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

What artwork files does Panda Patches accept?

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 free 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. PVC and printed patches support continuous gradients in their respective ways. 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 within the continental United States is free on every order regardless of order size. Total time from order to door breaks into three stages: design approval (24 hours to receive the mockup, then any revision rounds), production (7 to 14 business days standard, 4 to 7 with rush, 16 to 18 with economy), and carrier transit (3 to 5 business days via DHL, FedEx, or UPS Ground for US orders).

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 available to most countries on a quote basis. The international carrier and rate are confirmed at the mockup approval stage. International orders take an additional 7 to 14 business days in transit on top of US production and may incur destination-country customs duties (paid by the recipient).

Can I order a sample patch first?

Yes. Panda Patches offers a free sample box that ships anywhere in the United States at no charge. The sample box contains physical examples of embroidered, PVC, woven, chenille, and leather patches with different backings (iron-on, sew-on, Velcro) so buyers can evaluate texture, weight, thickness, color saturation, and construction in hand before committing to a full order. Most buyers use the sample box to confirm patch type choice (for example, embroidered vs woven, or 2D vs 3D PVC) before placing the first production order.

The sample box does not include a custom mockup of the buyer's specific design. For a custom-design proof, the standard process is to place the order, receive the free 24-hour digital mockup, request unlimited revisions until the design is exactly right, and approve in writing before production begins. The money-back guarantee covers the buyer 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 the cotton or linen setting (medium-high heat). 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 30 to 45 seconds. Do not slide the iron. Sliding shifts the patch before the adhesive sets.
5. Flip the garment inside out and press again from the back side for 20 seconds. This reinforces the bond from both sides.
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 iron-on is not available. Iron-on backing is not applied to PVC patches (the rubber cannot tolerate the heat-press step) or to chenille (the chenille texture interferes with adhesive bond). Use sew-on or Velcro backing for PVC. Use sew-on as the default backing for chenille.

Frequently Asked Questions