A Detail Guide about Sublimation Patches By Zdigitizing

Sublimation patches are colorful and long-lasting patches used to customize clothes, hats, and accessories. They are great for creating unique designs that don’t fade or peel over time. In this guide, we’ll explain everything about sublimated patches, including how they work, what materials you need, and how to make them step by step.

Whether you want to add a personal touch to your items or promote your brand, they are an easy and creative solution.

Let’s dive in!

What are Sublimation Patches?

They are special types of patches that you can use to decorate clothing, bags, or even hats. They are made using a process called sublimation printing, which allows for vibrant and long-lasting designs. These patches can have detailed images and a wide range of colors, making them perfect for personalizing items or promoting a brand.

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7 Main Types of Sublimation Patches

It offers a wide range of customization options, but there are also variations in the actual patch itself. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of patches you’ll encounter:

Embroidered Patches
Chenille Patches
Woven Patches
Sublimated Patches
Merrowed Patches
Hot Cut Patches
Laser Cut Patches

1. Embroidered Patches

Embroidered patches are crafted by stitching threads onto a backing material to form a design. The interlaced threads create a smooth, durable surface, allowing for intricate designs and logos. These patches are popular for uniforms, promotional items, and personal expression due to their versatility and longevity.

2. Chenille Patches

Chenille patches are characterized by their plush, textured surface, made using thick yarn that creates a soft, fuzzy appearance. Originally used on letterman jackets to signify achievements, they have now become a popular choice in fashion and custom designs. The name “chenille,” derived from the French word for caterpillar, reflects their soft texture.

3. Woven Patches

Woven patches are created with fine threads woven directly into the fabric, resulting in a flat, 2D finish. This method enables high-detail designs and is ideal for logos with small text or intricate patterns. Unlike embroidered patches, the design is integrated into the fabric, offering a sleek and detailed appearance.

4. Sublimated Patches

Sublimated patches are produced using dye sublimation, where the dye is infused into the fabric rather than printed on top. This process creates vibrant colors and photo-realistic images that are resistant to fading. Sublimation leather patches, in particular, are ideal for creating durable and stylish designs on leather materials, combining elegance with longevity.

5. Merrowed Patches

Merrowed patches feature an overlock stitch around the edges, giving them a clean, finished look while preventing fraying. Typically made from embroidered or woven materials, these patches are a common choice for custom logos or branding on apparel.

6. Hot Cut Patches

Hot-cut patches are created by cutting fabric using heat to seal the edges, preventing fraying without the need for additional stitching. These patches are versatile, suitable for simple designs or logos that require a clean edge.

7. Laser Cut Patches

Laser-cut patches are precisely shaped using laser technology, allowing for intricate designs and patterns. The clean edges achieved through laser cutting make them a great choice for detailed or unique shapes and can be combined with other patch types for added effects.

Benefits of Sublimation Printing for Patches

Sublimation printing offers several benefits, especially when creating patches:

Vibrant Colors: Sublimation produces bright and vivid colors that make your patches pop. The colors are more vibrant than those achieved through other printing methods.
Durable Designs: The ink becomes part of the fabric, which means the designs won’t fade, crack, or peel off over time, even after multiple washes.
Detail-Oriented: This printing method can capture very detailed images, allowing for intricate and complex designs.
Versatility: Sublimation isn’t limited to patches; it can be used on various materials such as fabrics, mugs, and even metal surfaces, making it a versatile option for personalized items.

Limitations of Sublimation Printing for Patches

Sublimation hat patches are vibrant and detailed but have some limitations:

Short Lifespan: Prone to fading over time with washing or harsh conditions.
Environmental Sensitivity: Fades with exposure to sunlight, moisture, or heat.
Fabric Restrictions: Only works on polyester or polyester blends.
Limited Dark Fabric Use: Colors appear duller on dark fabrics due to the lack of white ink.
Color Inconsistencies: Difficult to achieve exact color matches.
High Initial Costs: Requires expensive equipment and materials.
Complex Process: Needs precise equipment settings to avoid errors.

Materials Needed for Sublimation Patches

There are two main categories of materials you’ll need for sublimated patches:

1. Sublimation Blanks:

Blank Sublimation Patches: This is the base material for your patch. It needs to be made of 100% polyester or a high polyester blend (usually at least 65% polyester) for the sublimation process to work effectively. Polyester allows the dye to bond with the fibers during heat pressing. Common options include:
- Woven Polyester: Offers a classic fabric look and feel, with good durability.
- Satin Polyester: Provides a smooth, shiny finish for a more elegant look.
- Felt Polyester: This creates a soft and textured feel, ideal for patches with intricate details.

2. Sublimation Printing Supplies:

Sublimation Printer: This specialized printer uses sublimation inks that turn into gas during heat pressing. While expensive, it’s ideal for high-volume production.
Sublimation Ink: Specially formulated inks designed to vaporize and bond with polyester during heat pressing. They come in various colors, including fluorescent and metallic options. (For smaller projects, sublimation transfer paper pre-printed with your design can be an alternative)
Sublimation Paper: High-heat resistant paper that transfers the ink design from the printer to the patch fabric.
Heat Press: A machine that applies high heat and pressure to activate the sublimation process, causing the ink to transform into gas and bond with the polyester fibers.

How to Make Sublimation Patches?

Follow these steps to create your own patches:

Print Your Design: Print your mirrored design onto the sublimation transfer paper using a printer with sublimation ink. Make sure the ink is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Cut the Paper: Carefully cut out the printed design from the transfer paper, leaving a small margin around the edges.
Position the Design: Place the transfer paper on the patch with the printed side facing down. Ensure it is aligned correctly.
Heat Press: Use the heat press to apply heat and pressure to the patch and transfer paper. Typically, you’ll need to set the heat press to around 400°F (204°C) and press for about 60 seconds.
Peel and Cool: After pressing, carefully peel off the transfer paper while it’s still hot. Let the patch cool down completely before handling it.

Applications of Sublimation Patches

Branding and Promotion: Businesses use patches to showcase logos and slogans on uniforms, apparel, and accessories, boosting brand visibility.
Personalization: Perfect for customizing clothing, bags, and crafts, allowing individuals to express their unique style.
Sports Teams: Popular among sports clubs for displaying team logos, player names, and achievements on uniforms and gear.
Community Groups: Used by organizations to highlight affiliations and foster team spirit through custom patches on apparel.
Promotional Items: Ideal for creating eye-catching promotional merchandise, enhancing marketing efforts.
Creative Accessories: Versatile for crafting keychains, pins, or badges, suitable for branding or personal expression.
Event Commemorations: Great for marking special events or milestones, serving as memorable keepsakes.

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Conclusion

Sublimation Patches are an excellent way to add vibrant and durable designs to your items. The process is straightforward, and with a bit of practice, you can create amazing patches that last a long time.

Whether you’re making them for personal use, gifts, or even to sell, they are a fun and rewarding project.

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FAQs

Can you sublimate on leather patches?

Yes, you can sublimate on leather patches, but it requires special coated leather or a sublimation coating spray to achieve the best results.

How to make sublimation patches for hats?

To make these patches for hats, print your design on sublimation paper, press it onto sublimation-ready patch material using a heat press, and then sew or iron the patch onto the hat.