PATCH TYPES • QUICK COMPARISON
Woven, Embroidered or Chenille?
Same idea. Three completely different finishes. If you're planning a custom patch project, understanding the difference between woven, embroidered and chenille is one of the best places to start.
THE 10-SECOND ANSWER
Which one should you choose?
Detail matters most.
Smaller lettering, finer lines and more intricate artwork generally benefit from the flatter, finer woven construction.
You want the classic patch look.
Embroidery gives you visible stitched texture and that instantly recognisable traditional badge feel.
You want bold texture.
Chenille is soft, raised and statement-making — brilliant for larger, simpler shapes and varsity-inspired designs.
PATCH TYPE 01
Woven patches.
Woven patches use finer threads woven together to create the design, producing a flatter and smoother finish than traditional embroidery.
Because the threads are finer, woven construction is particularly useful when artwork contains smaller lettering, narrow lines or details that would become too chunky in embroidery.
Fine lettering • intricate logos • flatter finishes • smaller detail
PATCH TYPE 02
Embroidered patches.
Embroidered patches use stitched thread on a fabric base, creating visible texture and depth that you can both see and feel.
They're a brilliant choice for bold logos, lettering and artwork where the stitched finish is part of the appeal.
Classic badges • bold artwork • logos • traditional stitched texture
PATCH TYPE 03
Chenille patches.
Chenille uses looped yarn to create its distinctive soft, raised surface — the look most people associate with varsity and letterman jackets.
It works best where the design elements are large enough for the texture to shine. Fine lettering and small details can often be embroidered over the chenille instead, giving you the best of both techniques.
Varsity styles • large letters • bold shapes • mixed textures
SIDE BY SIDE
The differences at a glance.
Flat & smooth
Raised stitching
Soft & fluffy
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
★☆☆☆☆
Subtle
Textured
Very textured
Detailed & refined
Classic patch
Bold varsity
Excellent
Depends on size
Usually embroidered instead
HERE'S THE INTERESTING BIT
Your patch doesn't always have to choose one technique.
Some of the strongest designs use more than one construction method.
A chenille background can be combined with embroidered lettering. Embroidery can be combined with print where artwork contains detail that thread alone would struggle to reproduce.
That's why we prefer to look at the actual artwork rather than simply asking customers to choose a patch type from a list.
WANT TO GO DEEPER?
Keep going in the Patch Academy.
This article gives you the quick comparison. Our Academy and custom patch guides go further into construction, backing options, application and how we decide which technique suits a design.
DON'T ACTUALLY NEED CUSTOM?
We've got thousands ready to go.
If you're here for inspiration rather than a production run, jump straight into the catalogue.
STILL NOT SURE?
Send us the design.
You don't need to know whether your artwork should be woven, embroidered or chenille before you contact us. Send the design, approximate size, quantity and intended use and we'll help work out the best construction.