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Shine Collection LLC
Custom Patch Manufacturing
§ Guide · 03

Patch Backing Guide

Velcro, sew-on and iron-on compared — what each is actually good at.

Velcro (hook & loop)

Hook is attached to the patch, loop to the garment. Best where patches need to change: tactical loadouts, security roles, name tapes, morale patches. It is the bulkiest option and requires a loop field on the garment.

Sew-on

A plain or bordered back stitched down permanently. The strongest and most durable attachment, and the only one we recommend for garments that go through industrial laundering or heavy field use. Requires labour to apply.

Iron-on (heat seal)

A heat-activated film on the reverse. Quick to apply with a household or commercial press, ideal for cotton and poly-cotton. Not suitable for nylon, waterproof shells or leather. For garments in constant rotation, use iron-on to position and then stitch the edge.

Choosing

Swap frequently: Velcro. Attach once and forget: sew-on. Apply fast at low cost: iron-on. All three are available across our patch categories, and we will flag it if the backing you asked for does not suit the fabric you named.

Ready to engineer your patch?

Send artwork, quantity and intended use. We reply with a manufacturing recommendation and a quote.