Embroidered Patches vs. Woven Patches: What’s the Difference?

Patches are a fantastic way to add personality to clothing, accessories, or brand merchandise. But when it comes to embroidered patches vs. woven patches, which one is right for you? The difference may seem subtle at first, but the details matter—especially when it comes to texture, durability, and price.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between woven and embroidered patches, how they’re made, and which one is best suited for your needs.

What are Embroidered Patches?

Embroidered patches are a classic choice, known for their textured, raised design created by stitching thick embroidery threads onto a fabric backing (usually twill or felt). This gives the patch a dimensional, handcrafted feel, making them popular for uniforms, clubs, and vintage-style branding.

Key Features of Embroidered Patches

• They have a bold, raised texture, making designs stand out.
• They are highly durable, ideal for outdoor gear, workwear, and uniforms.
• They work best for simple designs with bold lines and thick lettering.
• They offer a traditional, handcrafted look, often seen on military, scouting, and biker patches.

However, because embroidery uses thicker threads, fine details and small text can be harder to achieve compared to woven patches.

What are Woven Patches?

Woven patches, on the other hand, use thinner threads woven together to create a smooth, flat design. Instead of being stitched onto a base fabric like embroidered patches, woven patches are made by weaving threads tightly to form an intricate, high-definition image.

Key Features of Woven Patches

• The surface is smooth and flat, with no raised stitching.
• They allow for more detailed designs and crisp lettering.
• They are lightweight and flexible, making them great for jackets, delicate fabrics, and hat patches.
• They have a modern, high-resolution look, ideal for logos and branding.

Since woven patches don’t have raised embroidery, they provide a sleeker, more refined finish, making them a go-to choice for logos, small text, and intricate designs.

Key Differences Between Woven and Embroidered Patches

So, what is the difference between a woven and embroidered patch? While both are made using thread, the production method and final look are quite different.

Embroidered patches have a bold, dimensional appearance, thanks to thick embroidery thread stitched onto a fabric base. This creates a textured, raised design, making the patch pop. However, the thickness of the thread means that fine details and small text can be harder to achieve.

Woven patches, in contrast, are created by weaving thin threads together, resulting in a smooth, flat finish. Because the threads are finer and closely woven, these patches can capture intricate details and crisp lettering that embroidery simply can't replicate. They’re also more lightweight and flexible, making them a great choice for hats, activewear, and detailed logo designs.

If you're looking for a bold, classic patch with a textured feel, go for embroidered patches. If you need sharp detail, smaller text, or a sleek modern finish, woven patches are the better choice.

Woven vs. Embroidered Patch Price Comparison

One of the biggest deciding factors when choosing between these two patch types is cost.

• Embroidered patches tend to be slightly more expensive because they use more thread and take longer to produce. The embroidery process requires individual stitches to be made on a fabric backing, which adds to production time.
• Woven patches are generally more affordable since they require less thread and can be made with faster weaving techniques.

That said, the price of both types of patches depends on several factors:

• Size – Larger patches cost more due to increased material and production time.
• Thread colors – More colors can increase production costs.
• Backing type – Options like iron-on patches, Velcro, or adhesive add to the overall price.

If you’re on a budget but need high-detail patches, woven patches typically offer better value for money.

Is Woven the Same as Embroidery?

A common question is: Is woven the same as embroidery? The short answer? No.

While both use thread, the technique is completely different:

• Embroidery stitches thick threads onto a fabric backing, creating a raised, dimensional effect.
• Weaving uses thin threads woven together tightly to form the design, resulting in a smooth, detailed look.

Think of it like this: Embroidery is like painting with thick brushstrokes, while weaving is like creating an image with tiny pixels—both beautiful, just different styles!

How are Woven Patches Made?

Ever wondered, how are woven patches made? Unlike embroidered patches, woven patches don’t have a base fabric. Instead, the design is woven directly into the patch using specialized weaving machines.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Digital Design Creation – The patch design is programmed into a weaving machine.
2. Thread Selection – Thin, colorful threads are chosen to match the design.
3. Weaving Process – The machine weaves the threads together, creating the image.
4. Cutting & Finishing – Patches are cut into shape and given a backing (iron-on, Velcro patch, or sew-on).
5. Quality Check – Each patch is inspected before being shipped out!

Because woven patches use a continuous weaving process, they can achieve higher detail and precision compared to embroidered patches.

Which Type of Patch Should You Choose?

Now that you know the difference between woven and embroidered patches, how do you decide which one is right for you?

You should choose embroidered patches if you:

• Want a bold, raised texture that stands out.
• Prefer a classic, vintage look.
• Need a durable patch for workwear, uniforms, or heavy-duty use.

You should choose woven patches if you:

• Need fine details, small text, or intricate logos.
• Want a sleek, modern look for branding.
• Prefer a lightweight, flexible patch that works well on hats, jackets, and soft fabrics.

Still unsure? Why not try both! At Dutch Label Shop, we create high-quality woven and embroidered patches customized to your design. Whether you need a bold embroidered look or a finely detailed woven patch, we’ve got you covered! Order your custom patches today!