Custom Specialty Patches
Sequin, reflective, bullion, felt, glow and blank finishes.
Custom sequin patches, plus reflective, bullion, felt and glow finishes, made to your artwork. Free proof in 24 hours, no minimum.
PICK A FINISH
Which Specialty Finish Fits Your Patch
Each finish changes how a patch looks and behaves. Pick by use first. Then check the base and the attachment.
Want custom sequin patches for dancewear? Need custom glow in the dark patches for night events? Start with the table.
| Finish | Look | Best for | Base | Attachment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sequin | Sparkles as it moves | Dancewear, spirit wear | Twill or felt | Sew-on |
| Reflective | Silver-gray, flashes in headlights | Riders, crews, cyclists | Twill | Sew-on or hook |
| Bullion | Raised metallic wire | Blazers, crests, clubs | Felt or twill | Sew-on or clasp |
| Felt | Soft, matte, fuzzy | Crafts, kids, spirit wear | Felt | Sew-on |
| Glow | Pale green after dark | Night events, costumes | Twill | Sew-on |
| Blank | Plain, no artwork | Your own finish | Twill | Sew-on |
- Want sparkle? Choose sequin.
- Need night visibility? Choose reflective.
- Want a formal crest? Choose bullion.
- Want a soft craft base? Choose felt.
Effect finishes sit on top of normal custom art. Your logo, colors and shape still lead. The finish adds one extra feature.
- Name the job
Is it for dancing, riding, a blazer or a craft table?
- Pick the finish
Match the job to the table above.
- Check the backing
Ask which backing suits that finish.
- Send your art
Upload AI, EPS or PDF files. PNG, JPG and SVG also work.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum order | None, 1 to 100,000 |
| Digital proof | Free, within 24 hours |
| Revisions | Unlimited and free |
| Production | 10-14 business days |
| Rush option | 5 business days after approval |
| Shipping | Duty-free worldwide |
One patch can mix finishes. A sequin star can carry stitched text. Ask what works for your design.
Before you choose, picture the patch in use. Think about wear, washing and light. Those three facts narrow the list fast.
- Where will it be worn?
- How often will it be washed?
- Will it see sun, rain or heat?
- How will it attach?
- What size fits the garment?
SEQUIN
Custom Sequin Patches: Sparkle for Dancewear and Spirit Wear
Sequin patches are covered in tiny discs. They catch light and flash as you move. Dance teams and spirit squads love that.
Sequins sit on a fabric base that holds the shape. Your artwork sets the layout and color. Your free proof shows both before we make anything.
Classic Sequin or Sequin With Embroidery
The whole design is sequins. Bold, flat shapes work best.
Stitched outlines frame the sequins. Small details stay sharp.
Classic suits bold shapes. Think stars, hearts, mascots and initials. Embroidery suits crests with fine text.
- Dance team jackets
- Cheer bags
- Prom jackets
- Festival outfits
- Costume pieces
Caring for Sequin Patches
- Wash by hand in cool water
- Air dry flat
- Skip hot dryers and hot irons
- Check for loose stitches often
- Re-sew a lifted edge early
Pros
- Eye-catching shine
- Great for stage wear
- Light, flexible feel
Limits
- Not made for heavy washing
- Needs gentle care
- Sequins can snag on rough fabric
Treat a sequin patch like a nice garment detail. Wash the item inside out. Keep it away from zippers and hook straps.
Sequin patches work best on smooth, light garments. Rough canvas can snag them. Pick a calm spot with little rubbing.
| Placement | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Jacket sleeve | Visible, low friction |
| Chest | Seen from the front |
| Bag front | Little rubbing |
| Costume panel | Catches stage light |
Space the sequins evenly for a clean sparkle. Large flat areas shine best. Thin lines hide the effect.
- Sequin
- A small shiny disc sewn onto the base.
- Classic
- A patch covered fully in sequins.
- Sequin with embroidery
- Sequins plus stitched outlines or text.
Want a stitched look without sparkle? See embroidered patches.
REFLECTIVE
Custom Reflective Patches: Visibility for Riders, Crews and Cyclists
Reflective patches send light back to its source. A driver's headlights hit the patch. The patch flashes back at the driver.
That makes you easier to spot after dark. It only works when a light shines on it. In daylight it looks silver-gray.
| Type | Needs a light source? | Charge first? | Daylight look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective | Yes | No | Silver-gray |
| Glow | No | Yes | Pale, soft |
| Standard thread | No | No | Any color |
- Cyclist jackets
- Rider vests
- Crew and site gear
- Running packs
- School bags
- Event staff vests
Reflective is not glow. Glow stores light first. Reflective returns light at once.
