- Can I use a new patch to hide an existing embroidered logo?
Yes, you can use it, but you must be careful while measuring the existing embroidered logo.
Put the shirt or jacket on a flat surface, and take a ruler or measurement tape to measure the current logo size. If the existing embroidered logo's height is 1.75" and width is 3.25", you need to add 0.50" inch to both sides.
- Why do the Embroidery Thread Colors are Different from my Provided PMS Colors?
The colors on a device screen always look different from the original product colors. It is due to device display settings, camera quality and settings, studio lighting settings, and the photographer’s ability to take a picture.
There is no way to match actual product colors with on-screen colors. If you need to 100% match thread colors, use a physical Pantone book. You can’t just Google a PMS color and send it to your decorator/embroiderer.
If you visit https://www.pantone.com/
For example, Nancy needs a PMS code for a color (Red); she Googles and finds this Pantone red 199 C. She sends this color to her embroiderer.
The embroiderer matches this color (PMS 199 C) with their embroidery thread using their physical Pantone color book. (the only correct way)
The patch manufacturer sends the embroidered patches to her; she finds a difference in color. She matches the patches’ color with her screen colors.
The patch maker matches the embroidered patch thread color with a physical Pantone book. The embroidered patch color is very close to PMS 199 C.
This image shows the difference between a PMS book color and a PMS color on a computer screen. PMS colors always look different on a device screen.
Embroiderers try to match thread colors as close as possible, but they can’t exactly match each PMS color in embroidery. Why? This is because the biggest embroidery thread manufacturer, “Madeira,” offers less than 400 viscose thread colors.
Pantone Matching System (PMS) offers 2161 colors. So embroiderers have one thread color for every six PMS colors. You can buy a Madeira thread color card from their website if you need to see thread color choices. Click here to purchase a color card
- What is the difference between self-adhesive (peel and stick) and iron on?
Self-adhesive (Peel and Stick): For temporary (4-6 hours), use only
Self-adhesive backing has a sticky surface like a sticker. You can apply a patch with this backing without a heat-press machine; just peel and stick.
It works only on 100% cotton material or a rough surface. It does not stick on nylon, leather, plastic, or anything with a “slippery” surface.
Note: Select this backing if you want to put the patch only for one event (a few hours) only. Or, you can also use self-adhesive to place a patch on a clothing item to make the patch sewing process easier.
Optional: For better results, use a dry iron with a mild temperature for 4-6 seconds.
Iron on: For permanent use only
Iron on backing also called heat seal backing, needs a dry-iron or a heat press machine. A patch with this backing has a thin layer of “dried” glue that melts and sticks to the surface during the application process.
Note: Go with this when you want to apply a patch permanently.
Now, please tell us which option would you like with your patches?
Why is the iron on backing starting to come off?
If an iron on patch starts to come off, do I need to use a higher heat setting?
The first step is to increase the time, add 5 more seconds and check the outcome. If it is still not perfect, then you can increase the temperature by 10-15 degrees.
Note: Run some tests on rough/waste fabric. Do not run production without testing.
- How often does the glue last without having to be re-ironed?
It depends on the product’s material, heat-press machine temperature, and pressure. If it is applied correctly, it does not come off.
- For caps/hats, always sew the patches instead of iron on. The iron on patches are applied to the caps by a professional cap heat press machine.
- For shirts/jackets/flat surface products, the iron on patches work well on rough surfaces and materials like cotton, wool, cotton blend, jute, denim, and similar. The wearer can re-iron the patches using a dry home iron.
- How strong are the iron on patches? Will they stay after 10 washes?
The iron on patch sticks firmly on cotton, wool, polyester, or similar materials. The iron on patch does not stick on nylon, silk, leather, or similar materials.
Also, iron on patch sticks on a rough surface like pique, single jersey, fleece, canvas, denim, or similar surfaces. The iron on patch does not stick on a “slippery surface”.
To check the strength of an iron on patch, you can get some on eBay or Amazon at a low price, less than $5. Please test some before ordering us.
