Gillian Wachtel

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