Patch & Label Selection Guide
Not sure which patch to use? Compare the six processes side by side, then answer three questions to narrow it down. Every figure on this page is confirmed with your quote — we do not publish numbers we cannot stand behind.
| Process | Hand feel | Visual relief | Wash resistance | Suitable fabrics | Min. workable size | MOQ | Price band | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPU heat transfer | Thin, flexible | Flat, printed detail | Confirmed by wash test on your fabric | Most fabrics | Small text possible | Per design — confirmed with your quote | Quoted per piece | Mould and sample first, then bulk |
| Silicone heat transfer | Soft rubbery | 2D or 3D relief | Confirmed by wash test on your fabric | Most fabrics, test coatings | Larger than TPU for relief | Per design — confirmed with your quote | Quoted per piece | Mould and sample first, then bulk |
| Embroidery | Textured thread | Raised thread surface | Confirmed by wash test on your fabric | Woven and knit fabrics | Small text limited | Per design — confirmed with your quote | Quoted per piece | Digitising and sample first, then bulk |
| Woven patch / label | Flat, smooth | Flat | Confirmed by wash test on your fabric | Most fabrics | Best for fine small text | Per design — confirmed with your quote | Quoted per piece | Loom setup and sample first, then bulk |
| Leather / PVC / rubber | Firm | Embossed, debossed or 3D | Confirmed by wash test on your fabric | Denim, outerwear, bags | Depends on 3D depth | Per design — confirmed with your quote | Quoted per piece | Mould and sample first, then bulk |
| Tape, ribbon & draw cord | Depends on material | Printed or woven surface | Confirmed by wash test on your fabric | Garments, bags, hats | By width, not by artwork | Per specification — send length | Quoted per metre or yard | Sample first, then bulk |
Buyer tip · TPU heat transfer： Ask for a test press on your actual fabric and wash it before approving bulk.
Buyer tip · Silicone heat transfer： Confirm the coating: waterproof finishes need an adhesion test before quoting.
Buyer tip · Embroidery： Check the smallest text size on a stitch-out photo; embroidery loses detail when small.
Buyer tip · Woven patch / label： Woven is the safest choice for small text and fine lines.
Buyer tip · Leather / PVC / rubber： Leather and PVC suit structured areas: caps, bags and denim, not stretch panels.
Buyer tip · Tape, ribbon & draw cord： Order tape and draw cords by metre or yard, not by piece.
Three questions decide it
- Where does it go? Fabric and coating decide which processes can bond at all.
- What should it look like? Flat, raised, reflective or glow changes the process.
- How is it applied? Iron-on, sew-on, hook and loop or adhesive changes the backing.
Mistakes we see often
- ✕Choosing silicone for a waterproof coated fabric without testing adhesion first.
- ✕Sending a low-resolution JPG and expecting small text to stay legible.
- ✕Forgetting to tell us the backing — it changes both the process and the price.
What to send
- ✓Vector AI or PDF for each artwork, with Pantone TCX codes.
- ✓Patch size in mm or cm, plus the backing you need.
- ✓A photo of the garment or the fabric composition if you have it.
Before you place a bulk order
- ✓Your artwork, patch size and the process you have in mind
- ✓Fabric composition, plus any coating or finish
- ✓Where the patch goes (a photo helps)
- ✓Expected washing and use conditions
- ✓Whether it must be removable
