How to Order Custom Patches: What to Send for an Accurate Quote

1. Decide on the patch type

Start with where the patch will be used, because that narrows the choice quickly.

• Embroidered for the classic stitched look on uniforms, team gear and jackets.
• PVC for outdoor, tactical or wet conditions, and for fine detail thread can't hold.
• Leather for a premium, understated finish on hats, bags and denim.
• 3D puff for bold, raised lettering, especially on cap fronts.

If you're torn, our patch type comparison goes through the pros and cons of each. Or leave it to us and we'll recommend one based on your artwork.

2. Work out the size

Patch size is usually quoted as a single number. Measure the width and the height of your patch, add them together and divide by two. A patch that's 3 inches wide and 2 inches tall is a 2.5-inch patch. Our patch quote calculator does this for you.

To choose the size, measure where the patch will go. As a rough guide:

Bigger isn't always better. Small text needs room, so if your design is detailed, go a little larger or simplify the artwork.

3. Choose the quantity

Patches have setup work behind them, such as digitizing or molds, which is spread across the whole order. That's why the price per patch drops as quantity goes up. If you know you'll reorder, it's often worth asking for prices at two or three quantities so you can compare.

4. Pick a border and backing

Border

• Merrow border: the classic thick, rolled edge. Works best on simple shapes like circles, ovals, squares and shields.
• Heat-cut or laser-cut edge: a flat, cut edge that follows custom shapes and tight corners a merrow border can't.

Backing

• Sew-on: the most permanent option. Good for uniforms and anything washed often.
• Iron-on: quick to apply on cotton and poly blends. Many people iron on and then stitch around the edge for extra hold.
• Velcro hook and loop: lets patches be swapped on tactical gear, bags and uniforms.
• Adhesive: for temporary use, events and promotions.

5. Prepare your artwork

A vector file (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF) is ideal, but it isn't required. A high-resolution PNG, a clear photo or a neat sketch is enough to quote and design from. A few things help:

• Send the largest, sharpest version you have.
• List your colors, with Pantone values if you have them.
• Point out anything that must stay exactly as it is, such as a trademark or a specific font.
• Expect very small text and fine lines to be simplified, especially on embroidered patches.

If your only logo file is blurry, we can rebuild it as part of the job. Our guide to raster and vector files explains why that helps.

6. Give your deadline and delivery address

Tell us the date you need the patches in hand, not the date you'd like them to ship, and the country they're going to. Most of our patch orders are produced and shipped within 8 to 12 business days. If you're working to an event date, mention it when you request a quote so we can confirm whether it's realistic.

7. Check the proof carefully

Before production, you'll receive a digital proof. It's the last chance to catch mistakes cheaply, so check:

1. Spelling, especially names, dates and small text.
2. Size, shown in inches.
3. Colors, compared against your brand colors.
4. Border type and color.
5. Backing.
6. Quantity.

Changes after approval can delay the order, so take a couple of minutes over it.

A quote request you can copy

Paste that into an email to info@conception360.com with your artwork attached, or use the quote calculator on our patches page.