Reference · Updated July 18, 2026
The Custom Patch Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms you meet when ordering custom patches — backings, borders, materials, and the production vocabulary factories use. Every entry is written from our own manufacturing floor and backed by data from 68,000+ patches we actually produced, so each definition carries at least one fact you will not find anywhere else.
What This Glossary Covers
Entries publish in small monthly batches through late 2026 — each one human-reviewed, illustrated, and anchored to a real number from our records. Terms below become links as their entries go live.
Patch Types
- Embroidered patch
- Woven patch
- PVC patch
- Chenille patch
- Leather patch
- Printed and sublimated patches
- Morale patch
- 3D / puff embroidery
- Appliqué
- Tackle twill
- Felt patch
- Blank patch
- Emblem vs patch vs badge
Backings
- Iron-on patch
- Velcro (hook-and-loop) backing
- Sew-on backing
- Adhesive (PSA) backing
- Patch backing overview
- Patch panel / loop wall
Borders & Edges
Materials
- Poly-twill base fabric
- Thread weight (40wt vs 75wt)
- Bobbin thread
Production Terms
- Embroidery digitizing
- Embroidery coverage (50/75/100%)
- Stitch types (satin, fill, running)
- Underlay stitching
- Stabilizer
- Hooping
- DST / sew file
- Pantone (PMS) thread matching
- Colorfastness and wash rating
- DTF “faux embroidery”
- Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
- Setup and digitizing fees
- Turnaround time (production, transit, in hand)
Deep Guides Already Published
Many of these terms already have full guides on the site. Until their glossary entries go live, start with Patch Types Compared, Backing Options, Patch Borders, Threads & Twills, and Embroidery Digitizing.
Have a DST or PES file to check? Use the free embroidery tools, or follow the full patch resource guide from design to delivery.