An iron on patch can be used as a sew on patch. A sewing service provider can sew an iron on patch as sew on patch. So, if iron on backing did not work, you can still achieve your decoration goal by sewing them on the clothing.
- Can we attach iron on backing on the blank patches before embroidery?
The iron on backing is a kind of glue that will make the embroidery process much more tricky, and the result will be so UGLY.
Even if you accept the "ugly" embroidery, you will not be able to iron on that patch. The glue will not stick. The dried glue is applied in a layer that will be damaged during the embroidery process.
- Why do the sample thread/background colors look different from my artwork?
The colors on a screen always look different from the original source image. It is due to display settings, camera quality and settings, lighting settings, and the person’s ability to take a picture.
The colors we used are very close to the artwork but not 100% exact. Matching 100% is not possible because the fabric and the thread come in limited colors, and PMS color book has 3000+ colors. We have limited choices.
- Does the patch still come with some glue, in that case, to 'fixate' before stitching?
No, we don't add anything sticky. The sewing guy (the person who will sew the patches) may use clothing glue or double-sided tape to make the sewing easier.
Some applications do not need any kind of glue before sewing.
- Can you send some random patches to me?
Yes, but you need to pay the shipping cost ($25) for the samples.
We can produce a real sample for your logo and show you the picture for free.
We can also send your sample at your shipping cost. We use DHL express.
- Can I send my patch sample to you for colors matching?
Please don't send the sample; it would cost us around $65. It may take a week to reach our overseas factory. (We will ship this sample from our Houston warehouse to our factory in Pakistan)
I have a cheaper and faster solution for you to match colors!
Please visit: https://www.madeirausa.com/color-cards1/
Buy this color card: 100-430 MADEIRA CLASSIC RAYON #40 #60 #30 & #12 WEIGHT COLOR CARD
The cost is $5 plus local shipping.
It will take 2-4 days to reach you.
Once you get the color card, match the color and give us the numbers.
- Can you match RGB, CMYK, or Hex colors?
We cannot match RGB, CMYK, or Hex colors. These colors have millions and millions of shades that are not available in the embroidery thread.
The biggest embroidery thread manufacturer, Madeira, has only 383 colors. The printing and embroidery industry works with Pantone Matching System (PMS).
If you need an exact match, you must provide a PMS code.
- Do you offer discounts to schools, universities, police, and non-profitable organizations?
Yes, we offer 10% discounts to schools, universities, Police, and non-profitable organizations.
- Do you offer “blind shipping”?
No, we will send the patches from overseas, and an international package cannot be shipped as "blind." The sender's address cannot be changed.
- No artwork, just the description of a design; can you still work?
Is this possible if you could illustrate your thoughts/ideas on a paper? Don't worry about the quality. Our team will redraw the design for you.
You can also send some similar design examples to make your point clearer.
- Do you make glow-in-the-dark embroidered patches?
No, we don’t do that.
- Do you do direct embroidery on caps/shirts?
Yes, we do. We have our partner companies in Texas, GA, CA, and NY.
We have our patch and clothing factory in Pakistan.
- Do you offer any discounts to resellers?
Yes, we offer wholesale prices (30% discount) to resellers, distributors, embroidery companies, screen printing companies, apparel and clothing companies, uniform companies, and other retailers who sell our products to their customers.
We need one of the following details to determine your eligibility as a reseller:
SAGE, PPAI, or ASI number
Sales and Use Tax Permit
Suppliers invoices for embroidery, screen printing, or clothing material and supplies.
*Please provide just one of these; we don’t need all of them.
Please note: We don’t offer this 30% discount to companies or individuals who purchase our products for their own use, like a security company that needs patches for their staff uniform or an individual who needs the patches for his motorcycle club.
- Do you mind if I request to make changes to my logo?
No, we are happy to help our customers; you can ask us to make changes until you are delighted with your logo for custom embroidered patches. We can make unlimited revisions before the approval process; once you approve the sample for custom-made patches by signing the approval form, no further changes can be made to your logo for custom patches.
- How do you calculate the cost for embroidered patches?