Pros
- Bounces headlight beams back
- No charging needed
- No battery at all
Limits
- Needs a light source
- Looks dull without light
- Heat can damage it
How Retroreflective Material Sends Light Back
Two systems do the work. Glass beads bounce light straight back. Microprisms use tiny angled facets to do the same. Microprisms are typically brighter and cost more.
Tiny beads bounce light back. A familiar, classic choice.
Molded facets return more light. Usually brighter, usually costlier.
| Use | Suggested attachment | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclist jacket | Sew-on | Stays put through washes |
| Safety vest | Hook | Swap between vests |
| Backpack | Hook or sew-on | Easy to move later |
| Leather jacket | Sew-on | Skip heat |
| Work shirt | Sew-on | Check the care tag |
Custom Reflective Velcro Patches for Gear and Vests
Hook backing lets you swap a patch between gear. Vests, bags and packs take it well. UK buyers often search for custom reflective velcro badges. Same product, different word.
Hook backing pairs with a loop panel on the gear. Peel the patch off before you wash the gear. Press it back on after.
Custom Reflective Patches for Clothing
Sew reflective patches onto jackets and leather. Test any heat on a hidden spot first. Read the garment tag before you start.
- Sew on leather and nylon
- Test heat on a hidden spot
- Read the garment tag
- Wash inside out
- Avoid hot dryers
Night riders care most about the back and sleeves. Those spots catch headlights first. Put reflective patches where drivers see them.
| Placement | Who sees it |
|---|---|
| Jacket back | Drivers behind you |
| Sleeve | Drivers beside you |
| Pack strap | Drivers at the curb |
| Vest front | Oncoming traffic |
Wide, flat areas return the most light. Thin lines return less. Keep reflective parts large and simple.
- Use wide, flat shapes
- Skip hairline text
- Place patches in the open
- Keep them clean
- Retroreflective
- Material that returns light toward its source.
- Glass bead
- A tiny bead that bounces light back.
- Microprism
- A molded facet that returns light back.
- Hook backing
- A rough strip that grips a loop panel.
BULLION
Custom Bullion Patches: Wire Embroidery for Blazers and Crests
Bullion is metallic wire worked into raised designs. Gold-tone and silver-tone wire catch the light. The look is formal and rich.
It is slow, detailed work. Lead times can run longer than standard patches. Ask for timing when you request a quote.
| Base | Feel | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Felt | Soft, matte | School and club crests |
| Velvet | Rich, deep | Formal badges |
| Twill | Firm, smooth | Uniform patches |
Traditional bullion is hand-stitched. Machine work exists too. Ask which method fits your quantity.
What Bullion Means (It Is Not Gold Bars)
Search results mix two meanings. Here, bullion means wire embroidery. It is cloth and wire, not coins or bars.
- Bullion
- Metallic wire worked into raised designs.
- Wire
- Coiled metal thread in gold or silver tones.
- Base
- The felt, velvet or twill the wire sits on.
- Clasp
- A butterfly clasp pins the badge to cloth.
Warm and classic. A favorite for crests.
Cool and crisp. Pairs well with navy.
Gold and silver together add contrast.
Where Bullion Patches Are Worn
| Where | Why bullion fits |
|---|---|
| Blazer pockets | Formal, refined look |
| School crests | Raised, lasting detail |
| Club badges | Rich metallic finish |
| Ceremonial uniforms | Traditional wire look |
| Regimental dress | Classic formal detail |
- Pin on with a clasp
- Sew on for a firm hold
- Choose a felt or velvet base
- Avoid heavy washing
- Store flat and dry
Pros
- Rich, raised metallic look
- Formal and distinctive
- Great for low-wear use
Limits
- Slower to make
- Not for rough wear
- Costs more than plain thread
Keep bullion shapes bold. Wire is thicker than thread. Hairline details do not translate well.
- Use bold outlines
- Limit tiny text
- Choose one or two wire tones
- Pick a firm base for heavy crests
- Send vector art if you can
Bullion has a long history on uniforms. Gold wire marked rank, unit and honor. Schools and clubs keep that tradition alive today.
- Blazer crests
- Club badges
- School emblems
- Ceremonial uniforms
Bullion uses coiled wire in place of flat thread. It sits high and catches light. Rain and sweat can dull it over years. Store pieces flat in a dry drawer.
