Photo-Over Patches: A Game-Changer for Detailed Patches
Let us help you select what's best for your design
When it comes to custom patches, embroidery is a classic choice. But what happens when your design has intricate details that embroidery alone just can’t capture? That’s where photo-over patches come in—a perfect blend of full-color printing and textured embroidery that gives you the best of both worlds.
Embroidered patches have a timeless look, but they do have limitations. Tiny details—like fine lettering, shading, or intricate logos—can sometimes get lost in the stitching process. That’s exactly what happened in this case study.

The Challenge: Keeping Every Detail Intact
A customer wanted a traditional embroidered patch for their Girl Scout troop, but the artwork had some very small details that were tough to recreate with just embroidery.
While the embroidered version looked great overall, the finer elements lacked clarity when compared to the original design.

The Solution: Photo-Over Patches
To preserve the classic embroidered look while keeping every small detail crisp and clear, we suggested a photo-over patch. This approach allowed us to print the finer details directly onto the patch while still incorporating textured embroidery for that signature feel.
The Result: The Best of Both Worlds
The final patch was a perfect match to the original design—every detail was sharp, and the embroidered texture gave it that high-quality, handcrafted look. The customer loved the upgrade, and the troop got patches that truly honored their artwork.
Why Choose Photo-Over Patches?
- Crisp, full-color details without sacrificing embroidery texture
- Perfect for intricate designs that might not translate well into stitches
- A professional, high-quality finish that keeps your original design intact
So, if you’re designing a patch and want the best of both worlds, photo-over patches might be the way to go!
Contact your Arrow Emblems team today and see what we can do for your project.