Unlike various other embroidery services, we use stitch-count based rates technique. It makes lots of sense when you use the "pay as you go" rates calculator. Dimension-based prices are, in some cases, excessive for an easy logo. The variety of stitches differs from logo to logo; a 3" round logo with 100% covered with stitches might have 15,000 to 25,000 stitches.
So, how do our rivals (the various other custom embroidery firms) compute the price? Do you believe they (custom patch maker) would base the cost on 15,000 stitches?
Not! They constantly base their prices on the greater stitch count.
- Can you make 100 embroidered patches in 3 days? If so, is there any additional fee?
Yes, we offer SUPER-RUSH turnaround option. We can make around 200 embroidered patches if the logo has 15,000 to 20,000 stitches. We cannot produce large quantities custom patches orders in 3 days.
Note: We use DHL express, which takes 7 to 10 days to deliver.
- Can you make a real custom patch sample for my price quote?
Yes, we love to do that for you upon request. We will digitize your logo and produce a real sample for your price quote. We do not charge for making a real embroidered patch sample.
- Do you offer fire retardant patches?
Yes, we do. Also called FLAME RESISTANT PATCHES, FIRE RESISTANT PATCHES, FIREFIGHTER PATCHES, or FR PATCHES.
Often called FR embroidered patches, these are made with a special FR thread. This thread is Oeko-Tex certified and 100% Aramid, which has Nomex branded fibers that come from DuPont. It is a thread that was specially designed for use in aeronautics, fire and safety, motorsports, and other industries with specific safety standards.
Because of all these things, FR patches are incredibly expensive. They should be used only in situations where safety is a primary concern.
- What are border options available for embroidered/printed/woven patches?
We can add a hot-cut border and merrowed border to the embroidered/printed/woven patches.
- How long have you been in this embroidery business?
We have been in the custom embroidery business since Aug 2008.
- Can I use my own FedEx/DHL/UPS/USPS account to save shipping cost?
No, it is because we ship from our overseas factory. The overseas operators don’t accept US account numbers.
- Do you charge an additional cost for Velcro or Iron on backing?
Yes, we charge an additional cost for these features.
- Can you use metallic thread or any other special thread?
Yes, we can use any type of embroidery thread and material, including metallic and FR thread. There is an additional cost for the special thread and fabric.
- How do you match thread colors? Should I send you PMS color codes or Madeira color codes?
It would be much easier if you send Madeira thread codes; alternatively, you can give us PMS color codes for your custom-made patches order.
Colors on a screen look different than in the PMS color book; matching PMS publication colors with on-screen colors does not work. The only way to match the colors is by using a physical PMS color book. If you are using a PDF PMS color book, you are accepting the distinction in colors.
To avoid this difference, all embroidery services and manufacturers of custom clothing labels utilize PMS.
When we make custom patches, we match thread or fabric colors with the PMS color book.
For background material, we utilize the dye sublimation technique to match the required PMS color. We always try to match as close as possible yet.
Remember that Pantone has over 3,000 colors. Madeira (the biggest embroidery thread brand) has around 383 thread shades. So, there is one thread color for 8 Pantone colors.
- What are your payment terms and methods?
We get paid 100% upfront (in advance). Once an order is confirmed, we send a PayPal invoice.
We accept PayPal, Credit cards, ACH transfers, Wire transfers, Checks, and Pay orders.
- Why do you charge upfront?
We use PayPal to receive our payments; PayPal offers “buyers’ protection” if anything goes wrong, and PayPal investigates and protects the buyer from fraud.
So, if you make the payment through PayPal, you will be protected by PayPal.
On the other hand, who would save us if a buyer refuses to pay the remaining amount after getting the goods?
- How to find a Pantone (PMS) color code for my artwork?
Please go to https://www.pantone.com/color-finder
Enter a Pantone Color Name or Number
You will see many shades or variations for your required color; select a color number with the letter “C” at the end. It means “coated” one of Pantone's physical books. We use that book to match PMS colors.
Attention: On-screen digital color simulations do not match the physical Pantone Color Standards. Refer to Pantone Color publications to obtain actual physical color standards.
- How can I cancel my order for custom patches?
We would like to know the reason for canceling the order. We will try to fix the error.
