On a twill background patch, only the design is stitched and the woven twill fabric shows through as the background. On a full (100%) embroidery patch, thread covers the whole face, background included. Twill is lighter, flatter and usually cheaper. Full embroidery looks richer and allows any background color, but it uses far more stitches, so it costs more.
Choose twill for
Simple logos, bold text, a plain background color, thinner and more flexible patches, and the best price.
Choose full embroidery for
Detailed artwork, background scenes or colors twill doesn't come in, and a premium, textured look.
The difference, up close
From across the room, both look like an embroidered patch. Up close the difference is easy to see. These are close-ups of two real patches we made.
Twill vs full embroidery at a glance
| Twill background | Full embroidery | |
|---|---|---|
| Background | The twill fabric itself | Covered in thread |
| Look | Clean, crisp, a little flatter | Rich, textured, premium |
| Feel | Thinner and more flexible | Thicker and stiffer |
| Background color | Limited to twill colors | Any thread color |
| Stitches | Fewer | Often about double |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
When a twill background is the right call
If your logo is mostly text or bold shapes on one solid background color, twill does the job beautifully and keeps the price down. Name patches, simple company logos, oval and rectangular uniform patches and most club patches fall into this group.
Twill patches are also thinner and bend more easily, which makes them comfortable on soft shirts and easy to sew around curves.
When full embroidery is worth it
When the background is part of the artwork, like a sunset, a pattern or several colors, it has to be stitched. Full embroidery is also the way to go when you need a background color twill doesn't come in, or when you want that thick, textured, premium feel that makes a patch look like merchandise rather than a uniform badge.
How the background changes the price
Patch prices depend mostly on size, quantity and how much of the patch is covered in stitches. Filling the background is the single biggest jump, because it can roughly double the stitch count of the same design. More stitches means more machine time and more thread on every piece in your order.
That's why it's worth deciding this up front. If you're not sure, ask for both: we're happy to quote a twill and a full embroidery version of the same patch so you can compare. More on how stitches drive cost in how many stitches is my logo.
Very fine detail? If your artwork has tiny text or thin lines that even full embroidery can't hold, a PVC patch or a woven patch may be a better fit. Tell us about the design and we'll suggest the right type.
What to tell us when you order
Send these with your artwork
- Patch type: embroidered (twill background or full embroidery), PVC, leather or 3D puff
- Size in inches (width or height)
- Quantity (minimum 50 per design)
- Border: merrow or cut edge
- Backing: sew-on, iron-on or Velcro
- Your deadline and delivery country
Not sure about one of them? Leave it blank and we'll recommend it with your quote. The full walkthrough is in how to order custom patches, and you can see more finished patches on our work page.
Patch background FAQs
What is a twill background on a patch?
Twill is a sturdy woven fabric used as the base of most embroidered patches. On a twill-background patch, the design is embroidered on top and the uncovered areas show the twill itself, so the fabric color becomes the patch background.
What does 100% embroidery mean on a patch?
It means the whole face of the patch is covered in thread, background included, so you can't see the base fabric anywhere. It gives a richer, more textured look and lets the background be any thread color.
Is a full embroidery patch more expensive?
Usually, yes. Covering the background in thread can roughly double the stitch count, which means more machine time and thread. How much it changes the price depends on the size and design, so we quote both options when you're unsure.
Which lasts longer, twill or full embroidery?
Both last for years on uniforms and caps. Full embroidery is a little thicker and stiffer, while twill patches are thinner and more flexible, which some people prefer on soft garments.
Can I choose any background color with twill?
Twill comes in a wide but limited set of fabric colors, so a very specific shade is easier to match with thread. If the exact background color matters, full embroidery gives you the most control.
What is the minimum order for custom patches?
Our minimum is 50 pieces per design. Patches take about 10 to 15 days to make and ship, and you see a digital proof before production starts.
Not sure which background your patch needs?
Send your design with the size and quantity. We'll recommend the best option and can quote both versions so you can compare.
Get a Patch Quote →
