Custom Printed Badges with a Two‑Step Approval Process
From 10 pcs per design · Lead time 7–10 working days
Full‑colour printed badges with expert artwork checks — backed by a two‑step approval process so you know exactly what to expect before production.
- 35+ years of embroidery & print experience
- 1.5 million+ designs digitised and prepared for production
- Two‑step approval for complete peace of mind
Trust & Experience
With over 35 years of experience and more than 1.5 million designs digitised, we understand how artwork behaves when transferred onto fabric — not just how it looks on screen.
That experience allows us to identify print‑related issues early and prepare artwork correctly for sublimation, helping customers avoid surprises later in production.
Why We Offer a Free Quote & Free Mock‑Up
For printed badges, the mock‑up is not just a visual — it’s a compatibility check. Before you commit, our team reviews your artwork to ensure it will print cleanly on fabric and flags any potential issues.
This ensures you understand how your design will translate onto a printed badge before approving production.
- Review fine text, gradients, and colour transitions
- Check resolution and print clarity on fabric
- Suggest print‑safe adjustments without changing design identity
How Sublimation Printed Badges Behave
Printed badges are produced using a sublimation process, where inks penetrate into the fibres of the polyester twill rather than sitting on the surface.
Because the ink becomes part of the fabric, colours can sometimes appear slightly softer or more muted compared to how they look on a screen.
The benefit is durability — the design will not crack, peel, or lift over time, even with regular wear or washing.
Printed badges are often preferred for designs with photographic detail, gradients, extensive shading, or a high number of colours.
Hybrid Option — Printed Badge with Embroidered Border or Details
For customers who want the best of both worlds, we also offer hybrid printed badges. These combine a full‑colour printed centre with an embroidered border, giving the badge more structure, durability, and a premium finish.
In some cases, embroidered text or selected stitched elements can also be added on top of a printed base — ideal when certain parts of the design benefit from raised embroidery.
This option is often chosen when:
- The design contains photographic detail or gradients
- A stronger edge definition is required
- Selected text or elements need added texture
Two‑Step Approval for Complete Peace of Mind
Step 1 — Free Mock‑Up & Quotation
Digital mock‑up showing size, layout, and print behaviour, reviewed by a human specialist. Nothing proceeds without approval.
Step 2 — Production Sample Approval
Customer pays a sample fee. We produce the actual printed badge and upload real production sample photographs for final approval.
Full production only begins after sample approval. The final batch is produced using the same materials, processes, and specifications as the approved sample.
Approximate Pricing (6 cm Printed Badge)
- 10 pieces — approx. £4.50 each
- 25 pieces — approx. £3.00 each
- 200 pieces — approx. £0.90 each
- 500 pieces — approx. £0.60 each
- 1,000 pieces — approx. £0.40 each
Prices vary based on artwork complexity and preparation. Final pricing is confirmed after artwork review.
Ready to Order with Confidence?
Remove uncertainty from printed badges. Request your free quote and free mock‑up today — and order with total confidence.
In simple terms
Definition:
Printed badges are fabric patches where your design is permanently dyed into the material using a sublimation printing process, rather than being stitched with thread.
Best for:
They are best suited for designs with lots of colours, gradients, shading, or photographic detail where embroidery or weaving would lose clarity.
Not ideal for:
They are not ideal if you want a raised, textured, or traditional stitched look. For bold logos with simple colours and a tactile finish, embroidered or woven badges are usually a better option.
To order your printed badges (also known as patches) on embroiderybadge.uk, follow these simple steps.
If you have any questions at any stage, please do not hesitate to call us on 0800 368 7414 or chat with us on
live chat.
How to order:
- Name your project to make it easy to identify.
- Select printed badges as your badge type.
- Choose the size and shape required for your badge.
- Select your preferred border and backing options.
- Choose the quantity that matches your budget and requirements.
- Upload your artwork, logo, or design to be printed on the badge.
- We will create a free mockup and send you a final quote for approval before production begins.
- Once you have approved the mockup and completed payment, we will begin production of your custom printed badges.
- After final quality checks, your badges will be prepared for dispatch.
Ordering your custom printed badges has never been easier.
Returns Policy
As our printed badges are bespoke and made-to-order, we do not accept returns. Each badge is customized according to the customer’s specifications, and we offer a two-step approval process to ensure satisfaction:
- Digital Mockup Approval: A digital mockup is initially provided to review the size and quantity. This helps customers visualize the design application.
- Production Sample Photo Approval: After the digital mockup is approved, a photo scan of the actual production sample is provided. Customers give final approval based on this production sample photo, which reflects the exact design, colors, and details of the final product.
Returns are not accepted for custom goods, including printed items, unless the products are defective or do not match the approved final production sample scan. Customers have a 14-day window from the delivery date to report any defects or discrepancies, which will then be rectified at no charge by us.
If you have any concerns or issues with the sample or the final product, please contact us immediately, and we will do our best to address them.
