Let's get some termonology out of the way first
This will help you know which color charts you need
Will your patch have 100% embroidery coverage?
Embroidery coverage refers to whether or not the entire surface of the twill will be covered by thread. If you are already familiar with the embroidery coverage concept, you can skip straight to the color charts
SKIP
Twill Background (Base)
Every embroidered patch starts with a piece of twill fabric (shown above). Threads are then stitched on top of this fabric.
Under 100% Embroidery
This leaves an area of the patch unstitched. In the above example, the blue twill is exposed to represent the sky.
If you choose this patch type:
Choose one twill color and as many thread colors as you'd like (up to 10 free).
100% Embroidery
On the above patch, thread completely covers the twill with no blue sky showing. This was necessary to acheive the sunset effect.
If you choose this patch type:
Use our thread chart only and choose as many thread colors as you'd like (up to 10 free).
Complete Thread Color Chart
Choose as many thread colors as you'd like (up to 10 free)
Additional Thread Options
Metallic Thread: Often used to highlight unique parts of a design and give it a special luster. Silver and gold are the most commonly used metallic threads, but other colors can be used.
Neon Thread: Neon thread is extra bright! Available in a variety of colors, neon thread can provide extra vibrancy over standard colors.
Military Subdued: A combination of colors that match military uniforms, Paintball, and airsoft team colors. The most popular subdued colors are forest, ACU light, muiticam, ACU dark, desert, arctic, and arid.
Glow-in-the-Dark Thread: Best used in low-wear situations, as the coating that makes the thread glow can be fragile. Available in mostly white and pale shades of green and yellow.
Twill Color Chart
Use for patches with under 100% coverage and choose one twill color per design
| Off White | Dark Brown | Dark Navy | Fuchsia | ||||
| Pale Yellow | Chocolate Brown | Navy | Pink | ||||
| Yellow | Brown | Light Navy | Light Pink | ||||
| Cream | Light Brown | Ultra Marine | Lavender | ||||
| Yellow-Gold | Copper | Dark Royal Blue | Light Purple | ||||
| Athletic Gold | Bronze | Royal | Purple | ||||
| Light Orange | Earth Brown | Blue | Teal | ||||
| Carrot | Khaki | Electric | Sage | ||||
| Orange | Tan | Ocean | Mint | ||||
| Red-Orange | Beige | Medium Blue | Spring Green | ||||
| Orange-Red | Blue-Gray | Periwinkle | Kelly Green | ||||
| Red | Light Gray | Dodger Blue | Emerald | ||||
| Dark Red | Silver Gray | Sky Blue | Jungle Green | ||||
| Maroon | Gray | Aqua | Forest | ||||
| Nude | Dark Gray | Light Blue | Dark Olive | ||||
| Peach | Charcoal | Baby Blue | Olive | ||||
| White | Black | Powder Blue | Olive Drab |
Additional Twill Options
Polyester: Polyester fabric is a common choice that is available in a wide range of colors.
Velveteen: Velveteen is a fabric that is made in imitation of velvet.
Felt: Felt is a non-woven fabric that is produced by matting, pressing, and condensing woolen fibers together.
Camouflage: Camouflage twills are extremely popular for military patches and are colored in a variety of camouflaged patterns.
Denim: Denim is a rugged twill made of cotton.
Reflective: Reflective twills add visibility to the patch when light comes in contact with it. A popular option for those who work in poor visibility environments and motorcycle groups. Available only in dark gray.
Flame Resistant: Flame resistant twills are coated with a chemical that protects the patch from ignition. This is a good option for fire departments.
Additional Special Options and Patch Customizations
3-D Embroidery: Stitches can be layered on top of each other two or three times to give text and images further dimension. Similarly, thread can be embroidered over foam to give the patch a three dimensional look that pops commonly referred to as a puff patch. An advanced method for embroidered patches, puff embroidery gives embroidered patches further depth. Puff embroidery is a common embroidery technique used on caps and hats worn by professional baseball players. 3-D embroidery is best used on patches with very simple designs, because fine details can be lost in this process.
Crystals & Rhinestones: Crystals, rhinestones, and other jewels can easily be incorporated into a design to highlight important features. For a truly elegant look, Swarovski brand crystals can be used.
Lights & L.E.D.s: Light Emitting Diodes (L.E.D.s) can give embroidered patches lots of light. These are popular when making key chains or using as eyes.
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