Custom Woven Patches — High-Detail Fabric Labels
Woven vs. Embroidered — What's the Difference?
Embroidered patches build design from raised thread stitched onto a backing fabric. The stitches have height and texture, and the thread count limits how fine the detail can go — small text under 4pt often blurs into the fabric weave.
Woven patches are structurally different: the design is woven directly into the fabric itself using a jacquard loom. There is no separate backing material — the design is the fabric. Because the threads interlock at a much higher density and lay flat, woven patches can reproduce fine lines, small text down to 3pt, and photographic gradients that embroidery cannot. The result is softer to the touch, thinner in profile, and significantly more detailed.
When to Choose Woven Over Embroidered
- Small text — names, titles, taglines under 6pt read clearly in woven; they blur in embroidery
- Intricate logos — fine linework, detailed crests, complex illustrations with thin strokes
- Fashion labels — the flat profile and soft hand makes woven the standard for clothing brand labels
- Name tags and ID patches — legible names at small sizes on uniforms and workwear
- Low-profile applications — anywhere the raised texture of embroidery would catch or feel bulky
Material and Construction
AFRYH woven patches use 100% polyester thread woven on a high-density jacquard loom. Polyester is colorfast, machine-washable, and maintains its integrity through repeated washing and high-temperature cycles. The weave density is typically 120–150 threads per inch, compared to the 40–60 lines per inch of a standard embroidered fill.
Edges are finished with a merrow overlock stitch, laser cut to shape, or hot-cut for custom silhouettes — your choice.
Backing Options
- Iron-on — heat-seal adhesive for garment application
- Sew-on — plain back for hand or machine stitching
- Velcro hook — for tactical, uniform, and removable applications
- Peel-and-stick — pressure-sensitive adhesive for temporary use
- No backing — for use as a woven label (heat-seal tape applied by the end customer)
Use Cases
- Fashion and apparel labels — brand name labels sewn inside jackets, jeans, and premium garments
- Name patches for uniforms — legible name and title patches for hospitality, security, and healthcare staff
- Fine artwork reproductions — band merch, collector patches, and detailed crest designs
- Small logo patches — sub-2" patches where embroidery would lose critical detail
- Bag and accessory branding — sewn-in labels for luggage, backpacks, and leather goods
Our Process
Step 1 — Upload your artwork. Submit your design via the AFRYH portal. Vector files give the best results; raster files at 300+ dpi are also accepted. Note the minimum text size you need to reproduce.
Step 2 — Loom setup and digital proof. Our team programs the jacquard loom with your design and sends a digital woven simulation within 24–48 hours. Approve the proof or request changes.
Step 3 — Production weaving. Once approved, patches are woven and finished. Standard turnaround is 10–14 business days.
Step 4 — Quality check and shipping. Every batch is inspected before packing. Worldwide shipping with tracking.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% polyester, jacquard woven |
| Thread density | 120–150 threads per inch |
| Minimum text size | 3pt (recommended 4pt+) |
| Size range | 0.5" to 12" |
| Colors | Up to 12 colors per design |
| Minimum quantity | No minimum |
| Turnaround | 10–14 business days from proof approval |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are woven patches more expensive than embroidered?
At low quantities, the setup cost for jacquard loom programming makes woven slightly more expensive per piece than embroidered. At higher quantities (50+), costs converge. For designs where detail is critical — fine text, intricate linework — the quality difference justifies the price difference at any quantity.
Can woven patches be made in custom shapes?
Yes. Standard shapes include rectangle, circle, and shield. Custom die-cut shapes are available with laser or heat-cut edges. Complex silhouettes add minor cost to the setup.
Are woven patches machine-washable?
Yes. 100% polyester woven patches are colorfast and machine-washable. For iron-on attached patches, we recommend cold wash gentle cycle to preserve the adhesive bond. Sew-on patches are fully washable without restriction.
What's the smallest size woven patch you can make?
We can produce woven patches as small as 0.5" × 0.5", though we recommend 1"+ for designs with significant detail. At very small sizes, text below 3pt may not be legible — we'll flag this during the proofing stage.
I need patches that look like woven clothing labels — is that the same product?
Yes, exactly the same construction. Woven patches and woven labels are the same product. The difference is finishing: patches have a decorative front; labels are typically folded and sewn inside a garment. Tell us at order time if you need label-style finishing (fold lines, extended sewing margin).