The price for custom embroidered patches starts around £0.39 and can reach £51.66 for a single patch. The final cost depends on the patch size, the total quantity ordered, and the amount of embroidery coverage.
For example, if you order 2,000 pieces of a 1-inch patch with 50% coverage, you’ll pay about £0.44 each. On the other end, a short run of ten 7-inch patches with 100% coverage will cost roughly £51.66 per patch.
Patch Makers UK has no minimum order requirement. They provide free digitising, free delivery across the UK, and will send you a full quote within one business day based on your specific artwork.
The Science Behind Embroidered Patch Costs
3-Inch Embroidered Patch Pricing
Here is the per-patch rate for a 3-inch patch, based on quantity and coverage:
| Coverage | 10 pcs | 50 pcs | 100 pcs | 500 pcs | 1,000 pcs | 2,000 pcs |
| 50% | £12.42 | £2.81 | £1.87 | £0.92 | £0.62 | £0.59 |
| 75% | £13.63 | £3.09 | £2.04 | £1.02 | £0.69 | £0.66 |
| 100% | £14.86 | £3.36 | £2.23 | £1.12 | £0.74 | £0.72 |
Keep in mind that complex artwork might change your quote slightly.
Calculating Patch Cost and Size
Size, quantity, and coverage all affect the price. To find your patch size category, add the height and width, then divide by two. A patch that is 2 inches high and 4 inches wide falls into the 3-inch category.
The Patch Makers UK website has a calculator that shows live pricing ranges based on size, quantity, coverage, and backing type, helping you estimate costs before requesting a quote.
How to Determine the Custom Embroidered Patch Prices?
Several factors determine the cost of a custom patch. Understanding these can help you lower the price without changing your design.
Patch Size (1 to 7 Inches)
Size is the main factor in patch pricing. Larger patches require more backing material, thread, and machine time. A 2-inch patch for a cap is on the cheaper end, while a 4-inch patch for a jacket sits in the middle. Back patches over 7 inches require multiple embroidery passes and are quoted individually.
Quantity and Bulk Orders
Setting up the embroidery machine has an upfront cost that is split across your entire order. Ordering more patches lowers the cost per piece. The largest price drop happens between 20 and 300 pieces. If you plan to order again later, buying a larger batch upfront will save you money.
Embroidery Coverage (50%, 75%, 100%)
Coverage refers to how much thread fills the patch compared to the exposed twill backing. This has a major impact on the price.
- 50% coverage leaves the twill visible and is the cheapest option.
- 100% coverage covers the entire fabric with thread and costs the most.
- 75% coverage is a popular middle ground.
Lowering coverage from 100% to 75% or 50% is a direct way to cut costs.
Thread Colours
Every extra thread colour requires the machine to stop and load a new spool, which adds to the cost. Most standard orders include 6 to 12 colours. Reducing the number of colours in your design will lower the price.
3D Puff Embroidery
3D embroidery costs more than flat embroidery. It uses a foam layer under the stitches to create a raised effect, requiring extra stitches and more production time. Metallic and glow-in-the-dark threads also cost more.
Backing Type
- Sew-on backing is usually the cheapest and is included in the base price.
- Iron-on backing adds a small fee for the adhesive layer.
- Peel-and-stick backing costs slightly more than iron-on patches.
- Velcro backing is the most expensive standard option because it requires an extra layer of material.
Border Style
- Merrowed borders (classic overlocked stitching) are the standard and cheapest option.
- Hot-cut borders (heat-sealed edges) suit intricate shapes and cost a bit more.
- Laser-cut borders provide the most precise edge for irregular shapes and are the most expensive.
Custom Embroidered Patch Prices by Size
Pricing by Size (100 pieces)
Here are the benchmark rates for an order of 100 pieces across different sizes:
| Size | 50% to 100% Coverage Range |
| 2 inches | £1.39 to £1.66 |
| 3 inches | £1.87 to £2.23 |
| 4 inches | £2.40 to £2.88 |
| 5 inches | £3.19 to £3.87 |
| 7 inches | £6.12 to £7.45 |
Prices increase with size because material and thread usage scale with surface area. Sizes are available in half-inch increments up to 7 inches. Anything larger requires a custom quote.
Additional Custom Patch Costs and Fees
VAT and Hidden Fees
Always check if a quote includes VAT before comparing prices. Ask for the full total to avoid surprises at checkout.
