Sublimation Patches

Home
Sublimation Patches

High-Definition Sublimated Printed Patches

At High Rated Patch, we create custom embroidered patches that embody professional quality and technical precision. We focus on meticulous stitch placement to ensure every design features sharp resolution, premium texture, and a high-end aesthetic for your brand.

Our products are engineered for longevity, utilizing industrial-grade threads and consistent stitching patterns to maximize your visual impact. These durable patches maintain their integrity and vibrant colors across workwear, team uniforms, and promotional headwear.

Whether you require minimalist logos or complex artwork, our production process guarantees results that reflect master-level craftsmanship and reliability for any professional application.

Molecular Dye-Infusion Technology

The sublimation process involves converting solid dye particles into a gas using controlled heat and pressure. These gaseous pigments penetrate the polyester fibers of the patch base and solidify within the material itself. Unlike screen printing, which sits on top of the fabric, sublimation becomes part of the fabric. This ensures a breathable, soft-touch finish that maintains the flexibility of the garment while providing 100% color saturation.

Limitless Color Spectrum

Sublimation removes the constraints of a physical thread palette. We can reproduce over 16 million colors, allowing for seamless transitions, glows, and photo-realistic imagery. This technology is ideal for brands that require exact replicas of digital artwork, ensuring that every highlight, shadow, and fine line is preserved with 300+ DPI (dots per inch) clarity.

Customization

Customize Your Patch

Multiple backing and border options to match your patch’s use and appearance.

Backing Options
Border Options

Sew-On Backing

A traditional, permanent method that ensures maximum durability for uniforms and heavy-duty apparel through direct stitching onto the garment fabric.

Iron-On Backing

A convenient and popular choice that allows you to apply patches easily using a standard heat press or household iron.

Adhesive Backing

A versatile, temporary solution perfect for events and short-term applications where patches need to be applied quickly without using heat.

Hook-and-Loop Backing

A two-part system designed for maximum versatility, allowing patches to be easily interchanged on tactical gear, uniforms, and specialized outerwear.

Peel-and-Stick Backing

An instant attachment method featuring a pressure-sensitive adhesive, ideal for one-time events, product launches, or temporary promotional branding needs.

Velcro Backing

A highly reliable, reusable backing that provides a secure grip while allowing for frequent repositioning on caps, bags, and professional uniforms.

Merrow Border

A classic, heavy-duty overlock stitch that creates a raised, rounded edge, providing a traditional finish ideal for standard shapes like circles, squares, and shields.

Heat-Cut Border

A precise finishing technique that uses heat to seal the edges of custom-shaped patches, effectively preventing fraying while maintaining a clean, sharp, and low-profile look.

Laser-Cut Border

An advanced manufacturing method using high-precision lasers to achieve intricate, complex shapes and internal cutouts that traditional cutting tools simply cannot replicate with such accuracy.

Stitched Border

A sleek and professional flat-stitch finish applied directly to the edge, perfect for thinner patches or designs requiring a modern, streamlined aesthetic on high-performance apparel.

Showcase

Recent Sublimation Patches Work

Browse our latest production to see the quality and expert craftsmanship we provide for brands and organizations worldwide.

FAQs

Have Any questions?

Find answers to the most common questions about sublimation patches, including their types, uses, and customization options.

What is the main advantage of sublimation over traditional embroidery?

The primary advantage is detail and color complexity. Embroidery is restricted by the physical width of a needle and thread, making it difficult to render very small text or complex color gradients. Sublimation, however, is a digital process. It can reproduce photographs, tiny fine-print text, and "fading" color effects that are physically impossible to achieve with a needle. Additionally, sublimated patches are much lighter and thinner, making them more comfortable on lightweight performance fabrics.

Will the printed image on a sublimated patch fade or wash off?

No. Because sublimation involves a molecular bond where the dye is trapped inside the polyester fibers, the image is permanent. It is not a "layer" on top of the patch that can be scratched or peeled away. As long as you follow standard garment care, the colors will remain as vibrant as the day they were printed, even after dozens of high-temperature industrial wash cycles.

Can I combine sublimation with embroidery on a single patch?

Absolutely. This is what we call a "Hybrid Patch." We use sublimation for the background or complex central imagery (like a sunset or a detailed character) and then use embroidery for the foreground elements (like a bold brand name or a border). This provides the photographic detail of printing with the prestigious 3D texture and "pop" of traditional embroidery.

Why are sublimated patches better for small text and fine lines?

In embroidery, the smallest legible letter is typically about 4mm-5mm tall because the thread has physical volume. In sublimation, we are essentially printing with ink-level precision. This allows us to render text as small as 1mm-2mm while maintaining perfect legibility. If your logo has a tagline, a website URL, or small legal disclaimers, sublimation is the technically superior choice to ensure clarity.

Are sublimated patches UV-resistant for outdoor use?

Yes. We use high-grade UV-inhibited sublimation inks that are designed to resist the breaking down of pigment when exposed to sunlight. While all materials will eventually show wear over many years of direct sun exposure, sublimated patches hold their color much longer than standard screen-printed items because the dye is protected within the fabric structure rather than sitting on the surface.

What kind of fabric is used as the base for sublimation?

Sublimation requires a high-percentage polyester base to work correctly, as the dye only bonds with synthetic polymers. We typically use a premium heavyweight polyester twill or a specialized "micro-weave" fabric. These materials are chosen for their smooth surface, which ensures the highest possible print resolution while maintaining the rugged durability expected of a professional patch.

Is there a limit to how many colors I can use in one design?

No. Unlike embroidery or PVC, where each color adds cost or manufacturing complexity, sublimation has zero color limits. You can use 2 colors or 2,000 colors for the exact same price. This makes it the most cost-effective solution for colorful "rainbow" logos, complex comic book art, or any design featuring intricate shading and highlights.

How do I apply an iron-on sublimated patch without damaging the print?

While the dye is heat-set, we recommend using a Teflon sheet or a thin piece of parchment paper between the heat press and the patch. This protects the fabric surface from direct "scorching" while allowing the heat to activate the adhesive backing. We provide a technical spec sheet with every order detailing the exact temperature (usually around 300°F-320°F) and dwell time needed for a permanent bond.

Send Us Your Design, and Get the Custom Quote Now

Get A Quote