Digitizing service
Embroidered patch digitizing
Patch files are digitized for 100% thread coverage over a twill or felt base. They need a stable underlay, balanced fill angles so the patch stays flat, and a border that matches how you finish the edge: merrow, hot-cut or satin. Most patches up to 4" fall in our $20 tier.
Coverage
Full (100% thread) or partial with twill background showing
Border options
Merrow-ready edge line, satin border (3–5 mm), hot-cut/laser-cut satin border
Typical size
2"–4" (Small tier); 4"–8" (Medium tier)
Backing ready
For iron-on, velcro/hook, sew-on or adhesive finishing
Price
From $20
Digitizing for how you finish the edge
- Merrow border: the thick, rolled edge is added afterwards by a merrow machine. The file sews the design plus a guide line and stops short of the edge, leaving room for the merrow. Best for circles, ovals and simple shapes.
- Satin border: a 3–5 mm satin column sews the edge in the hoop. It works for any shape, including custom die-cut outlines.
- Hot-cut / laser-cut: a satin border with extra density and an outer run so a hot knife or laser can cut right against it without fraying.
Keeping patches flat
A patch has no garment to anchor it, so any imbalance in the stitches shows up as curling or cupping. We:
- Use a firm grid underlay across the whole patch
- Alternate fill angles between neighboring areas so the pull is balanced
- Set density for full coverage without making it rigid
- Sew the background first, details on top, and the border last to lock everything in
Partial vs full embroidery
With a partial patch, the twill background shows through and only the logo and border are stitched. That means fewer stitches, a lower cost per patch and a classic look. A full-coverage patch is 100% thread for maximum color and durability. Tell us which one you want, and send a twill color if it's partial.
Patch sizes
| 2"–3" | Hat patches, name tags, small uniform patches |
|---|---|
| 3"–4" | Standard shoulder and chest patches, most common |
| 4"–8" | Back patches for vests, club and motorcycle colors |
How it works
From upload to stitch file in 4 steps
- 1
Upload
Any image (PNG, JPG, PDF, AI, even a phone photo) with the size and garment.
- 2
Fixed price
Usually within an hour in business hours. Nothing starts until you agree.
- 3
Approve preview
PDF stitch preview within 24 hours. Ask for changes if anything looks off.
- 4
Pay & sew
Download every format. Not sewing right? We fix it free.
Free quote · no obligation
Get your Patch Digitizing quote
from $20
- Hand-digitized by a USA-based digitizer
- Every machine format included
- PDF stitch preview before you pay
- Free edits until it sews right
Prefer email? Send your art to orders@digitizingdelight.com
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Email orders@digitizingdelight.com and a digitizer will answer, usually within an hour.
Do you make the physical patches?
No. We make the digitized patch files that you or your patch manufacturer sew out. If you need finished patches, send the file to your embroiderer or patch maker.
How do you digitize for a merrow border?
We stop the design a few millimeters inside the finished edge and include a guide line, so the merrow machine has a clean, even margin to roll over.
Can you digitize a patch with a custom shape?
Yes. Custom shapes get a satin border, which can be hot-cut or laser-cut. Merrow borders work best on simple outlines.
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