimation and leather patches are produced entirely in-house — we control quality from raw material through finished product. For embroidered patches, we work with a trusted supplier and review every order before it ships to make sure the result matches the artwork and meets our standards.
We've produced patches for businesses, brands, athletic teams, and organizations throughout Northern Michigan. Whether you need one leather patch for a custom hat or 200 embroidered patches for a uniform program, we'll help you get it right.
Ready to Get Started?
Submit a quote request through our website. Share your design, tell us what type of patch you're interested in, and let us know the quantity and any deadline requirements. Our team will review everything and get back to you with a recommendation and full pricing.
Get a quote today and let's find the right patch for your project.
Two Ways to Get Started
1. Work With an Expert
Most customers choose this option because they want guidance and advice. We help you select the right products, confirm placement and artwork, and manage everything from start to finish.
2. Browse & Design Online
If you prefer to handle it yourself, you can browse products, upload your artwork, and submit your order online at any time.
