PVC vs Embroidered Patches

PVC patches have a moulded, rubber-like finish. Embroidered patches have visible thread texture. Compare the same design in both materials and choose for your artwork and use.

Embroidered patchesStitched texture

PVC patchesMoulded detail

One design, two finishes. Both patches carry the same Yellowstone Equestrian artwork. Embroidery builds the lettering and landscape from rows of stitches, while PVC moulds them into smooth, separate areas of colour.

When to choose embroidered patches

Choose embroidery when you want the texture of thread to be part of the finished patch.

Embroidery suits crests, lettering and illustrations where stitch direction adds to the design. The gold-on-navy crest and gorilla examples show how thread can describe both solid shapes and lighter decorative lines.

It is a useful starting point for a fabric patch on clothing or bags. Small text and closely spaced details may need adjusting so individual stitches have enough room. A larger finished size can sometimes preserve detail that would be lost on a smaller patch.

Explore embroidered patches →

Navy embroidered Zodiac Academy crest with gold lettering and stitched decorative details

Custom-shaped embroidered gorilla patch with fine light-coloured stitching on black fabric

Round black and red embroidered martial arts patch with white lettering

When to choose PVC patches

Choose PVC when you want clearly separated colours and raised or recessed detail.

PVC suits bold lettering, graphic logos and character designs with distinct colour areas. The moulded levels add depth without using stitches, as the helmet, circular badge and panda examples show.

The rubber-like face gives the patch a different feel from fabric. If you are choosing it for workwear or outdoor kit, tell us about the conditions and how it will be attached. Washing and care depend on the garment and how the patch is attached, so tell us what it is for.

Explore PVC patches →

Black and grey PVC helmet-shaped patch with raised outlines

Round black PVC Pioneer Invitational patch with raised yellow and white lettering

Custom-shaped PVC panda character patch with distinct moulded colour areas

At a glance

	Embroidered patches	PVC patches
Material	Thread stitched onto a fabric base	Flexible moulded PVC
Surface	Visible stitches with a raised textile feel	Rubber-like face with raised and recessed areas
Artwork	Shapes and lettering formed by stitch direction	Separate colour areas and defined moulded outlines
Choose it for	A fabric finish where thread texture matters	Bold shapes and a sculpted surface
	Explore embroidered patches →	Explore PVC patches →

What is the difference?

Embroidered patches

An embroidered patch is made by stitching thread onto fabric. The direction and density of the stitches create the picture, so the thread itself remains a visible part of the design.

PVC patches

A PVC patch is made by moulding flexible PVC into coloured sections. Raised and recessed areas define the design, giving it a rubber-like surface rather than a fabric face.

Look at the landscape and lettering

In the matching design above, the embroidered landscape has visible stitch lines across each colour. The PVC version has smoother colour areas, with recessed lines separating the shapes and lettering that stands proud of the surface.

Both versions keep the main design recognisable, but the finish changes its character.

How to choose for your project

Start with the finish you want

Choose a stitched fabric surface for visible thread texture, or a moulded PVC face for distinct colour sections and relief. Use the matching photographs to compare how the same lettering and shapes look in each material.

Check the smallest important details

View your artwork at the intended patch size. Small lettering, narrow gaps and fine outlines need checking for both methods. PVC is not a guarantee that every tiny detail can be moulded, and embroidery may need lines or letters simplified.

Think about the item and attachment

Tell us what the patch will go on, how you want to attach it and whether it needs to be removable. Check the available backing options on the relevant product page. For garments or equipment with specific care requirements, confirm that the patch and attachment suit those requirements.

Compare the same specification

Do not assume PVC or embroidery will always be the cheaper choice. Compare your design at the same size and quantity, with the backing you need. Use the relevant product page or ask for a quote with that specification.

Need help choosing PVC or embroidery?

Send us your design, intended patch size and the item it will go on. We can help you compare the two materials and the available attachment options.

Ask about your design Explore custom patches