Panda Patches Products: 10 Patch Types and Custom Items

What patch types does Panda Patches make?

Panda Patches produces 10 distinct patch types from one company-owned production facility. The catalog spans the full range of fabric and rubber constructions used in the custom patch industry: embroidered (the most popular by volume), PVC (the tactical standard), woven (the fine-detail option), chenille (the varsity letterman texture), leather (the premium look for hats and bags), printed (sublimation for unlimited colors), velcro (a hook-and-loop backing applied to any fabric type), 3D embroidered transfers, silicone labels, and sequin patches. Beyond patches, the same facility also produces custom challenge coins, enamel pins, keychains, and PVC shoe charms.

Choosing the right patch type starts with three questions: where will the patch be worn, what level of detail is in the design, and what is the target per-piece budget. The table below summarizes the 10 types and their typical use cases. Each type has its own dedicated product page with detailed specs, photos, and the live pricing calculator.

Embroidered patches

Embroidered patches use stitched thread on a twill fabric backing. They are the most popular type at Panda Patches by volume and are the standard for corporate logos, team uniforms, scout badges, and most general-purpose custom patches. The construction is thicker than woven and has visible stitch texture that reads as classic and traditional. Up to 15 thread colors are supported per design with 50 to 100 percent embroidery coverage. Border options are merrowed (rounded raised edge) or hot-cut (laser-cut clean edge). Backing options include iron-on, sew-on, velcro (+$30), and adhesive sticker.

PVC patches

PVC patches are made from molded soft rubber. They are fully waterproof, fade-resistant, weather-resistant, and dimensionally precise, which makes them the industry standard for tactical gear, military uniforms, law enforcement equipment, outdoor brands, and any application exposed to rain, sweat, or repeated washing. Available in flat 2D layered construction or sculpted 3D construction with depth. Up to 8 solid colors per design. Backings include hook-and-loop velcro (+$30), sew-on, and adhesive. Iron-on backing is not available on PVC because the rubber cannot tolerate the heat-press application. Zero mold fees on any PVC order.

Woven patches

Woven patches use much finer thread than embroidered on a tighter weave, which produces a thinner, smoother, flatter surface. The fine thread reproduces small text (down to about 2mm) and intricate logo detail that would lose definition in embroidery. Woven is the right choice when the design has very small text, complex fine line work, or when a slim profile is needed (for example, on the side of a cap or on a slim luggage tag). Up to 10 colors per design. Same border and backing options as embroidered.

Chenille patches

Chenille patches use thick, raised yarn that creates the classic fuzzy varsity letterman texture. The construction is layered on a felt backing in any color. Chenille is the standard for school letterman jackets, varsity sport patches, cheerleading uniforms, and any application where the texture and 3D feel matter. Up to 3 colors per design (chenille yarn is bulkier than thread, so color counts are lower). Backing is sew-on by default because chenille is too thick for iron-on heat-press to bond reliably. Standard chenille patches under 4 inches start at $6.80 per piece at 50 quantity.

Leather patches

Leather patches use real or premium synthetic leather with designs applied through debossing (pressed into the leather), embossing (raised out of the leather), or laser etching (burned into the surface). The result is a premium texture and a craft look that signals quality. Common uses include hat brand patches, backpack labels, jacket patches on premium apparel, and luxury merchandise branding. Multiple colors and finishes are available. Backing options are sew-on or adhesive. Leather patches start at $2.00 per piece at 1,000 quantity and $4.40 per piece at 50 quantity.

Printed patches

Printed patches use sublimation printing to transfer full-color artwork directly onto fabric. This unlocks photo-realistic reproduction, unlimited colors, gradients, and intricate detail that is impossible to reproduce with thread. Printed patches are the right choice when the design contains photos, complex gradients, or 50+ colors. Borders are typically merrowed (rounded raised edge) and the patch can be cut to any custom shape. Backings include iron-on, sew-on, velcro (+$30), and adhesive. Printed patches start at $0.71 per piece at volume, making them the lowest per-piece cost option in the catalog for full-color designs.

Velcro and backing options

Backing is the construction on the back of the patch that determines how it attaches to a garment. Iron-on backing uses a heat-activated adhesive that bonds to fabric under a household iron or heat press. Sew-on backing is a flat fabric back that requires stitching. Sticker backing is a peel-and-stick adhesive used for short-term wear or labels. Velcro backing includes both the hook and the loop side, which lets the wearer remove and swap patches freely (the industry standard for tactical morale patches and uniform name tapes).

Velcro is the only paid backing upgrade and costs a flat $30 per order regardless of quantity. The flat fee reflects the materials cost (both sides included) and the additional production step. Velcro is available on embroidered, PVC, woven, and leather patches. It is not available on chenille (the chenille texture interferes with the hook surface) or on pure sticker patches.

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