The Difference Between Woven & Embroidered Patches

woven vs embroidered patches

Both woven patches and embroidered patches look and feel fantastic. However there are a few subtle differences that may help you choose between the two.

Lets first look at how each one is made, then we will explore the main differences.

Embroidered Patches

Embroidered patches are made by starting with a background fabric that is a single colour. Threads are then stitched into the backing to product the design. 

This process means the pattern can look raised or 3D which is a very desirable look.

It is harder to create very fine detail with embroidered patches but it is great for bold and striking designs

Because embroidered patches use a backing and then additional thread to make the design, this makes them more rigid as the final patch is thicker.

Woven Patches

Woven patches are created by weaving thinner threads together to create the design. The woven design can achieve higher detail and results in a flat patch with no raised threads. 

Using thinner threads in a continuous design means a woven patch can achieve higher detail than an embroidered patch. This is ideal for smaller text or finer designs.

Colour gradients are easier to achieve using the woven method since the design is continuous.

1. Detail

Woven patches are usually chosen over embroidered patches because of how detailed they can be.

An embroidered patch made by stitching thicker threads closely together makes the patch feel thicker and doesn’t allow for finer control of the design. Creating a patch by weaving thinner threads creates a much higher level of detail which is ideal for small text or intricate designs.

custom woven patches group image

Detailed woven patches

2. Thickness & Texture

Due to woven patches using thinner threads and finer detail, they can be made to a very small size of around 30mm.

However if you are looking for the traditional, textured / 3D look and feel of a patch, then embroidery is the way to go. Embroidered patches create a raised surface with the thicker thread which helps add to their unique look. 

Thinner woven patches might not feel as bulky when applied to clothes and flex easier than embroidered ones

Embroidered Lettering

3. Backing

When making an embroidered patch, we first start of with a blank coloured backing. Then the design or pattern is stitched into this backing making it thicker and the design raised from the surface.

Woven patches however don’t start with a backing, we weave the threads together and this becomes the final pack, much like a backing. This technique is thinner and more flexable.

All embroidered patches must start off with a colour backing that ties into your design where as a woven one creates its own background colour. There is no limitation to either approach, just two different ways to make a custom patch

Embroidered Patch

Embroidered Vs Woven Patches, Which Is Best?

Embroidered patches are usually thicker with a more textured feel. The design is raised above the base backing giving it a more 3D look. This also increases the stiffness of the patch

Woven patches are smoother and more flexible. The pattern becomes the backing, making a flat finish Higher levels of details can be achieved with this approach. 

Both patches can be finished with iron on backing, velcro, sticker or with no back to be sewed on later. Usually it comes down to personal preference, but sometimes when finer detail is required then a woven patch is the better option.

Check out or woven patches and embroidered patches to see more examples or get in touch for a quote.