{"title":"Custom Military Patches","description":"\u003ch2\u003eUnit, Squadron and Deployment Patches\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost military patch orders fall into a few families:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnit and squadron patches:\u003c\/strong\u003e the crest, mascot or emblem that identifies a company, battery, squadron, detachment or team. Usually worn on the shoulder or on a flight jacket.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeployment and exercise patches:\u003c\/strong\u003e a design marking an operation, rotation or exercise, often with the location, year and unit designation worked into the art.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTeam and section patches:\u003c\/strong\u003e smaller designs for a shop, crew, section or specialty within the unit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProgram patches:\u003c\/strong\u003e ROTC and JROTC battalions, drill teams, raider teams and color guards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustom unit patches start from whatever you have: the official artwork file, a scan of an old patch, a sketch from the unit artist or a description of the idea. For the funnier side of unit culture, like call signs, mascots and inside jokes, see our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/custom-morale-patches\"\u003emorale patches for the team\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne note on artwork rights: branch seals and emblems are trademarks, so we don't sell licensed branch merchandise. We make patches from artwork you provide for your unit, crew or association, and we'll ask if a design looks like it needs permission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSubdued vs. Full Color for Uniform Wear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubdued\u003c\/strong\u003e patches use low-contrast, muted thread so the insignia doesn't stand out at a distance. On today's OCP-pattern uniforms, subdued designs are typically stitched in browns and tans; the Air Force, for example, uses a spice brown standard for its subdued flag and headquarters patches. We stitch to the thread colors you specify, so send your unit's color callouts with the art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull color\u003c\/strong\u003e is for dress and display: flight jackets, unit hoodies, shadow boxes, reunion wear and anything that isn't worn on the duty uniform. Full-color designs show detail better, since contrast does a lot of the work in thread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany units order both versions of the same design: subdued for the uniform, full color for jackets and keepsakes. Once the design is digitized, the second colorway is a thread change, not a new design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNavy, Ship and Command Patches\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShip and command crests are some of the most detailed designs we see: hull silhouettes, heraldic shields, mottos, hull numbers and ribbon banners all packed into one circle. Custom navy patches for ships and commands usually work best a little larger, around 4 to 5 inches across, so the lettering on the banner stays readable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey go on ball caps, command jackets, coveralls for off-duty wear, cruise and deployment keepsakes, and reunion apparel years later. For a crest with very fine lines or small type, a molded PVC version holds detail that thread can't, and it shrugs off salt spray.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUniform Sleeves: Hook-Backed or Sew-On?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHook backing\u003c\/strong\u003e is the default for current field uniforms and gear. The hook side is sewn to the back of the patch and presses onto the loop panel on the sleeve, plate carrier, pack or cap, so patches come off before washing or when someone changes units. Measure the loop panel before you choose a size, and keep the patch inside it. Our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/custom-velcro-patches\"\u003ehook-backed patch styles\u003c\/a\u003e page covers loop sizes and options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSew-on\u003c\/strong\u003e is for garments with no loop panel: flight jackets, dress items, unit hoodies and older uniforms. It's the most permanent option and the right one for anything washed often.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eName tapes follow the same logic. We make \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/custom-name-patches\"\u003emilitary name tapes\u003c\/a\u003e in block capitals with hook or sew-on backing, one name per tape and no minimum per name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTypical sizes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePatch\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTypical size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShoulder unit patch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\"–3.5\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlag patch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" x 3\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eName tape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\" x 4\"–5\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShip or command crest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\"–5\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeployment patch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\"–4\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCap patch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\"–2.5\" tall\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJacket back\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\"–12\" wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVeterans, Retirements and Reunions: Personalized Commemoratives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePatches outlast the service. Veterans' posts, ship and squadron associations, and reunion organizers use them to bring people back together, and they make some of the most meaningful gifts we stitch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRetirement patches:\u003c\/strong\u003e a personalized design with the member's name, rank, years of service and unit, for a shadow box or a jacket.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReunion patches:\u003c\/strong\u003e the unit crest with the reunion year and city, often paired with matching hats and shirts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMemorial patches:\u003c\/strong\u003e honoring a fallen member with their name and dates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAssociation patches:\u003c\/strong\u003e a post or chapter emblem for vests, jackets and caps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReunion committees often want shirts, hats and patches with the same mark, and we decorate all of them, which keeps an association's branded gear consistent. Have an old patch that's faded or frayed? We can work from a photo. