Custom printed patches, full color with zero limitations
Gradients, photographs, complex artwork, unlimited colors. Printed patches use dye sublimation to reproduce designs that thread-based methods simply cannot handle. If your artwork has shading, color transitions, or photographic detail, this is the only patch type that does it justice.
- Free digital proof in 24 hours. No commitment, no card needed.
• Free Digital Proof
• Starting at $2.20/pc
• Wholesale from 50 Pieces
• Unlimited Revisions
• Worldwide Shipping
What makes printed patches different?
Printed patches (also called dye sublimated patches or sublimation patches) are made by digitally printing your design onto special sublimation paper using CMYK inks, then heat-pressing that paper onto polyester fabric at high temperature and pressure. The heat converts the ink into gas, which permanently bonds with the fibers of the fabric.
The result is a patch with photorealistic color reproduction, unlimited colors, smooth gradients, fine shading, and detail that no thread-based method can match. The ink does not sit on top of the fabric. It becomes part of the fabric itself, which means it will not peel, crack, or flake over time.
Printed patches have the highest color accuracy and finest detail capability of any patch type. They are smooth, flat, and lightweight, with no raised texture. Industry testing confirms sublimated patches withstand 50 or more wash cycles without noticeable color loss.
If your design has gradients, photographs, complex shading, or more colors than embroidery or woven can handle, printed is the right choice.
See the quality in the details.
Real patches, real stitch work — shown up close, on garments, and from every angle.
Who orders printed patches most?
From motorcycle clubs to Fortune 500 brands — embroidered patches work for every group and every purpose.
Event and conference organizers
Full-color event logos, sponsor patches, attendee badges. Printed patches reproduce complex multicolor event branding that embroidery cannot.
Promotional product companies
Client logos with exact color matching, photographic designs, gradient artwork. Printed patches handle any brand guideline without color limitations.
Sports teams and fan merchandise
Team photos, mascot illustrations, full-color crests. Printed captures the detail that makes fan merchandise worth collecting.
Artists, illustrators, and designers
Original artwork, illustrations, digital paintings. Printed patches are the only type that can faithfully reproduce artistic work with gradients and shading.
Tourism, parks, and souvenir brands
Scenic patches, national park designs, city skylines. Photographic landscapes reproduce beautifully on sublimated fabric.
Businesses with complex logos
Multi-gradient logos, logos with photographic elements, or designs with more than 9 colors that exceed embroidery and woven limits.
Printed patch specs and customization options
Everything you can specify for your order. If you're not sure, send us your design and we'll guide you through it.
Size Range
1 inch to 9 inches
Most common orders are 2 to 5 inches. Custom sizes available on request.
Printing Method
Dye Sublimation
Colors
Unlimited Colors
Material
Satin polyester, twill polyester , cotton twill, or canvas
Detail Level
The highest of any patch type
Shape
Any shape, no extra charge
Standard shapes plus custom die-cut. Laser cut edges work best for complex and irregular shapes.
Finish
Smooth, flat surface
Smooth, flat surface. No raised texture. Lightweight. The lightest and thinnest patch type available.
Border Options
Merrow border, Overlock border, Laser cut edge, Borderless
Merrow border (overlocked thread edge, best for simple shapes). Overlock border (thinner stitched edge, best for complex shapes). Laser cut edge (clean cut, no thread, for intricate outlines). Borderless (raw cut edge).
Backing Options
Your choice at no extra cost
Iron-on (heat seal): The most common backing for printed patches. Thin, flat construction bonds easily.
Sew-on: Most durable long-term attachment.
Velcro: Detachable. Popular for uniforms and tactical applications.
Adhesive: Peel and stick for temporary use.
Accepted File Formats
All formats accepted — including a phone photo
JPG
PNG
AI
EPS
PSD
SVG
Phone photo
Add-ons
On Demand Custom add-ons
Printed patch pricing
Everything you can specify for your order. If you're not sure, send us your design and we'll guide you through it.
Quantity
Price per piece
50 pieces
$2.90
100 pieces
$2.20
250 pieces
$2.20
500 pieces
$1.60
1,000+ pieces
Tiered wholesale pricing. Prices below are for standard sizes (3 inches, full-color sublimation on polyester twill, merrow border). Larger sizes, premium materials, or add-ons like reflective thread or embroidery overlay may adjust the quote. Exact price always shown before you pay.
