Our patches are durable, waterfast, and a great alternative to embroidered patches.  They are fabric patches with pre-sewn edges, but the design is dyed on instead of stitched on.

The process is called dye sublimation which uses 400-degree heat and special inks, and the image is permanently dyed sub-surface into the fabric.

The only stitching is the border.

Here is a partial list of the advantages of our sublimated dyed patches:

• Unlimited colors
• Fine detail
• No threads to fray
• Clean look without connecting threads between words
• Durable because image is permanently dyed into the patch
• Machine washable, dryable, dry cleanable, and heavy-duty scrubbable
• Waterfast dyes, by the same process that swimsuits and colorful sportswear use
• Unique look when background extends through the border, as in stripes and photographs
• Photographs can be reproduced - not possible with embroidery
• Smooth gradients can be reproduced - not possible with embroidery
• No setup charges, coverage charges, per-color charges

To be fair, here are some limitations of our patches:

• Because we dye the patch in a single step, to get a special edge color we actually dye the edge at the same time we are dyeing the rest of the patch. We have found we can dye a contrasting or special edge color only when the background is also a color. Any background color is fine, just not white.

  We have gotten very accurate on laying down color just onto the edge but not the patch background. But when there is no color to the background, i.e., the original white background, we think it's just a touch noticeable if we don't hit the patch edge precisely.

  So if you need a special edge color, and a white background, you may want to do a special order, which will cost more and take more time.

  We sometimes suggest you reverse your colors, i.e., have the special color be the background and edge color, with the text in white.

• We do no stitching here. Neither the design is stitched, nor can we cut and stitch special shapes. If the sizes and shapes we keep in stock don't suit your project, nor does something from our Leftover List, we can special order your patches from the mill at an extra cost and a 10-day wait. Check your options on our Special Order page.

  However, we are always working to improve our process. Many people are happy with our non-edged patches in any shape or size, up to our maximum of 12.5" x 17.5". The edges do not fray and cut easily with scissors.

• Our patches are sew-on. We offer fabric glue and iron-on backing as a separate charge.

Below are photos of an embroidered patch we were asked to reproduce, with the embroidered on the left and our dyed version on the right. We add drop shadows to most text to simulate three-dimensionality. Note that the lettering is actually more readable in our dyed version. Click on the image to view dye detail.

Here is a patch with white edges, where the design could dye all the way through to the edge for a unique look.

We are very proud of our patches! Read some of our customer's comments.