- Keep bullion away from bleach
- Do not press an iron over the wire
- Brush dust off with a soft brush
FELT
Custom Felt Patches: Soft, Light and Craft Friendly
Felt is a soft, non-woven fabric. It is light and matte. Cutting leaves a clean edge.
It suits crafts, kids' wear and spirit wear. The feel is warm and handmade. Sewing it on is easy.
Felt Base Versus Polyester Twill Base
| Feature | Felt base | Twill base |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, fuzzy | Smooth, tight |
| Weight | Light | Medium |
| Best for | Crafts, spirit wear | Uniforms, jackets |
| Care | Handle gently | Usually tougher |
- Kids' backpacks
- School spirit days
- Craft projects
- Costume pieces
- Sewn-on tote bags
Pros
- Soft, light and friendly
- Easy to sew by hand
- Fun for kids and crafts
Limits
- Less durable than twill
- Fuzzy surface holds fine detail poorly
Felt softens fine lines. Keep lettering large and shapes simple. Bold colors read best on a soft base.
- Bold shapes
- Large lettering
- Few colors
- Simple outlines
- Playful icons
- Felt
- A non-woven fabric made by matting fibers.
- Wool blend
- Felt that mixes wool with other fibers.
- Polyester felt
- Felt made from synthetic fibers.
Felt is pressed fiber, not woven cloth. Edges do not fray when cut. That suits simple shapes like stars and letters. Fine detail is hard to hold. Thin lines blur on felt.
GLOW
Custom Glow in the Dark Patches: How Charging Works
Glow patches soak up light. Then they release it slowly in the dark. The effect is called photoluminescence.
It needs no battery. It fades through the night. Light recharges it.
How to Charge a Glow Patch and How Long It Lasts
Glow in the dark custom patches need bright light first. Sun or a strong lamp works.
- Charge
Hold the patch under bright light.
- Glow
Move to a dark room. The patch glows.
- Recharge
Expose it to light again. The glow returns.
Those hours come from embroidery thread guides. Finished patches can differ. Charge level matters most.
- Halloween costumes
- Kids' backpacks
- Event staff gear
- Camp and hiking gear
- Night race bibs
Best Colors for Glow in the Dark
| Glow color | Typical brightness |
|---|---|
| Pale green | Brightest |
| Yellow-green | Bright |
| Blue | Dimmer |
| Dark shades | Weakest |
Pros
- No battery needed
- Fun for night events
- Recharges again and again
Limits
- Fades through the night
- Looks pale by day
- Needs bright light first
Glow works best as an accent. A glowing eye or outline looks sharp. A whole patch can look washed out by day.
| Design part | Glow effect |
|---|---|
| Mascot eyes | Spooky night look |
| Letter outlines | Readable in the dark |
| Stars and moons | Camp and kids theme |
| Full background | Soft, even glow |
- Photoluminescent
- Able to store light and release it slowly.
- Charge
- The light a patch absorbs before it glows.
- Afterglow
- The glow you see once the light is gone.
Bright charging gives a stronger glow. A weak charge fades sooner. Give it a good dose of light before you head out.
- Keep glow areas bold and wide
- Thin glow lines look faint in the dark
- Pair glow with dark thread for contrast
BLANK
Custom Blank Patches: Plain Bases for Your Own Finish
A blank patch has a border and a base. It carries no artwork. You add your own finish later.
- Hand embroidery projects
- Fabric paint designs
- Craft classes and kits
- Name labels added later
- School art projects
| Feature | Blank | Finished custom patch |
|---|---|---|
| Artwork | None | Your design |
| Proof | Shape and size | Full art proof |
| Best use | DIY finish | Ready to attach |
| Border | Yes | Yes |
Tell us the shape and size you want. A plain round or rectangle is simple to start with.
- Round
- Rectangle
- Shield
- Oval
- Custom shape
Blank patches are popular with teachers and makers. They give you a clean, ready base. Add paint, thread or fabric markers at home.
- Choose a size
- Pick a shape
- Pick a backing
- Add art later
Blank bases suit fabric paint, markers and hand stitching. Heat set paint before you attach. Test the paint on a scrap first. Let each coat dry flat.