Every order starts with a free digital proof showing exact thread colors, stitch coverage, size, and final price — before you pay anything.
- No setup fees
- No art fees
- No hidden charges
From your design to printed patches in hand
Four steps, no surprises. You approve everything before we make a single stitch.
Send Your Artwork or Idea
Upload your logo, sketch, or reference image. Any format. No design yet? Describe what you want and we will create one for you, free with your order.
Free Digital Proof in 24 Hours
We send a detailed mockup showing thread colors, coverage, border style, size, and backing. Unlimited revisions until you approve.
Approve and Pay
Payoneer, card, or bank transfer. We start production the moment payment clears.
Production and Shipping
Standard production is 7 to 14 days from proof approval. Rush in 3 to 5 days available. Worldwide tracked shipping.
Printed patches vs other patch types
Not sure printed is right for you? Here is how it compares to the alternatives.
Printed vs Embroidered
Printed vs Embroidered
Printed: Smooth flat surface, unlimited colors, photorealistic reproduction, ink bonded into fabric. Embroidered: Raised thread texture, up to 9 colors, bold tactile feel. Printed handles complex artwork embroidery cannot. Embroidered gives a classic, premium texture printed cannot. Choose printed for detailed, multicolor designs. Choose embroidered for bold logos and traditional patches.
Printed vs Woven
Printed vs Woven
Printed: Unlimited colors, photographic capability, smooth surface. Woven: Up to 12 thread colors, fine text capability, thin and flat. Both are smooth and flat but made differently. Printed handles gradients and photographs. Woven handles fine text and clean logos. Choose printed for complex artwork. Choose woven for text-heavy and logo designs.
Printed vs PVC
Printed vs PVC
Printed: Smooth fabric, lightweight, full-color photographic detail. PVC: Molded rubber, waterproof, 3D raised surface. Completely different materials and applications. Choose printed for full-color, lightweight patches. Choose PVC for waterproof, tactical, and 3D applications.
Printed vs Leather
Printed vs Leather
Printed: Full-color, photorealistic, lightweight fabric. Leather: Natural material, debossed or engraved, premium weight. Different look and feel entirely. Choose printed when color and detail are the priority. Choose leather when texture and premium branding matter more.
FAQ
Common questions about printed patches
Straight answers to everything people ask before placing an order.
Your design is digitally printed onto special sublimation paper using CMYK inks. The paper and a polyester fabric patch blank are then pressed together under high heat (around 400 degrees Fahrenheit). The heat converts the ink into gas, which permanently bonds with the polyester fibers. The ink becomes part of the fabric itself.
No. Because the ink is bonded into the fabric fibers (not printed on top), it does not peel, crack, or flake. Industry testing shows sublimated patches withstand 50 or more wash cycles without noticeable color loss.
Unlimited. Printed patches use CMYK reproduction, which means any color, gradient, shade, or photographic image is possible. There are no per-color charges.
Yes. This is one of the primary advantages of printed patches. Photographs, illustrations, digital paintings, and any artwork with complex shading or gradients reproduce accurately.
We accept all standard formats (JPG, PNG, PDF, AI, EPS, PSD, SVG). For best color matching, send your artwork in CMYK color mode. For photographic designs, 300 DPI or higher resolution is recommended.
Yes. The ink is permanently bonded into the fabric and will not peel or fade. The fabric itself (polyester twill or satin) is durable and machine washable. For most applications, printed patches will outlast the garment they are attached to.
Smooth, flat, and lightweight. There is no raised texture like embroidery or chenille. The surface feels like a high-quality fabric print. It is the thinnest and lightest patch type available.
Yes. A printed base with embroidery stitched on top creates a hybrid patch that combines photorealistic color with raised thread texture. This is a premium option that adds cost but creates a standout result.
Satin polyester (smooth, slight sheen), twill polyester (textured matte), cotton twill (natural feel), and canvas (heavy-duty). Satin and twill polyester are the most popular for sublimation.
50 pieces for standard printed patches.
10 to 15 days from proof approval. Rush options available.
Looking for a different patch type?
Browse the rest of our patch lineup. Every type is produced in-house to the same quality standard.
Woven Patches
PVC Rubber Patches
From $3.20/pc at 100 units
Chenille Patches
From $4.50/pc at 100 units
Ready to order your printed patches?
Send us your design or describe what you want. Free digital proof, honest quote, no commitment.
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