We run production after getting approval. So, an order cannot be canceled once it is approved.
You can cancel your order before approving it. In this case, you need to pay the design setup cost, which is $30 for a small logo, $60 for a medium logo, and $120 for a large logo.
- Do you apply/sew patches on the caps/shirts?
- Do you charge a fee to make a sample patch before placing an order?
We produce free samples for EMBROIDERED patches, CHENILLE patches, and PRINTED patches. We email high-resolution sample images. If you need the physical sample on your hand, you must pay the DHL express shipping (non-refundable) fee ($25).
- Can I order custom patches on account (on credit) / net 30?
We do not offer net 30 to any of our customers. We get paid 100% upfront (in advance). We use PayPal to receive our payments; PayPal offers “buyers’ protection” if anything goes wrong, and PayPal investigates the case.
- What is your regular turnaround time for embroidered patches?
Our regular turnaround is:
10-12 business days for up to 3,000 patches with up to 20K stitches.
15-20 business days for 4,000 to 7,000 patches with up to 20K stitches.
25-30 business days for 8,000 to 15,000 patches with up to 20K stitches.
Rush 4-5-day turnaround at 50% additional cost for up to 200 patches with up to 20K stitches.
Super Rush 3-day turnaround at 100% additional cost for up to 200 patches with up to 20K stitches.
*The above-mentioned turnaround time is calculated after getting your signed approval.
*We use DHL that takes 7-10 days to deliver; sometimes, they take more than that.
For Samples - We need one/two business day(s) to prepare a sample for embroidered patches or printed patches.
- Can you match thread colors from my existing embroidered patches?
We may not be able to match the thread colors from your existing embroidered patches; please give us PMS color codes or Madeira color codes for each color. We can match PMS colors as close as possible; please help us match them.
The colors on your screen are always different than those in the PMS book. Please do not match PMS book colors with your screen's colors. The only way to match the colors exactly, 100%, is using a physical PMS book. If you are using a PDF PMS color book, you are accepting the difference in colors slightly.
- Can you match my existing patch design?
It is difficult to match an existing patch. There are three main reasons why it is difficult.
- The difference in digitizing/design setup, no one can digitize/setup exactly the same someone has done already.
- The difference in machines and equipment, each machine has its own settings. Brand A has a different quality than brand B, and so do the others.
- The difference in the way of operating the machine and equipment, everyone has their own settings, e.g., tension settings, bobbin thread settings, column width setting, and so on.
In other words, matching an existing patch is as difficult as matching one's signature. It is possible but takes time and effort.
- Can I send you a check or send payment through my bank account?
Yes, you can write a check and send it to
749 Wildcat Way Apt 216
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
For ACH payments, please call us.
- What is your order minimum quantity or MOQ for patches/keychains?
Embroidered: 01
Printed: 01
Chenille: 01
Leather: 01
Woven: 100
PVC: 50
- What is the difference between a patch and an applique?
Patch vs. Applique
When we say “iron on/Velcro appliques,” it means “iron on/Velcro patches.”
They are pieces of cloth with a logo/text embroidered/printed and with a finished border. They can have an iron on backing, Velcro backing, or adhesive backing; they can also be applied by a sewing machine. Patches/appliques applied by sewing are called “sew on patches/sew on applique.”
Patch vs. A filled logo with stitches
In an embroidery design, when we need to cover a large area/background with another color, we have two ways to do that. The first is to use a piece of cloth (called applique) and place it in that area/background and cover its edges with a satin-stitch border; the second option is to fill that area/background with stitches. This method needs lots of stitches and costs more than the first one.
A design done as a patch can also have an applique inside it to save the stitches/cost.
- How can you help me save money?
We help our customers by using the stitch-count base pricing method for custom-made patches. So,
- We charge based on the stitches, not the size of the logo for embroidered patches
- We use as fewer stitches as possible to keep embroidered patches costs low
- We provide free embroidery digitizing or logo digitizing for embroidered patches
- We offer special discounts on embroidered patches to SAGE, ASI, and PPAI members
- We also offer a special 30% discount on embroidered patches to registered resellers
- Do you charge a fee for design setup?
