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You've designed the garment, sourced the fabric, nailed the fit. Now someone asks: "What about your labels?" And suddenly you're staring at a world of weave types, thread counts, folding options, and terminology that nobody explained in fashion school.

We've been making woven labels since 2008, and we've walked thousands of brands through this exact moment — from solo designers sewing their first run in a spare bedroom to established companies refreshing their label program for a new season. This guide covers everything you need to know to order your first set of woven labels without second-guessing yourself.

What Makes a Label "Woven"?

A woven label is exactly what it sounds like: thread woven on a loom to create your design. Unlike printed labels, where ink sits on top of a fabric surface, woven labels have the design built into the fabric itself. Every

A local brewery owner called us last month with a problem. She'd ordered 200 embroidered patches from another supplier for her tap room staff, and they showed up with crooked borders, loose threads, and colors that looked nothing like her logo. She needed replacements in two weeks — and she needed them done right.

We hear stories like this all the time. Since 2008, our team at New York Custom Labels has worked with thousands of brands on custom embroidered patches, and the single biggest issue people run into is not understanding what goes into a quality patch before they place an order. This guide covers everything you need to know — from thread types and backing options to sizing, artwork, and how to avoid the mistakes that waste your time and money.

What Makes an Embroidered

We work with brands, designers, schools, sports teams, small businesses, and individuals who want high quality custom patches that look professional and last. One of the most common questions we hear from customers is simple: when it comes to iron on patches for clothes vs. sew on patches, which is better?

The answer depends on your goals, your garment, and how you plan to use the patch. Both options offer unique advantages. As a company that manufactures custom patches with both iron on and sew on backings, we want to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.

Iron On Patch Basics

Iron on patches for clothes feature a heat activated adhesive backing. When heat and pressure are applied with a household iron or heat press, the adhesive melts and bonds to the fabric.

The corporate gifting industry in America is thriving. Companies spend billions each year on gifts meant to express gratitude, strengthen partnerships, and reinforce brand identity. Yet, while the selection of mugs, tumblers, and tech accessories continues to expand, most of these items blur together once the novelty fades. What makes a gift worth keeping is the detail that connects it to a company’s story. That’s where leather patches quietly shine as small but powerful accents that elevate ordinary gifts into lasting expressions of craftsmanship and authenticity.

As businesses compete to stand out in a market projected to exceed $900 billion by 2025, the real challenge isn’t how much they spend but how well they create an impression that lasts. A premium leather patch becomes that tactile reminder of quality that recipients feel each time they pick up the

Iron on embroidered patches are a popular and convenient way to customize clothing, uniforms, bags, and accessories. They allow individuals and businesses to add branding, personality, or identification without the time and skill required for sewing. While these patches are designed to be user friendly, many people still make avoidable mistakes during application and care. These errors can lead to peeling edges, damaged fabric, or patches that fall off entirely.

Understanding the most common mistakes when using iron on embroidered patches can help you achieve long lasting results and keep your items looking professional.

Not Checking Fabric Compatibility

One of the most common mistakes is failing to confirm whether the fabric can safely handle heat. Iron on embroidered patches

When creating branded or custom headwear, one of the most important decisions you will make is how your design is applied. Two of the most popular options are custom hat patches and direct embroidery. Both methods have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your goals, budget, and the style you want to achieve.

Understanding the differences between custom hat patches and direct embroidery can help you make an informed decision that results in better looking hats and stronger brand impact.

Custom Hat Patches

Custom hat patches are separate pieces of material that feature your design and are attached to a hat after production. These patches can be made from a variety of materials,

Custom velcro patches have become one of the most versatile and practical ways to showcase identity, branding, and creativity. From military and tactical gear to fashion, sports teams, and business uniforms, these patches provide a removable and reusable solution that combines style with functionality. Unlike sew-on patches that remain permanently fixed, velcro-backed patches allow for quick attachment, swapping, and repositioning, which makes them ideal for both professional and personal use.

But how exactly do custom velcro patches come to life? The process is more detailed than simply stitching a design onto fabric. It involves thoughtful design, material selection, production techniques, and finishing touches that ensure the patch not only looks good but also performs well over time.

Step 1: Defining the Purpose of the Patch

Before the design even begins, the first step is

Name patches are a classic element of workwear and are a great and simple way to personalize any article of clothing. Whether you need them for employee uniforms, baseball caps, or branded outerwear, embroidered name patches are an essential tool for creating a polished and professional look.

Designing an embroidered name patch that truly stands out requires more than just picking a font and thread color. From choosing the right size and shape to selecting the perfect color palette, every detail matters when it comes to making a lasting impression. In this article, we’ll share expert tips on how to design embroidered name patches that not only look great but also feel truly personal.

Why Embroidered Name Patches Are the Gold Standard

Before we dive into design tips, let’s take a moment to understand

When it comes to adding personality, style, or branding to clothing, embroidered badges for clothes are a timeless and versatile option. Whether you’re customizing a denim jacket, personalizing a school uniform, or creating merch for your small business, the type of badge you choose, and how it’s applied, matters.

Two of the most popular application methods are iron-on embroidered badges and sew-on embroidered badges. Each has its own advantages and ideal use cases.

What Are Embroidered Badges for Clothes?

Embroidered badges are decorative patches made with thread stitched into a backing material to form a design: anything from a brand logo to a fun graphic or slogan. These badges can be attached to clothes using several methods, but iron-on and sew-on are the most common and accessible options.

Whether you're going for aesthetic flair or professional-level branding,

When it comes to apparel customization, details matter. Whether you’re building a streetwear label, producing high-end workwear, or creating promotional gear for a business, your label says everything about your identity. At New York Custom Labels, one of the most common questions we receive is: “Should I go with a personalized leather patch or an embroidered patch?” The answer depends on your style, target audience, and the message you want your product to send.

What Is a Personalized Leather Patch?

A personalized leather patch is a custom-designed patch made from genuine or faux leather, typically embossed or debossed with your logo or design. These patches add a rugged yet refined character to garments and accessories. Whether stitched onto baseball caps, jackets, bags, or shoes, a custom leather