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.
High-Definition Sublimated Printed Patches
At High Rated Patch, we offer custom sublimated patches—also known as printed patches—for designs that demand photographic detail and infinite color gradients. While traditional embroidery is limited by thread thickness, our sublimation process utilizes advanced thermal-transfer technology to infuse specialized dyes directly into the fabric fibers at a molecular level. This results in a high-resolution, permanent image that will never crack, peel, or fade.
Our sublimated products are the premier choice for complex artwork, including digital illustrations, landscapes, and intricate logos with fine gradients or shadows. By combining the classic feel of a fabric patch with the precision of digital printing, we provide a zero-texture, high-fidelity branding solution.
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
Choose from a variety of backing and border options to perfectly suit your patch's purpose and style.
- 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.
Recent Embroidered Patches Work
Browse our latest precision-stitched projects to see the quality and expert craftsmanship we provide for brands and organizations worldwide.
Have Any questions?
Find answers to the most common questions about our custom sublimated patches, printing technology, and application.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
