A Real-World Timeline for Custom Patches

When you’re excited to deck out uniforms, event merch, or bags with custom patches, the first question is usually timing: how many days per patch—or really, how long does the whole order take from idea to finished, ready-to-wear patches?

Short answer: it depends on your design, quantity, and approvals. Long answer: here’s a clear, no-drama timeline so you can plan launches, tournaments, company events, or store drops with confidence—Craft Clothing style. ✨

The Typical Timeline (Business Days)

1) Design & Quotation — 1–2 days
Send your concept (logo, size, colors, backing). We’ll fine-tune specs and confirm quantities.

2) Digitizing & Mockup — 1–3 days
Your artwork is converted into stitch-ready format and placed on a life-size mockup for your approval.

3) Sample (Optional but Recommended) — 2–5 days
A physical or high-res sample confirms thread colors, density, and edge finish. Approve it, and we roll.

4) Production — 5–12 days
Lead time scales with quantity and complexity: dense stitching, metallic threads, specialty shapes, or mixed backings take longer. (See quick guide below.)

5) Quality Check & Packing — 1–2 days
Edges heat-sealed or merrowed, threads trimmed, counts verified, then packed by set or piece—your call.

Rule of thumb: Small orders with straightforward designs can wrap in ~10–12 business days from approval. Larger or more intricate runs land in the ~12–20 business day range.

Quantity vs. Days: A Handy Guide

• 10–50 patches: ~5–7 days production

• 51–150 patches: ~7–9 days

• 151–300 patches: ~9–12 days

• 301–1,000+ patches: ~12–15+ days

Add a few days if you’re using metallic threads, ultra-fine details, multiple colorways, complex shapes, or mixed backings in one order.

What Affects Your “Days per Patch”?

• Stitch density & detail: Photorealistic or micro text = more stitches = more time.

• Patch type: Standard embroidered is fastest; woven, chenille, or 3D puff can add steps.

• Backing: Iron-on and sew-on move quickest; Velcro®/hook-and-loop or adhesive backings add handling time.

• Shape & border: Intricate die-cuts and merrowed edges each have their own pacing.

• Approvals: The sooner the mockup/sample is approved, the sooner machines start humming.

Pro Tips to Speed Things Up

• Send vector art (or the highest-res file you have) and the exact size in cm.

• Confirm thread colors (Pantone or close equivalents) at the start.

• Lock your quantities early to avoid reprioritizing the queue.

• Choose one backing for the whole run if you’re in a rush.

Why Patches (Still) Win

Well-made patches are timeless, tough, and versatile—ideal for uniforms, jackets, caps, bags, even event souvenirs. With clean stitching and the right backing, they stand up to the daily grind and keep your branding sharp for years.

Ready to make yours?

Bring your logo, we’ll bring the craftsmanship. Explore our custom patches and let’s map your timeline today. We’ll help you balance speed, detail, and durability—so your patches arrive on time and look exactly the way you pictured them.