Custom Patch Options

Your patch price already includes a Merrow® border, up to 7 thread colors, and a sew-on backing. Change any of them below: every option shows what it’s for and what it costs.

A standard embroidered patch with a teal Merrow border and orange and teal stitching, its corner turned up to show the sew-on back — A standard patch. Every numbered part is included.

Backing: how your patch attaches

The backing decides how your patch goes on, whether it comes off again, and how it holds up in the wash. Pick one to see what it’s made for.

Embroidered patch with its corner turned up to show the plain twill back

Sew-on backing

Free

Stitched straight onto the garment, so the patch flexes with the fabric and stays on for the life of the garment.

How it attaches: Hand or machine stitching around the edge
Best for: Uniforms, jackets, bags, and curved surfaces
Keep in mind: Needs sewing to apply, and removing it means cutting the stitches.

Embroidered patch with its corner turned up to show the shiny heat-activated adhesive back

Iron-on backing

+$0.12 per patch

A heat-activated adhesive back that bonds to fabric with a household iron. No sewing needed.

How it attaches: A household iron and a pressing cloth
Best for: T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, and backpacks in denim, cotton, or canvas
Keep in mind: Holds up for about 20–30 washes, and a few stitches around the edge make it last. Not for silk, leather, suede, or stretch fabrics.

How to iron on patches

Embroidered patch with its corner turned up to show the black hook-and-loop Velcro back

Velcro backing

+25% per patch

A hook-and-loop back that presses onto a loop panel and pulls off again, so you can swap patches whenever you like.

How it attaches: Presses onto a loop panel
Best for: Military and tactical gear, work uniforms, bags, and hats
Keep in mind: The garment needs a loop panel. Take the patch off before washing.

Embroidered patch with its corner turned up, peeling back the cream liner of the sticker adhesive

Sticker backing

+20% per patch

A peel-and-stick adhesive back for short-term wear. No needle or iron required.

How it attaches: Peel off the liner and press on
Best for: Events, costumes, and outfits worn for a short time
Keep in mind: Made to be temporary: it peels off cleanly, but it isn’t meant for washing.

Plastic backing

+$0.12 per patch

A stiff plastic layer on the back that gives the patch structure and helps it hold its shape over time.

Best for: Patches that see heavy use or harsh conditions
Keep in mind: Stiffer than a plain sew-on back, so it won’t flex with the fabric as much.

PVC patch with a flat channel molded around its edge for stitching

Sew-on channel for PVC patches

Free

PVC patches are molded with a channel around the edge, giving the needle a place to go so the patch sews on securely.

How it attaches: Stitching through the channel around the edge
Best for: Long-term wear on PVC patches
Keep in mind: PVC can’t be ironed on.

Border: how the edge is finished

Let your patch’s shape decide: a raised Merrow® stitch for classic shapes, or a hot cut edge that follows any outline.

Merrow® border

Free

A thick stitch wrapped around the edge for a raised, classic finish that stands up to frequent wear and rough conditions.

Best for: Standard shapes like circles, squares, rectangles, and shields

Hot cut edge

+$0.12 per patch

The fabric is cut with heat right along your design, sealing the edge so it won’t fray and keeping every contour of the shape.

Best for: Custom shapes, intricate outlines, and fine details

Thread & color

Up to 7 thread colors come with every patch. Add more, or switch to specialty thread for shine, brightness, or raised texture.

Spools of bright embroidery thread in green, orange, yellow, blue, and purple on an embroidery machine

Red patch with a dog stitched in shimmering silver metallic thread — Metallic thread

Three patches stitched in neon green, pink, and yellow thread — Neon thread

Extra thread colors: +$0.12 per patch; Each color beyond the 7 included with your patch.
Metallic thread: +20% per patch; Gold or silver thread with a metallic shimmer.
Neon thread: +20% per patch; Bright, fluorescent colors that stand out from a distance.
3D puff embroidery: +20% per patch; Stitching raised over foam for a dimensional look.