The Ultimate Guide to Custom Patches in South Africa: Embroidered, DTF & Iron-On

If you are looking for a versatile and durable way to add branding, identity, or flair to your apparel, custom patches are an excellent solution. In South Africa, custom patches are used by sports clubs, corporate teams, schools, events, and fashion brands to create standout merchandise.

At In.It Apparel in Johannesburg, we specialise in producing high-quality custom patches using embroidery and DTF (direct-to-film) technology, available as iron-on or velcro-backed options.

Why Custom Patches Are a Smart Choice for South African Brands and Clubs

Custom patches offer a unique blend of durability and visual impact. Unlike screen printing that can fade over time, embroidered patches maintain their colour and texture for years.

They are also easy to apply and remove, making them ideal for uniforms that need to be updated frequently. For South African businesses and clubs, patches provide a professional, premium look that stands out at events, in the office, or on the field.

Types of Custom Patches Available in South Africa: Embroidered, DTF, Iron-On, and Velcro

In.It Apparel offers four main types of custom patches to suit different needs.

Embroidered Patches

Classic and durable, perfect for corporate blazers, club jackets, and premium apparel.

DTF Patches

Allow for full-colour, photo-quality designs, ideal for complex logos and detailed artwork.

Iron-On Patches

Easy to apply at home or in bulk production environments.

Velcro Patches

Removable and reusable, popular for tactical gear, security uniforms, and outdoor apparel.

Each type is available in custom shapes and sizes.

How Custom Patches Are Made: From Design to Finished Product

The process starts with your artwork. Our team digitises the design for embroidery or prepares it for DTF printing.

For embroidered patches, threads are stitched onto a fabric base, then cut and finished with a border.

DTF patches are printed onto a special film, then heat-pressed onto a backing.

Both methods produce high-resolution patches that can be backed with iron-on adhesive or velcro.

Turnaround time is typically 5 to 10 business days, depending on complexity and quantity.

Where to Use Custom Patches: Corporate Wear, Sports Clubs, Events, and Merch

Custom patches are incredibly versatile.

Corporate teams use them for:

• Branded uniforms

• Staff jackets

• Event giveaways

Sports clubs in South Africa often use embroidered patches for:

• Team jerseys

• Tracksuits

• Supporter merchandise

Events like marathons, festivals, and conferences use patches as collectible badges.

Fashion brands and print-on-demand sellers also use patches to add unique details to:

• Hats

• Bags

• Denim jackets

How to Order Custom Patches in South Africa: Minimum Quantities, Turnaround, and Pricing

At In.It Apparel, we offer low minimum order quantities for custom patches:

• DTF patches: minimum of 25 pieces

• Embroidered patches: minimum of 25 pieces

Pricing depends on:

• Size

• Complexity

• Backing type

We provide free artwork setup and a digital proof before production.

Turnaround is typically 5 to 10 business days, with rush options available.

To order, simply send your artwork to our team via our website or visit our Johannesburg facility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Patches in South Africa

How long do custom patches take to produce?

Standard turnaround is 5 to 10 business days. Rush orders can be completed in 2 to 3 days for an additional fee.

What is the minimum order for patches?

For DTF patches, the minimum is 10 pieces. For embroidered patches, the minimum is 50 pieces.

Can I get iron-on or velcro backing?

Yes, both iron-on and velcro backings are available for all patch types.

Do you ship across South Africa?

Yes, we deliver nationwide, with courier options for Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and all major cities.

Ready to Create Your Custom Patches?

Contact In.It Apparel today for a free quote and artwork setup.

Whether you need embroidered patches for your corporate team or DTF patches for your next event, we have the expertise and equipment to deliver outstanding results.