Embroidered vs Woven Patches: Which Should You Choose?
Quick answer: Choose embroidered patches for a raised, textured, classic badge look with bold designs. Choose woven patches when your logo has small text or fine lines, because the finer thread keeps letters readable down to about 2 mm high. Both start from 10 pieces and come with sew on, iron on or Velcro backing.
By the Prime Promo Gear team, custom patch makers. Last updated: 2 November 2026.
Key takeaways
- Embroidered patches are stitched onto twill; woven patches are made on a loom.
- Woven holds finer detail and is thinner and lighter.
- Embroidered gives texture you can feel.
- Neither shows smooth gradients; choose printed for photos.
- Both start from 10 pieces.
How they are made
Embroidered patches are stitched. Thick thread is sewn onto a twill base, building up a raised, textured design. Woven patches are made on a loom. Fine threads are woven together so the design is the fabric itself, which gives a thin, flat and smooth patch.
Side by side
| Embroidered | Woven | |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Raised, textured, classic | Flat, smooth, modern |
| Small text and fine lines | Needs bigger lettering | Holds fine detail well |
| Thickness | Thicker | Thinner and lighter |
| Colours | Solid thread colours | Solid thread colours |
| Best for | Bold logos, crests, uniforms, team badges | Detailed logos, small text, labels, caps |
| Minimum order | From 10 pieces | From 10 pieces |
When to choose embroidered
Choose embroidered patches when you want the classic badge look with texture you can feel. They suit bold logos, club crests, school and scout badges, workwear and jackets. For extra depth, 3D embroidered patches add raised puff stitching.
When to choose woven
Choose woven patches when your design has small text, thin lines or lots of detail. Because the yarn is much finer, lettering stays readable at small sizes where embroidery would blur it. As a guide, keep woven letters at least 2 mm high, or 3 mm for script fonts. Woven patches are also lighter and flatter, so they sit neatly on caps and thin fabrics.
What about photos and gradients?
Neither method can show smooth colour fades, because both use solid thread colours. A gradient becomes a few stepped bands. If your design is a photo or has gradients, choose printed patches or sublimated patches instead.
Backing and borders
Both types come with sew on, iron on and Velcro backing, plus merrowed, die cut or hot cut borders. Merrowed borders suit simple shapes such as circles, squares and shields. Read patch backing types explained to choose the right one.
Still not sure?
Upload your artwork on either product page and tell us what you plan to use the patch for. We send a free digital proof, so you can see how your design will look before anything is made.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, embroidered or woven?
It depends on size and detail. Woven is often better value for detailed designs, while embroidered can be better value for simple, bold logos.
Which lasts longer?
Both are durable and washable. Embroidered patches are thicker, while woven patches are tightly woven and keep their shape well.
Can woven patches have a merrowed border?
Yes, on simple shapes from 1.5 inches. For detailed outlines, choose a die cut or hot cut border.
Can I mix embroidery and print?
Yes. Our embroidery and printed patches combine stitched detail with a printed background.
About Prime Promo Gear
Prime Promo Gear Ltd is a UK company registered in England and Wales (company number 17397732). We make custom embroidered, woven, PVC, chenille, leather and printed patches in our own workshop and ship them worldwide. This guide is based on the patches we produce every day. Questions? Email support@primepromogear.com.