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/custom-embroidery-design\"\u003edigitizing old insignia\u003c\/a\u003e service rebuilds the design as a clean stitch file.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStitched or Molded PVC: Choosing Construction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmbroidered\u003c\/strong\u003e is the traditional choice and what most unit and reunion patches use. Thread on a twill base, with a merrowed or heat-cut border. Thread coverage of 75 to 100% gives a dense, uniform look; lower coverage lets the twill color act as background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePVC\u003c\/strong\u003e is molded rubber with raised color layers. It's waterproof, won't fray and holds fine lines, small text and sharp edges. It's popular for tactical gear, maritime units and anything that lives outside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat thread can't do: gradients and shading become solid color blocks, and tiny heraldic detail fills in. Text needs to be at least a quarter inch tall to stay sharp. If your crest has a lot going on, a bigger patch or PVC is usually the better answer than a cluttered small one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProofing Insignia for Accuracy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInsignia mistakes are permanent and public, so the proof matters. Every design is previewed before production, and bulk orders of 100+ pieces get a free mockup. Check your proof against this list:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesignations:\u003c\/strong\u003e unit numbers, ordinal suffixes, hull numbers and abbreviations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpelling:\u003c\/strong\u003e place names, operation names and mottos, especially Latin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDates:\u003c\/strong\u003e deployment years, establishment dates and reunion years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColors:\u003c\/strong\u003e thread colors against your unit's callouts, and subdued vs. full color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize and backing:\u003c\/strong\u003e against the loop panel or garment it's going on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe stitch from the specs and artwork you provide and don't certify patches as regulation-compliant; your unit or command confirms what's authorized for wear. The same applies to our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/custom-police-patches\"\u003elaw enforcement patches\u003c\/a\u003e for agencies. If you're vetting suppliers, our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/patches\/where-to-get-custom-patches-made\"\u003epatch maker checklist\u003c\/a\u003e lists the questions worth asking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrdering for a Unit: Minimums, Fees and Timing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's no minimum on embroidered patches, so you can order a single sample to approve with your command before a full run. Embroidered designs carry a one-time $35 digitizing fee per design. Once it's paid, the stitch file is yours to download from your account, and reorders for the next rotation or reunion don't pay it again. Size, construction, thread coverage, backing and quantity drive the per-patch price, which drops as quantity grows; live prices are on each patch product in this collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your order is paid with government funds and has sourcing requirements, note that we don't provide compliance or sourcing documents, so confirm what your unit needs before you pay. Working to a ceremony or homecoming date? Rush orders are available, with the rush fee quoted with your order. Orlando-metro customers can pick up at our Orlando-area warehouse, or we ship anywhere in the US.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan you make patches in subdued OCP colors?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. We stitch subdued patches in the thread colors you specify, typically browns and tans for OCP-pattern uniforms, and we can make a full-color version of the same design for jackets and keepsakes. Send your unit's color callouts with the artwork, and check the thread colors on your mockup before production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo military patches come with hook backing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey can. Hook backing is the standard for field uniforms, plate carriers and packs with loop panels, and it lets you remove patches before washing. Sew-on backing suits flight jackets, dress items and hoodies. Measure the loop panel first so the patch fits inside it, and choose your backing when you order or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/wholesale-custom-apparel#bulk-quote\"\u003erequest a bulk quote\u003c\/a\u003e for 100+ pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan you recreate an old unit patch from a photo?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Send a clear, straight-on photo or scan, ideally next to a ruler so we can see the size. We'll redraw and digitize the design, clean up faded or frayed areas, and you'll preview it in our 3D Custom Designer, with a free mockup on 100+ pieces. Tell us the original thread colors if you know them, since old patches fade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo you make patches for veterans' groups and reunions?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. We make reunion, association, memorial and retirement patches, from a post emblem for vests to a reunion patch with the year and city. There's no minimum on embroidered patches, so you can order one personalized retirement patch or enough for every attendee, and we can put the same mark on hats and shirts too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long does a deployment patch order take?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTiming depends on construction, size and quantity, and production starts once you approve your mockup. If you need custom military patches before a deployment, homecoming or ceremony, rush orders are available, with the rush fee quoted with your order. Tell us your in-hand date up front. Orders ship anywhere in the US, or pick up at our Orlando-area warehouse.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/bizzystitchn.com\/collections\/custom-military-patches.oembed","provider":"Bizzy Stitchn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}