Frequently Asked Questions — Custom Printed Badges
Ordering & Approval
Do you have a minimum order quantity?
Yes. The minimum order quantity for printed badges is 10 pieces per design. Printed badges are ideal for smaller runs because they do not require loom or embroidery setup, making them cost-effective at lower quantities.
Can I order more than one logo to make up the 10 badges?
No. The minimum order quantity applies per design. Each design variation — including size, shape, colours, border type, or backing — is treated as a separate product and must meet the 10-piece minimum.
Can I amend my design?
Yes. You have full control over amendments during the digital mock-up approval stage. Changes at this stage are free. Once the design moves beyond mock-up approval, further amendments may incur additional charges.
Can I cancel my order?
You may cancel without charge during the digital mock-up stage. If you proceed to the production sample stage, a setup fee applies and is non-refundable. Once the physical sample is approved and full payment is made, cancellation is no longer possible as production will begin.
Can you help with artwork or low-quality designs?
Yes. We specialise in artwork preparation and optimisation for printing. High-resolution files are ideal, but we can also work from JPEG, PNG, AI, or PDF files. Our team checks resolution, colour behaviour, and fine detail to ensure your design prints cleanly on fabric.
Can I repeat a previous order?
Yes. All completed orders are stored in your online account, making repeat orders fast, consistent, and accurate.
Printing Behaviour & Production Insights
What sizes are available for printed badges?
Printed badges can be produced in a wide range of sizes. Because the design is printed rather than stitched, very small text and fine detail can be reproduced clearly, provided the source artwork is high resolution.
What colours can I choose?
Printed badges allow for full-colour reproduction, including gradients, shading, and photographic detail. Colours are printed using a sublimation process, so slight variations from on-screen colours may occur due to fabric absorption.
How do printed badges behave compared to embroidery or woven badges?
Printed badges are created using a sublimation process, where inks penetrate into the fibres of the fabric rather than sitting on the surface. This means the design will not crack, peel, or lift over time.
Because the ink becomes part of the fabric, colours can appear slightly softer than on a screen. The trade-off is excellent durability and flexibility.
When is a printed badge the best choice?
Printed badges are the technically correct choice when your design includes photographic detail, colour gradients, shading, or a high number of colours that embroidery or weaving cannot reproduce accurately.
Can I see my badge before full production?
Yes. Every order follows a two-step approval process. First, you approve a digital mock-up showing size, layout, and print behaviour. Then, we produce and share photographs of an actual printed sample for final approval before mass production begins.
Can I order a physical sample?
Yes. A physical sample can be produced after mock-up approval. A sample fee applies and is deducted from the final invoice if you proceed with full production. Please note that requesting a physical sample adds approximately 9 days to delivery.
How strong is the heat-seal (iron-on) backing?
We use industrial-grade adhesive suitable for printed badges. Because printed badges are flexible and thin, they bond efficiently to fabric. For garments that undergo heavy washing, we recommend stitching for a permanent mechanical bond.
Can printed badges be removed?
Yes. Removal requires reheating slightly above the original application temperature. Adhesive residue may remain, so replacement badges should be slightly larger. Always test on a sample garment first.
How do I care for printed badges?
To maximise lifespan: wash inside out, use cold water, and avoid tumble drying. The printed design will not crack or peel, even with regular wear.
Support
How can I contact you?
Use LiveChat (9am–9pm GMT), email sales@embroiderybadge.uk, or call 0800 368 7414. Our team is always happy to help.
How This Compares
Printed badges compared to other badge types
Printed vs. Embroidered Badges
Expert insight: Printed badges are technically correct when your design contains photographic detail, gradients, shading, or a high number of colours.
Embroidery is better suited for bold logos, limited colour palettes, and designs where a raised, textured finish is important.
Printed vs. Woven Badges
Expert insight: Printed badges reproduce colour transitions and shading that woven badges cannot.
Woven badges are a good alternative when fine text is required but gradients or photographic elements are not.
Printed vs. Hybrid (Printed + Embroidered) Badges
Expert insight: Hybrid badges combine a full-colour printed centre with an embroidered border or selected stitched details.
This option is ideal when you need photographic detail but also want structure, durability, and a more premium edge finish.
Learn more about Subli Stitch (Print + Embroidery)
The Production Rule (When to choose printed)
We recommend printed badges when embroidery or weaving would compromise clarity — particularly for gradients, fades, fine artwork, or complex colour transitions.
“If printing is not technically suitable, we will recommend the closest alternative during the mock-up stage.”
Pro-Tip: Printed badges prioritise visual accuracy. If durability or texture becomes the priority, we’ll guide you toward embroidery or a hybrid solution before production begins.
Ready to Begin?
Join over 10,000 satisfied clients worldwide who trust us for exceptional custom patches. Experience the excitement of transforming your ideas into high-quality printed badges.
