Material
Sewn-On Patch
A patch with no adhesive that is attached to a garment with perimeter stitching.
Definition
A sewn-on patch is a patch with no heat-activated adhesive on the back. It attaches to the garment with stitching around the perimeter or a tackle twill style stitch pattern across the patch face. Sewn-on patches are preferred for jackets, bags, hats, and any substrate where heat exposure would damage the base material (waxed cotton, certain technical shells, certain leathers). They are also the traditional military and uniform standard. The trade-off is slower attachment time and the requirement of a sewing machine or contracted finisher. Most raised UV patches and leatherette patches are produced as adhesive-backed by default with sew-on available on request.
Related Terms
Patch Backing
The bonding layer on the back of a patch that attaches it to the garment, available in heat-activated or sew-on formats.
Adhesive Backing
A heat-activated bonding layer on the back of a patch that attaches the patch to a garment under a heat press.
Raised UV Patch
A heat-applied apparel patch decorated with layered UV cure passes to deliver embroidery-grade tactile height.
Leatherette Patch
A heat-applied patch with a synthetic leather face surface printed with raised UV branding.