BACKINGS
Backing Choices for Each Specialty Finish
Custom reflective patches usually take sew-on or hook backing. Custom reflective velcro patches suit vests and bags. Custom felt patches need a gentle touch, so sew them on.
| Finish | Sew-on | Hook | Heat note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequin | Usual choice | Ask first | Avoid heat |
| Reflective | Usual choice | Common for gear | Test first |
| Bullion | Usual choice | Rare | Avoid heat |
| Felt | Usual choice | Ask first | Test first |
| Glow | Usual choice | Ask first | Test first |
| Blank | Any backing | Any backing | Test first |
- Sew-on
- Stitched by hand or machine. The safest hold.
- Hook
- One side of hook-and-loop. Easy to swap.
- Loop
- The matching panel sewn onto gear.
- Clasp
- A pin back used on formal badges.
- Heat note
- Some finishes cannot take an iron.
- Name the finish
Sequin, reflective, bullion, felt or glow.
- Check heat
Ask if the base can take an iron.
- Pick the hold
Sew-on, hook or clasp.
- Confirm on proof
Your free proof lists the backing.
Not sure what to pick? Choose sew-on. It suits every finish above. Move to hook only if you want swappable gear.
Matching the hold to the finish protects the patch. It also protects the garment. A quick check saves a costly redo.
See every option in our backing guide.
COST
Which Finish Adds Cost: Sequin, Bullion or Glow
Specialty finishes can add cost over a plain stitched patch. The gap depends on the finish. Your quote shows the exact number.
- Finish type
- Patch size
- Number of colors
- Amount of wire or sequin
- Stitch count
- Order quantity
| Driver | What changes |
|---|---|
| Finish | Material and labor |
| Size | Base and thread used |
| Colors | Setup and matching |
| Wire or sequins | Time and materials |
| Quantity | Cost per patch |
Bigger orders lower the cost per patch. Simple art costs less than detailed art. Share your quantity early.
Compare the finish to your budget before you design. A simple sequin shape often costs less than a wire crest. Your quote settles it.
- Send your artwork
- Name the finish
- Share your quantity
- Add your deadline
Full numbers live on our pricing page. Browse every style on our home page.
- Sequin work adds stitch time
- Bullion adds hand labor
- Glow adds pigment thread
READY TO ORDER
Order a Specialty Patch With a Free Proof
Upload Artwork
Send any common file format.
Approve Your Proof
Free digital proof within 24 hours.
We Ship Worldwide
Standard 10 to 14 business days. Rush in 5.
Send your artwork and pick a finish. Your free proof arrives in 24 hours.
No minimum. Free proof in 24 hours. Rush is 5 business days after proof approval.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Specialty Patch Questions, Answered
What does bullion mean on a patch?
Bullion means metallic wire embroidery in gold or silver tones. It is thread work, not gold bars or coins. The wire builds a raised, formal look.
What are bullion patches used for?
They suit formal wear. Think blazers, club badges, school crests and ceremonial uniforms. The raised wire looks sharp on low-wear garments.
How do you activate glow-in-the-dark?
Charge it with bright light. Sunlight or a strong lamp works well. Then move it into the dark. The patch releases the stored light slowly.
How long does glow in the dark last?
Thread guides say 3 to 12 hours, depending on charge. It fades through the night. Ask us about the timing for your design.
Does glow-in-the-dark ever wear off?
It fades each night, then recharges in light. Over years, heavy wear and washing can weaken the effect. Gentle care keeps it brighter.
What colours are best for glow in the dark?
Pale green and yellow-green usually look brightest. Darker shades glow less. Add dark outlines so the shape stays clear by day.
Do reflective patches work?
Yes, in the right light. Retroreflective material returns headlight beams to the driver. It needs a light source. Alone in the dark, it stays dim.
Can you iron on a reflective patch?
Heat can damage some bases and reflective layers. Sew it on instead, especially on leather. Test a hidden spot first if you must use heat.
What are sequin patches?
They are patches covered in sequins. Pick classic, all sequin, or sequin with embroidery for stitched detail. They sparkle on dancewear and spirit wear.
Can you glue sequins to fabric?
Glue is a poor choice. It can cloud the shine and lift in the wash. Sew the patch on instead of gluing it.
Can you use felt for patches?
Yes. Felt is soft, light and easy to sew. It suits crafts, kids' wear and spirit wear. It usually wears faster than twill, so handle it gently.
Do bullion patches tarnish over time?
Real metal wire can dull with rain and sweat. Store pieces flat in a dry drawer. Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Avoid bleach and harsh cleaners near the wire.
KEEP EXPLORING