No, we offer free design setup for all patches and labels.
Transforming an artwork (a logo photo) to an embroidery data file called embroidery digitizing or logo digitizing. We do not charge to digitize a logo for custom embroidered patches/keychains. The actual worth for this service is around $30 for the small logo designs and $150 for coat/jacket back logo designs; however, we do it for free!
- Do you charge a fee for logo artwork modification?
No! we don’t charge any fee for artwork modification. All logo designs are not suitable for embroidery; some logos have too many little information, lays out, letters, as well as gradient impacts. These logos are not "embroidery-friendly" We simply artwork to make them "embroidery-friendly." Please keep in mind that we also have an embroidery digitizing business; that is why we are good at the artwork alteration.
- How long will you take to answer my price quote request?
When we receive a logo for a price quote for custom-made patches, we make an embroidery file for that logo first. This process is called embroidery digitizing or logo digitizing. That digitized embroidery file tells us the stitch count that is our key factor in calculating the cost.
We also send a digital mockup or virtual sample image with the price quote. We usually take up to 24 hours to prepare an accurate price quote.
- Can I use a clothing sewing machine or an embroidery machine to sew the patches?
We use different methods to finish the sew on patches:
- If you use a clothing sewing machine, then we make the patches with a “finished” satin border.
In this case, you simply sew the patch inside the finished border.
- The second method is when you sew the patches using your embroidery machine.
In this case, we do not finish the border. We make a lighter-stitched border, and we make a DST file for you. In the DST file, we make a proper satin-stitched border (with a mapping run stitch plus zigzag stitch.)
- How do you make embroidered patches?
This is how we make an embroidered patch:
Step 1: A designer creates the logo on a computer program for the embroidery machine.
Step 2: The chief designer checks the design and approves it after making necessary changes.
Step 3: Once the file is ready, the production manager arranges the required thread colors for the sample and send the entire package to the machine.
Step 4: The embroidery machine operator makes the sample.
Step 5: The overlock / merrow machine operator makes the border.
Step 6: The iron on or Velcro backing is attached to the back of the sample patch.
- What are backing or attachment options available for patches?
What are backing or attachment options available for patches?
We offer all backing options for patches.
Embroidered patch: Iron on, Velcro, Self-adhesive, Plastic lamination, and you can aslo sew the patch using a sewing machine.
Printed patch: Iron on, Velcro, Self-adhesive, Plastic lamination, and you can aslo sew the patch using a sewing machine.
Woven patch: Iron on, Velcro, Self-adhesive, Plastic lamination, and you can also, sew the patch using a sewing machine.
Chenille Patch: Velcro only. We recommend using a sewing machine to sew the patch.
Laser-engraved Leather patch: Iron on, Velcro, Self-adhesive, Plastic lamination, and you can aslo sew the patch using a sewing machine.
Leather debossed patch: Velcro, Self-adhesive, and you can aslo sew the patch using a sewing machine.
PVC patch: The only backing for PVC patch is Velcro. We recommend using a sewing machine to sew the patch.
- What logo is not suitable for embroidery but ideal for dye sublimation printing?
A logo with small letters, tons of shades, and gradients effects are not suitable for embroidery. Still, we can make all the details and gradient effects using the dye sublimation printing method.
The latest embroidery machines have 15 needles, so, we can make a logo in 15 thread colors, but in the full-color sublimation printing, there is no limit of colors.
If you need an embroidered patch, then allow us to simplify your logo for embroidery.
- Where are you located? Can I visit your embroidery facility?
We are a registered limited liability company in the state of Texas.
Our business federal tax ID can be provided upon request.
Our warehouse is in Houston to send and receive goods, but that is not a factory. Our factory is in Karachi, Pakistan. We ship all patches/labels from our overseas factory.
Mailing address:
Houston Embroidery Service
10685-B Hazelhurst Dr. Suite 13006
Houston, TX 77043
903-951-5430
Factory address:
B-330 Sec 31A Mehran Town Korangi Industrial Area
Karachi, Sindh 74900 Pakistan