VC offers custom embroidery and woven patches for headwear, cotton apparel and accessories. Both methods use thread to create textured logos and designs, offering a classic alternative to printed customization.
Embroidery
Embroidery uses coloured threads stitched directly into a garment to reproduce logos, lettering and designs. It's a popular choice for hats, polos, jackets, hoodies and other apparel where a traditional, professional finish is preferred.
How It Works
Your artwork is first digitized into a specialized embroidery file (.DST) that tells the embroidery machine where to place each stitch.
The garment is secured in the machine, the appropriate thread colours are loaded, and the design is stitched directly into the fabric.
Digitization is a one-time setup process for each design and size (cost is $40). Once created, the file can be reused for future orders at the same dimensions.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Embroidery works best on heavier, more structured fabrics, such as hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets and hats. Because embroidery uses physical threads stitched directly through the garment, it adds weight and stiffness to the fabric.
For lightweight performance apparel, such as athletic jerseys and technical shirts, embroidery may feel heavy or affect how the fabric drapes. We generally recommend considering other customization methods for these garments, depending on the design and intended use.
If you're unsure which method is best for your garment, our team can help you choose the right option.
Colours & Design Considerations
Embroidery works best with clear, relatively simple artwork. Very small lettering, fine lines, gradients and intricate details may need to be simplified to reproduce well with thread.
- Solid colours are recommended.
- Thread colours are selected to closely match your artwork.
- The size and complexity of the design determine the total stitch count and cost.
- Larger or more detailed designs may require additional setup and production costs.
Our team can review your artwork and recommend adjustments to achieve the best result.
Minimum Orders
The minimum initial order for embroidery is 1 unit per style.
Pricing
Embroidery pricing is based on the number of stitches required, the quantity ordered and the complexity of the design.
For current pricing, visit our Customization page.
Embroidered Names & Numbers
VC also offers individual names and numbers embroidered directly onto garments.
| Customization | Price |
|---|---|
| Single-line name or number | $15 |
| Double-line name or text | $25 |
Pricing applies to one-colour embroidery with lettering up to 2" tall.
Custom Woven Patches
Custom woven patches use fine threads to reproduce detailed logos and designs on a fabric backing, offering a clean, textured finish. VC can apply adhesive-backed patches to a wide range of headwear and cotton apparel, including hats, hoodies, sweatshirts and t-shirts.
How It Works
Unlike direct embroidery, woven patches are manufactured separately from the garment. Fine threads are woven together to create the design, allowing for smaller lettering and more intricate details than traditional embroidery.
The finished patch is backed with adhesive and applied to the garment using heat and pressure.
Colours & Design Considerations
Woven patches are particularly well suited to detailed logos, small lettering and designs that require more precision than direct embroidery.
- Up to 8 thread colours can be incorporated into a design.
- Fine lines and small details can be reproduced more accurately than with traditional embroidery.
- Patches can be produced in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- The finished design has a relatively flat, smooth woven surface.
Pricing & Minimum Orders
Custom patches have a firm minimum order of 100 units. This minimum applies regardless of the number of garments being customized, so patches are generally not a practical option for smaller orders.
The advantage of patches is their versatility. The same patch design can be used across a variety of garments, including hoodies, T-shirts, hats and bags. You can also order 100 patches at once, keep the extras in stock, and use them on future orders as needed.
This makes patches a great option for teams, clubs and organizations that plan to use the same logo across multiple products or over several seasons. However, if you only need a small number of customized garments, embroidery or another printing method may be a better fit.
Pricing can be found on the Custom Patches product page here.
Have a special request? Contact VC with your artwork, preferred patch dimensions and estimated order quantity for a quote.
Embroidery or Woven Patches?
Both options offer a textured, thread-based finish, but the best choice depends on your artwork and the garment being customized.
Choose embroidery for simple logos, lettering and designs stitched directly into the fabric.
Choose woven patches for more detailed artwork, smaller lettering or designs that benefit from a separate, precisely woven application.
Ready to Customize?
Contact VC to discuss embroidery or custom patches for your next project. Our team can help determine the best option for your artwork, garments and order quantity.
