Fabric Type
Surface Feel
Visual Style
Colour Capability
Best For
Soft Twill
Smooth, structured
Woven-like appearance
Full colour, fine detail, smooth gradients transition well
Designs with fine detail that require a woven look
Jacquard
Textured weave
Intricate fabric pattern
Full colour with woven integration
Designs that benefit from bright colours and detailed weave texture
Soft Felt
Soft, plush
Slightly raised surface
Full colour
Bold designs with a soft, varsity-inspired feel
Fabric (Base Fabric)
Classic textile feel
Traditional patch surface
Full colour
Versatile foundation for standard patch builds
Satin
Smooth, sleek
Clean surface with subtle sheen
Vibrant colours, smooth gradients transition well
Designs requiring strong colour clarity and polished finish
Flock
Soft, velvet-like
Low profile texture
Full colour
Logos needing a soft feel with subtle surface texture
Fabric Type
Surface Feel
Visual Style
Decoration Options
Best For
Faux Suede
Soft, brushed
Premium matte finish
Printing, etching, embroidery (not full embroidery coverage)
Premium logos using negative space to highlight suede texture
Twill
Classic woven texture
Structured traditional look
Printing and embroidery
Logos with knocked-out backgrounds exposing woven texture
Flock
Velvet texture
Deep, rich surface
Printing
Designs using contrast between print and plush texture
Border Type
Edge Construction
Visual Effect
Shape Compatibility
Best For
Satin Border
Tight stitched edge following the exact patch shape
Clean, tailored, refined finish
Custom shapes, intricate outlines
Designs requiring precision and a polished edge
Merrow Border
Overlocked stitched edge wrapping around the patch
Framed, dimensional edge with traditional character
Standard shapes (circle, square, rectangle, oval)
Classic patch styles with bold, defined borders
Backing Type
Description
Best For
Application Method
Notes
Heat Seal
Heat-activated backing that creates a strong and lasting bond to fabric.
Apparel such as jackets, hoodies, hats, bags, and uniforms.
Heat press or household iron.
Provides a clean, permanent application when proper heat and pressure are used.
Peel & Stick
Pressure-sensitive adhesive backing that allows patches to be applied instantly.
Hard goods such as packaging, promotional items, and temporary applications.
Peel protective liner and press onto surface.
No heat required. Not recommended for laundering or long-term fabric use.
Velcro
Hook-and-loop backing allowing patches to be attached, removed, and reused.
Tactical gear, uniforms, bags, and interchangeable branding.
Hook side stitched to patch; loop side included for sewing onto garment or surface.
Available only for standard shapes with satin border or merrow border finishes.
.DST File
Digital embroidery file allowing patches to be applied directly with an embroidery machine.
High-volume garment decoration or automated embroidery application.
Embroidery machine stitching (satin border, cross stitch, or run stitch).
File format compatible with most commercial embroidery machines. Only applicable for certain fabric types
Method
Surface Profile
Texture Level
Colour Capability
Applied As
Best For
Printed
Flat
Smooth
Full colour, gradients, fine detail
Patch
Complex artwork, small text, photographic detail
3D
Raised / sculpted
Structured
Solid colours, bold contrast
Patch
Logos that need depth and strong visual separation
Embroidery
Raised (thread-built)
Textured
Thread-based colour range
Patch
Classic, durable, timeless designs
Digistitch
Hybrid (print + thread)
Mixed texture
Full colour + stitched detail
Patch
Designs that require both precision print and embroidered structure
Transfers
Flat to slightly raised (varies by type)
Flexible
Full colour, specialty finishes
Direct to garment
Logos without a background and direct garment decoration
Etched
Recessed
Refined surface contrast
Tonal / material contrast
Patch
Elevated designs where depth comes from material detail
Multi-Layer Emblems
Layered / dimensional
Mixed materials
Depends on materials used
Patch
Premium builds combining multiple textures and finishes
Clip Labels
Low profile
Subtle
Printed or tonal etched
Sewn into garment seam
Minimal branding that extends from seams or garment edges
