Panda Patches Specs and Care: Artwork, Sizing, Materials, Shipping

What artwork files does Panda Patches accept?

For the production limits that decide whether a design actually reproduces — minimum text height, line weight, color counts, and gradient support by patch type — see the Patch Manufacturability Specifications.

Panda Patches accepts vector files (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG) and raster files (PNG, JPG). Vector is preferred because it scales to any patch size without quality loss and converts cleanly into the stitch file or PVC mold. Raster files are accepted at a minimum of 300 DPI at the final patch size. Files larger than 20MB can be transferred via Google Drive or WeTransfer link in the design notes. There is no minimum or maximum number of colors at the artwork submission stage. Color count limits apply at the production stage and vary by patch type.

If the artwork is low resolution, blurry, hand-drawn, or only available as a small photo or sketch, the design team redraws it into a production-ready vector file at no charge as part of the 12-24 hour mockup. There is no separate digitizing fee, art cleanup fee, or vector conversion fee on any order.

How many colors can each patch type have?

Color count limits vary by patch construction. Embroidered patches support the most thread colors. Printed (sublimation) patches support continuous gradients; PVC renders color in solid Pantone-matched zones rather than gradients. Chenille is the most color-constrained because of the thicker yarn.

Pantone color matching is free on every patch type. Provide the exact PMS code in the design notes (for example, PMS 286 C blue or PMS 186 C red) and the production team will match thread, dye, or rubber to the code within visible accuracy.

What size should my patch be?

Patch size is measured as the longest dimension. The pricing tier breaks at Panda Patches are structured around two size buckets: under 4 inches (the most common, covers hats, left-chest, shoulder, and most uniform patches) and 12 inches across (back patches and letterman jackets). Most buyers underestimate how large to go on first orders. The size guide below covers the most common use cases.

For text-heavy designs, the readable minimum is roughly 2mm character height for woven patches and roughly 4mm for embroidered. If the text in the artwork is smaller than that at the final patch size, the design team flags it during the mockup and recommends a larger patch.

What materials are used and how long do patches last?

Embroidered patches use polyester or rayon thread on a twill polyester backing. Woven patches use damask polyester thread on a tighter weave. PVC patches use molded soft PVC rubber. Chenille patches use thick acrylic yarn on a felt backing. Leather patches use full-grain leather or premium PU synthetic leather. Printed patches use sublimation ink on polyester fabric.

Durability ranges by material and attachment method. Embroidered, woven, and PVC patches with sew-on or Velcro backing typically last 5 to 10 years or longer with normal wear. Chenille on letterman jackets routinely outlasts the jacket. Leather develops natural character (patina) over time but resists tearing for many years. PVC is fully waterproof, fade-resistant, and UV-stable, which makes it the longest-lasting option for outdoor, marine, or high-wash applications.

The only attachment method that degrades over time is iron-on adhesive. After roughly 20 to 30 hot wash cycles the adhesive starts to peel at the edges. For items washed frequently (game jerseys, work uniforms), sew-on or Velcro backing is the more durable choice. See the iron-on care section below for the full breakdown.

How does shipping work and how long does delivery take?

Shipping is free worldwide on every order, at any order value and to any destination, and every shipment goes delivered duty paid (DDP). There is nothing to pay on arrival — no customs duty, no import handling fee, no brokerage charge. Total time from order to door breaks into three stages: design approval (12-24 hours to receive the mockup, then any revision rounds), production (7-10 business days standard and economy, 1 to 3 business days with rush), and carrier transit (4 to 5 business days express via DHL, FedEx, or UPS Ground for US orders; 8 to 12 on the economy lane).

A phone number is required at checkout because DHL, FedEx, and UPS require it to issue delivery notifications and handle exceptions. The phone number is used only for shipping notifications and is never resold.

International shipping is included on the same terms: free, and delivered duty paid. There is no quote step and no rate to confirm, because there is no shipping charge to quote. The carrier is confirmed at the mockup approval stage, and international transit adds roughly 5 to 10 business days on top of production — 5 to 7 to Canada, the UK and Germany, 7 to 10 to Australia and the rest of the world. Nothing is payable on arrival — not customs duty, not import handling, not a brokerage fee. If a carrier ever asks an international customer for money to release a Panda Patches parcel, that is our error to fix, not theirs to pay.

Can I order a sample patch first?

Yes, and there are four separate routes, which is worth spelling out because they are easy to confuse. Only one of them costs anything.

• Digital mockup — free, everyone. A free digital mockup of your own design, back within 12-24 hours, with unlimited revisions until you approve it. Nothing goes into production before you do.
• Sample box — $45. A physical sample box of 9 finished patches — embroidered, PVC, woven, chenille and leather, in a range of backings — for $45, shipped free. It shows our construction and materials in hand; it does not contain your design.
• First-order sample pack — free. A free sample pack of patches in other materials is added to every customer's first production order automatically. No code, no request.
• Pre-production sample — free at volume. On orders of 500 pieces or more, we make and ship a free pre-production sample of your actual design and hold the run until you approve it.

The distinction that matters: the sample box shows our construction and materials, not your artwork. To see your own design before anything is produced, use the free mockup at any quantity, or the free pre-production sample at volume. The guarantee covers the buyer either way if the finished patches do not match the approved mockup.

How do I apply and care for iron-on patches?

Iron-on patches use a heat-activated adhesive bonded to the back of the patch. The adhesive melts under heat and pressure, then cools and bonds to the garment fabric. Application takes about a minute per patch with a household iron and standard pressing cloth.

1. Preheat a household iron to 350°F (175°C). Turn off steam.
2. Place the patch adhesive-side down on the garment in the desired position. The adhesive is the slightly tacky shiny side on the back.
3. Cover the patch with a thin cotton cloth or a Teflon pressing sheet to protect both the patch and the iron from direct contact.
4. Press straight down with firm pressure for 25 to 30 seconds. Do not slide the iron. Sliding shifts the patch before the adhesive sets. Heavier fabrics need more time and firmer pressure — a 500gsm hoodie takes longer than a t-shirt.
5. Flip the garment inside out and press again from the back side for 10 seconds. This reinforces the bond from both sides. PVC patches are the exception: press PVC from behind only, for the full 25 to 30 seconds, because direct front heat melts the PVC.
6. Let the patch cool completely before handling. The adhesive bond fully cures during cooling. The first machine wash further strengthens the bond.

Wash care. Iron-on patches survive normal machine washing on cold or warm with the garment turned inside out. Hot water, high-heat tumble drying, and aggressive agitation shorten iron-on lifespan over many wash cycles. For items washed 30+ times per season (game jerseys, work uniforms), sew-on backing is the more reliable choice. For hats, casual jackets, backpacks, denim, and items washed less frequently, iron-on is the most convenient option.

When the press technique changes. PVC and chenille are pressed from behind only, never from the front: direct heat on a molded rubber face melts it, and direct heat on chenille flattens the yarn pile. PVC takes the full 25–30 seconds from behind; chenille takes 20–30 seconds from behind and needs no adhesive spray. Sew-on and Velcro remain available on both.

Frequently Asked Questions