PATCHES R US ACADEMY
Your Artwork Doesn't Have to Be Perfect
Professional vector artwork is lovely to receive — but it isn't a requirement. We regularly work from JPGs, screenshots, photographs, AI-generated images, existing patches, sketches and early-stage ideas.
START WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
You Don't Need a Production-Ready File to Ask for a Quote
One of the most common reasons people delay getting in touch is because they think they need finished vector artwork first.
You don't. Send us the best reference you currently have and tell us what you're trying to create. We can review whether the design will work as it is, whether anything should be simplified, or whether another patch construction would reproduce it more successfully.
A photograph, screenshot, old badge or rough sketch can all give us something useful to work from.
WHAT CAN YOU SEND US?
Probably More Than You Think
The quality of the starting file may affect how much preparation is required, but it doesn't stop us reviewing the project.
JPG or PNG
Standard image files are completely fine for initial review and quotation.
PDFs often contain useful logo or brand artwork and are easy for us to assess.
Screenshot
If that's genuinely all you have, send it. It can still give us a useful starting reference.
Sketch
Rough drawings and early concepts are welcome, especially when the idea matters more than the finish.
AI-Generated Artwork
AI images can make brilliant references, although they often need adaptation before manufacture.
Photograph
Pet portraits, artwork, objects and photographic references can all be explored.
Existing Patch
We can work from photographs or examples of an existing patch even when the original production file is unavailable.
Vector Artwork
AI, EPS, SVG and other vector formats are excellent when available — they're just not essential for the first conversation.
BEFORE WE MANUFACTURE
We Review the Artwork as a Patch — Not Just as an Image
Something can look beautiful on a screen and still need adjustment before it works well in thread, chenille, PVC or another physical material.
That's why we look beyond whether the file technically opens. We look at how the design is actually going to reproduce.
Lettering Is the smallest text going to stay readable?
Fine Lines Are outlines and small details thick enough to reproduce clearly?
Colours Will the colour areas separate cleanly and suit the chosen material?
Scale Does the design contain enough physical space for the intended size?
Shape & Border Should the patch use a merrowed border, hot-cut edge or custom shape?
Construction Would embroidered, woven, printed, PVC or another technique suit it best?
AI ARTWORK
Can You Make a Patch From an AI-Generated Image?
Yes — and we're seeing this more and more.
AI can create fantastic concepts, characters, logos and detailed illustrations, but those images aren't automatically designed around the physical limitations of embroidery or patch manufacturing.
We can review the image and recommend how closely it can be reproduced and which construction will give you the result you're trying to achieve.
MAKING ARTWORK PATCH-FRIENDLY
What Might We Change?
The aim isn't to redesign your identity. It's to make sure the finished patch still communicates it properly.
Simplify Tiny Detail
Remove or combine details that would otherwise disappear at the final size.
Improve Readability
Adjust tiny lettering or spacing where a word would become unclear.
Adjust Colours
Translate screen colours into practical thread, felt, PVC or print combinations.
Remove Backgrounds
Isolate the part of the artwork that should actually become the patch.
Refine Proportions
Tweak dimensions or spacing where the intended patch shape needs it.
Change Construction
Recommend another patch type if the original method won't deliver the strongest result.
NO ORIGINAL ARTWORK?
We Can Work From an Existing Patch
Sometimes an organisation has used the same badge for years but no longer has the original artwork or manufacturing files.
Send us photographs or the patch itself as a reference. We can review the shapes, colours, lettering and construction and advise what can be recreated.
ARTWORK → PATCH TYPE
Different Artwork Suits Different Techniques
Great starting point
EmbroideredOften ideal
WovenPerfect territory
ChenilleConsider
PrintedConsider
Offset Print + EmbroideryConsider
PVCTHEN WE TEST THE IDEA
The Artwork Isn't the Final Guess
After the digital artwork stage, we manufacture a real sample so the finished design can be reviewed before the main production run.
If the sample shows that lettering needs changing, colours need adjusting or another construction would work better, that's the point where we can refine it.
See how our sampling process works →COMMON QUESTIONS
Custom Patch Artwork FAQs
Do I need vector artwork?
Can you make a patch from AI-generated artwork?
Can you make a patch from a photograph?
Can you recreate an old patch if I don't have the artwork?
Can you change colours?
What if my artwork is too detailed?
Can I just send you a rough idea?
GOT SOMETHING TO SHOW US?
Send the Artwork You Have.
JPG, screenshot, AI image, photograph, existing patch or finished vector file — send us the best reference you have and tell us what you're trying to create. We'll help work out the rest.