Confirm if the following fees are included:
- Digitising fee: The cost of turning artwork into an embroidery file. Patch Makers UK waives this on standard orders, but other suppliers may charge £20 to £60.
- Rush production: Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days. Expedited delivery (3 to 5 days) usually adds 15% to 30%.
- Delivery: Patch Makers UK offers free delivery in the UK. Overseas suppliers might have hidden import duties or longer delivery times.
- Oversized patches (7+ inches): These require custom quotes.
- Revision fees: One or two mockups are usually free, but major design changes might cost extra.
Choosing Between UK and Overseas Patch Makers?
Ordering from the best UK custom patch supplier helps you avoid import duties and customs delays. A cheaper quote from an overseas supplier might end up costing more once customs charges are added.
Real Custom Embroidered Patch Pricing Examples
- Small Club Run: 100 patches, 3 inches, 75% coverage, sew-on backing. £2.04 per patch.
- Corporate Rollout: 500 patches, 3 inches, 100% coverage, standard turnaround. £1.12 per patch.
- Bulk Distribution Run: 2,000 patches, 3 inches, 50% coverage, sew-on backing. £0.59 per patch.
Other Types of Custom Embroidered Patches
Embroidered patches are durable and have a traditional texture. If you want a different look, woven patches offer a flat, smooth finish with more detail. PVC rubber patches are bold and colourful with a 3D edge. Sequin patches provide an all-over sparkle.
How to Estimate the Best Price for Custom Embroidered Patches?
- Order in bulk. Rounding up your order (e.g., 90 to 100 pieces) can lower the per-patch rate.
- Simplify the design. Fewer colours mean less machine time and lower costs.
- Lower the coverage. Dropping to 75% or 50% coverage cuts costs without reducing the patch size.
- Skip 3D puff. Flat embroidery is cheaper.
- Choose standard shapes. Circles, ovals, and rectangles avoid extra die or laser-cut charges.
- Compare quotes. Check the full total, including VAT and digitising fees, not just the per-patch rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do 100 custom embroidered patches cost?
The price of custom embroidered patches, either 1 or 100 pieces, depends on the patch size and embroidery coverage. Large patches with detailed embroidery will naturally cost more, but ordering in bulk will help you reduce the cost per patch.
Does embroidery coverage affect the price?
Embroidery coverage does increase the price because a patch with more embroidery coverage will require more machine time. You can drop the coverage to 75% or 50%, which can make a major difference in cost without changing the patch size.
Does ordering more patches reduce the price?
Yes. Larger orders cost less per patch because more pieces can divide the setup and production cost. If you are aware that you will need more patches later, it is better that you order a bulk batch upfront and save per patch cost.
Is there a minimum order for custom embroidered patches?
Patch Makers UK has no minimum order requirement, so you can order a small quantity if you need a few patches only.
Does the size of an embroidered patch affect its price?
Yes, size affects the price of an embroidered patch because large patches use more backing material and thread and take longer to produce.
Are there extra costs for custom embroidered patches?
There can be an extra cost, depending on the supplier and your requirements, such as rush orders. Patch Makers UK provides free digitising and UK delivery on standard orders, but it’s still worth checking the full quote before comparing suppliers.
Do I pay import duty when ordering embroidered patches?
It depends on where you are ordering from. Buying from a UK-based supplier generally cuts the import duties and customs issues that can come with overseas orders.
How long does it take to make custom embroidered patches?
Production time depends on the order size, design complexity, and your delivery requirements. The standard turnaround is around 7 to 10 business days, while rush production can take around 3 to 5 days and may cost an additional 15% to 30%.
Does the number of thread colours affect the price?
It can affect the price because each additional thread colour may call for extra machine stops and setup, due to which production time and cost can increase. Simpler designs will help you lower the price.
Is 3D puff embroidery more expensive than standard embroidery?
Yes, 3D puff embroidery does cost more than normal flat embroidery because it uses a layer of foam underneath the stitches to create a 3D effect. This requires additional materials, stitching, and production time.
Get the Best Value for Your Custom Embroidered Patches
Getting the best price for custom embroidered patches is not always about choosing the cheapest quote. Size, quantity, embroidery coverage, backing, thread colours, and extra fees can all change the final cost. You may want to keep your budget under control, so to save up some money you can order in bulk, choose the right coverage, simplifying your design also helps, and always compare the full quote.
With Patch Makers UK, you can order any quantity with free digitising and delivery in UK. If you are ready to know your patch price, then you can get your free quote right today and start your order.
