Custom sublimated patches
Full-color dye sublimation patches printed from your artwork, from 25 pieces. Photos, gradients and fine detail come through as they look on screen. See your price instantly, get a free digital mockup within 6 hours and approve a real sample first.
- From $1.58 per patch
- 25 pieces minimum
- Free mockup within 6 hours
- Physical sample before production
- Free shipping
What are sublimated patches?
Sublimated patches are printed, not stitched. Your design is printed with sublimation ink, then heat turns the ink into a gas that bonds into smooth polyester fabric, so the color becomes part of the patch instead of sitting on top. The edge is finished with a stitched (merrowed) border or a heat-cut edge.
Because it is a print, there is no limit on colors: gradients, shading, photos and tiny details all come through. The surface is flat and smooth with no raised texture, so if you want the classic stitched look, choose embroidery. For a waterproof full-color patch, choose UV + PVC.
Best for
- Photos, portraits and detailed illustrations
- Logos with gradients or many colors
- Sports teams, schools and scouts
- Event, fundraiser and memorial patches
- Merch and giveaways
Sublimated patch prices
Price per patch in USD with sew-on backing, from our live price list. Iron-on adds $0.15 and Velcro adds $0.56 per patch. Free shipping.
| Quantity | 2 in (5.1 cm) | 3 in (7.6 cm) | 4 in (10.2 cm) | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | $4.74 | $6.12 | $6.42 | $7.80 |
| 50 | $3.16 | $3.55 | $4.44 | $6.71 |
| 100 | $2.56 | $3.36 | $3.85 | $5.83 |
| 250 | $2.11 | $2.97 | $3.27 | $4.23 |
| 500 | $1.77 | $2.56 | $2.76 | $3.16 |
| 1,000 | $1.58 | $2.07 | $2.27 | $2.76 |
Need a different quantity? Type any amount from 25 on the quote page for an exact price. Bigger than 5 inches or an unusual shape? We quote it by hand.
How ordering works
The same five steps on every order, so nothing gets made until you have seen it.
- Order and pay a deposit. Choose size, quantity and backing, upload your artwork and pay 25%, 50% or 100% upfront.
- Free digital mockup within 6 hours. Ask for as many changes as you like.
- Physical sample in 2 to 3 days. We make one real patch so you can check it before the full run.
- Production, about 2 weeks. Starts once the sample is approved and the order is paid in full.
- Free shipping, about 2 weeks. You get a tracking link to follow every stage.
Sublimated patch prices
Price per patch in USD with sew-on backing, from our live price list. Iron-on adds $0.15 and Velcro adds $0.56 per patch. Shipping is free and we pay the import duties.
| Quantity | 2 in | 3 in | 4 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | $4.74 | $6.12 | $6.42 |
| 50 | $3.16 | $3.55 | $4.44 |
| 100 | $2.56 | $3.36 | $3.85 |
| 250 | $2.11 | $2.97 | $3.27 |
| 500 | $1.77 | $2.56 | $2.76 |
| 1,000 | $1.58 | $2.07 | $2.27 |
Compare every patch type on the patch types page.
When to choose sublimated
| Your design has | Best patch type |
|---|---|
| A photo, portrait or pet | Sublimated |
| Gradients, shading or many colors | Sublimated, or UV + PVC for a waterproof patch |
| Bold shapes and a few solid colors | Embroidered or PVC |
| Small text and fine line art | Woven or sublimated |
Sublimated patches are popular for memorial patches, team and school designs with detailed mascots, event patches and merch, where the artwork needs to look exactly like it does on screen.
Getting your artwork ready
Because sublimation prints exactly what you send, artwork quality matters more than with stitched patches. Send the largest, sharpest file you have: a vector file (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) or a high-resolution PNG or JPG. For photos, send the original image rather than a screenshot. If your file is low resolution, we tell you on the mockup and can help clean it up.
Caring for sublimated patches
Wash the garment inside out on a cool cycle and avoid bleach. Because the ink is bonded into the fabric instead of sitting on top, the print does not crack or peel. If the patch has iron-on backing, add a few stitches around the edge for clothes that are washed every week.
Questions about sublimated patches
Anything else? Message us on WhatsApp or use the contact page.
What is a sublimated patch?
A fabric patch printed in full color with dye sublimation. Heat bonds the ink into the fabric, so photos, gradients and fine detail come through and the colors do not crack or peel.
Sublimated or embroidered: which should I choose?
Choose sublimated for photos, gradients and very detailed full-color art. Choose embroidered for the classic raised, stitched look with bold shapes and solid colors.
How much do custom sublimated patches cost?
It depends on size, quantity and backing. For example, 100 patches at 3 inches with sew-on backing come to $3.36 each ($336.00 in total). The quote page shows your exact price for any quantity.
Can sublimated patches be ironed on?
Yes. They are thin and flat, so iron-on backing works well. Sew-on backing is included. Iron-on adds $0.15 per patch and Velcro (hook and loop) adds $0.56 per patch.
Are sublimated patches waterproof?
They hold up to normal washing, but they are fabric, not rubber. For gear that gets wet, choose PVC or UV + PVC.
How long do custom sublimated patches take?
Most orders take about 4 to 5 weeks from order to delivery: a free digital mockup within 6 hours, a physical sample in 2 to 3 days, about 2 weeks of production after you approve the sample, then about 2 weeks of shipping.
Can you print a photo on a patch?
Yes. Sublimated patches print photos, portraits and detailed artwork in full color. Send the original, highest-resolution image you have.
What file should I send for a sublimated patch?
A vector file (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) or a high-resolution PNG or JPG. We check the file and flag anything that will print blurry on your free mockup.
What edge do sublimated patches have?
A stitched merrowed border for simple shapes, or a heat-cut edge that follows the outline of your design.
Compare other patch types
Custom Embroidered patches
From $1.79 per patch
Custom Woven patches
From $1.50 per patch
Custom UV + PVC patches
From $1.50 per patch
Custom PVC patches
From $1.60 per patch
Still deciding? Read embroidered vs. woven, backing options or how long custom patches take.
Patches for
Get your free mockup
See your price now. Your mockup arrives within 6 hours of ordering.