How to Start a Patch Business: The Ultimate Guide

The patch is sewn with embroidery threads of various colors, and the stitches are clearly visible on the surface. The percentage of stitching is divided into 50%, 75%, and 100%, it shows how much embroidery thread covers the patch surface. The higher the percentage, the richer the color of the embroidery will be, and the better the touch and texture.

A PVC patch is a rubber patch that is soft, elastic, smooth, and waterproof. It often appears as a company logo on outdoor clothing and sportswear. This patch is made directly through a mold, and the surface pattern can be raised or recessed to create a three-dimensional effect.

Typically, polyester or cotton is used as the base fabric, and the loom weaves the threads into the fabric to create a pattern, woven patches are smooth and soft, and in approximately 96% of cases, woven patches can replace embroidered patches. 

It is also called a photo patch. During the production process, the ink is directly dyed on the twill fabric background, so that the perfect image can be reproduced, the detailed design can be greatly preserved, and the cost is lower than other patches, which is economical and durable.

The most striking feeling is the plush touch, with a fluffy and three-dimensional surface. It is sewn with wool yarn and is suitable for use on vintage jackets and sports coats. 

Made of leather, the patterns are mainly presented on it through the use of laser engraving and embossing. Different from the soft touch of other embroidery, this one has a harder texture, which is suitable for the retro style.

Woven patches: created with a pattern woven from fine thread. While they have a smooth surface, they are not printed and are more suitable for intricate patterns and modern designs.

Embroidery patches: more durable than woven embroidery patches and offer a more refined appearance due to their strong three-dimensional effect.

Full color TPU patches: Patches feature a variety of vibrant colors, allowing for the creation of diverse patterns through color variations. However, due to their increased production complexity, they are more expensive than solid-color patches.

One color TPU patches: Single-color patches, with a single color, offer a minimalist aesthetic. The pattern is enhanced through surface texture and relief. They are commonly used in outdoor apparel and minimalist designs.

Tabric patches: They are made from a variety of fabrics—cotton, polyester, denim, felt, and more. Depending on the material, the pattern is created through embroidery or printing. They are suitable for soft, lightweight clothing.

Silicone patches have excellent elasticity and can be molded into various 3D shapes. These patches are made from various silicone materials and molded using a mold.

50% embroidered patch: Light stitching for a vintage, textured look with visible fabric and a soft, airy feel. It is perfect for clean logos and minimal looks.

75% embroidered patch: It adds a rich texture while keeping your base visible, making it ideal for designs that require balance rather than overload.

100% embroidered patch: Luxuriously thick and fully covered with embroidery. It provides maximum color density and a premium, dimensional texture.

Flat patches: This is our 2D patch with a flat surface. Like a photo patch, it can present relatively complete details and it is mainly printed.

Embroidered patches: This embroidered patch has a more three-dimensional pattern, with raised textures on some parts of the pattern, creating a 3D embroidered patch with a sense of craftsmanship. It costs slightly more than a flat patch.

The first step in launching a patch business is to identify your target audience. You need to clarify one question: who are you selling your patches to? Patches have a wide range of audiences, and starting haphazardly without a clear focus can ultimately lead to failure.

Market analysis shows that these groups can be categorized as follows: schools, educational institutions, businesses, military organizations, law enforcement agencies, and fashion enthusiasts. 

These groups tend to purchase patches frequently. Identify your target customer within one of these groups and then develop a targeted business plan.

The design of your patch should be tailored to your target audience. A targeted design will attract consumers. Marvel fans will be drawn to Marvel movie merchandise patches, while graffiti patches will appeal to street culture enthusiasts, and so on. 

Before you begin designing, you can learn some basic design software, such as Photoshop or Canva. You can also design directly using the manufacturer's online design platform, which provides a wealth of templates for easy operation.

If you don't have the equipment to design and produce patches, this equipment is usually very expensive. For beginners who have just started their business, it is not appropriate to buy production equipment directly. 

Finding a reliable custom patch manufacturer is the best choice with lower risk. Compare their prices, quality, and minimum order quantity, etc., to choose the one you are most satisfied with.

Sales channels can be mainly divided into online sales and offline sales. 

Online sales can reduce costs and establish your own store through Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon, while offline sales require finding a local market, finding some stable customers through promotion in the early stage, and participating in local exhibitions to establish your own customer base.