What are the borders and backing of custom patches?

The border and backing are very critical to a custom patch. Let’s learn about it and get to know what kind of border and backing are the best choice for your custom patches.

THE TYPES OF PATCH BORDERS

Heat-cut Border

Merrow Border

Laser-cut Border

HEAT-CUT BORDER

2mm Thick

2mm thick is the standard size for heat-cut border. It’s added after main patch is complete and cut to shape with a hot knife.
Complex Shapes

Recommended for any complex shapes without limits. It’s border commonly used for embroidered patches.
Lower Cost

Compared to merrow border, it’s more economical to your budget.

MERROW-BORDER

3mm Thick

3mm thick is the standard size for merrow border. It’s sewed up over the exterior edges of patches aka OVERLOCK.
Simple Shapes

Only used for certain simple shapes such as square, rectangle, triangle, circle and basic shield.
Durable

The most popular option for patches cause it’s much more durable compared to heat-cut border and looks more delicate.

LASER-CUT BORDER

2-5mm Thick

Minimum from 2mm to 5mm in maximum. It’s a good option for traditional border and applied to sport and work wear.
Borderless

It’s essentially a border used on applique (felt) and seals the edges so that the patch won’t fray.
Hole Cuts

Ideal for complex design in which there are much smaller holes that the edges can’t sealed by heat-cut.

LET’S MAKE A COMPARISON

SHAPES (Simple to complex)

Merrow border > Heat-cut border > Laser-cut border

DURABILITY

Merrow border > Heat-cut border > Laser-cut border

COST

Laser-cut border > Heat-cut border≥ Merrow border

THE RECOMMENDED BORDER OPTIONS FOR EACH TYPE OF CUSTOM PATCH

Embroidered Patch

Heat-cut border
Merrow border
Laser-cut border

Woven Patch

Merrow border
Laser-cut border

Chenille Patch

Heat-cut border
Laser-cut border

Printed Patch

Heat-cut border
Merrow border

PVC Patch

No border

THE TYPES OF PATCH BACKINGS

Sew-on backing
(no backing/ plain backing)
The back of your custom patch has no backing over the stitching. The threads and twill are displayed at the back of the patch.

Why pick sew-on backing?

● If you want patches that can be easily distributed in bulk.
● If you want to sew the patch permanently onto your garment.

Iron-on backing
Iron-on patches have an adhesive heat seal which allows you to attach the patch to your garment with a standard home iron. The heat seal makes the patches stiff and flat.

Why pick iron-on backing?

● The fastest and easiest way to attach to any garment that you can do it with home iron.
● If you want to make your patches more durable from withstanding the frequent washes.

Velcro backing
(hook and loop backing)
It consists of two parts – the hook and the loop. The loop is sewn on the garment to which the patch will be adhered to. The hook is sewn onto the patch.

Why pick velcro backing?

● Easy to use and durable that you can peel the patch off easily whenever required and apply a new one.
● It also makes great fashion sense that you can put on and take off any number of patches easily.

Adhesive backing
It works exactly like a sticker-a-glue and is applied to the back of custom patch and covered with peelable paper.

Why pick adhesive backing?

● If you want a temporary patch for a single event.
● Easy to use on any garment for all age groups.

WHICH MATERIAL IS THE BEST FOR PATCH BACKING?

Material	Patch backing type
Cotton Polyester Denim	Best for all backings
Nylon Vinyl Leather	Sew-on, Velcro, adhesive

WHAT ARE THE BEST BACKINGS FOR YOUR CUSTOM PATCHES?