Patches Universe

What Patches Universe does

Patches Universe is a custom patch and apparel manufacturer operating under My Custom Patches LLC, founded in 2013 and serving the North American market. The company produces a broad range of patch types — embroidered, PVC, woven, chenille, leather, sublimation, printed, sequin, and Velcro-backed — alongside complementary apparel (jackets, hoodies, tracksuits, hats) and accessory products such as DTF heat transfer prints, holographic stickers, hangtags, and keychains. It sells exclusively through direct-to-consumer e-commerce channels, with a quote-based pricing model that supports low minimum order quantities and 7-14 day turnaround times.

The company's manufacturing capabilities span multiple production techniques, allowing it to serve a heterogeneous customer base including fashion brands, schools and sports teams, motorcycle clubs, military and law enforcement units, entrepreneurs, and corporate organizations. The business employs 11-50 staff and operates across the USA, Canada, and Mexico markets. The revenue model is transactional and project-based, with no disclosed subscription, recurring, or enterprise contract revenue, and no external funding rounds, leadership team details, or M&A activity in the available data.

Strategically, Patches Universe is a small, founder-operated, asset-light custom goods manufacturer competing in a fragmented market against numerous print-on-demand and contract decoration shops. The expansion into adjacent decoration categories and accessory products suggests an effort to broaden average order value and capture incremental wallet share from existing patch customers rather than a fundamental shift in business model.

Name

Patches Universe

Legal name

My Custom Patches LLC

Website

https://patchesuniverse.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Patches Universe is a custom patch and apparel manufacturer founded in 2013, serving fashion brands, sports teams, motorcycle clubs, military/LE, entrepreneurs, and corporate organizations across North America via DTC e-commerce with low minimums and 7-14 day turnaround.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Patches & Apparel Manufacturing

NAICS

Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (31599), Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing (316), Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Retailers (459130)

SIC

Wholesale-Apparel, Piece Goods & Notions (5130), Leather & Leather Products (3100)

akta.pro primary industry

Labels, Tags & Branding Trims (Woven/Printed Labels/Hangtags/Patches/Heat Transfers) (IMAOALAC)

Keywords

• Custom patches
• Embroidered patches
• PVC patches
• Custom apparel
• Chenille patches

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Custom Patch Sales: One-time purchase model for custom patches including embroidered, PVC, woven, chenille, leather, sublimation, and printed patches. Customers pay per unit with pricing based on size, complexity, and quantity. Revenue is generated through individual and bulk orders with no recurring subscription component.
2. Custom Apparel Sales: Sale of custom hoodies, tracksuits, letterman jackets, and other apparel items with patches, embroidery, or screen printing. One-time purchase model with pricing based on garment type and customization requirements.
3. Embroidery Digitizing Services: Conversion of artwork into stitch-ready digitizing files for embroidery machines, provided as a service alongside patch production.
4. Vector Art Services: High-quality vector art conversion and digitization services for businesses in the apparel, promotional, and printing industries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Patches Universe manufactures and sells custom patches (embroidered, PVC, woven, chenille, leather, sublimation, printed, sequin, and Velcro-backed) and custom apparel (letterman jackets, biker jackets, hoodies, tracksuits, hats, and apparel-printed items). Products are made-to-order with customer artwork, offered with low minimum order quantities (10 pieces for patches), free digital mockups, sample approval, and 7-14 day standard turnaround. Supporting services include embroidery digitizing and vector art conversion.

Product overview

Patches Universe is a custom patch and apparel manufacturing company offering a comprehensive portfolio of products centered around custom patches and related accessories. The core product line includes various patch types such as Custom Chenille Patches, Custom PVC Patches, Custom Embroidered Patches, Custom Woven Patches, No Background PVC Patches, Custom Leather Patches, Sublimation Patches, Custom Printed Patches, Custom Sequin Patches, and Velcro Patches. These patches are complemented by finished goods including Custom Letterman Jackets, Custom Jacket Patches, Custom Biker Jackets, Custom Hat Patches, Custom Hoodies & Tracksuits, and Custom Apparel. Supporting services include Custom Vector Art and Custom Embroidery Digitizing for artwork preparation, along with Custom Keychains, Holographic Stickers, Heat Transfer DTF Prints, Hangtags & Labels, and Die Cut Stickers as peripheral products. The company positions Patch Style consultation as guidance for selecting appropriate patch types. The offering functions as a unified manufacturing service with no minimum order requirements and 7-14 day turnaround times.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Custom Embroidered Patches Premium embroidered patches with 3D texture, thread complexity, and rich color depth. Machine-washable and suitable for casual and formal wear. Available with sew-on, Velcro, or iron-on backings. Targeted at fashion brands, uniforms, jackets, hats, bags, and promotional merchandise.
• Custom PVC Patches Durable PVC patches made from flexible soft rubber with 2D or 3D raised effects. Weather-resistant, waterproof, and fade-proof. Targeted at outdoor gear, uniforms, tactical equipment, and apparel branding.
• Custom Chenille Patches Chenille patches featuring fuzzy texture, high-pile yarns, and reinforced stitching. Available with iron-on, sew-on, or Velcro backings. Targeted at varsity jackets, sports teams, fashion brands, and school clubs.
• Custom Woven Patches Clean, detail-focused woven patches with tightly woven structure for sharp details and smooth edges. Lightweight and soft to the touch, easy to apply via sew-on or iron-on methods. Targeted at clothing brands, apparel labels, and uniforms.
• Custom Leather Patches Premium leather patches in genuine leather, faux leather (PU), or vegan leather options. Available with embossed, debossed, laser-engraved, or screen-printed designs. Targeted at denim jackets, trucker hats, backpacks, and branded merchandise.
• Sublimation Patches Custom dye sublimation patches using heat and special dyes to fuse designs directly into fabric surface. Ideal for complex logos, fine text, detailed artwork, and colorful graphics with gradients or photographic quality.
• Custom Printed Patches Full-color printed patches using high-quality printing techniques for vibrant, professional results. Ideal for detailed logos, full-color illustrations, or bold typography with consistent color and smooth finishes.
• Custom Sequin Patches Custom sequin patches with shimmer, texture, and personality. High-quality sequins with metallic, holographic, or multicolor finishes. Lightweight, flexible, and fade-resistant.
• Velcro Patches Custom Velcro (hook-and-loop) patches for tactical vests, uniforms, hats, and accessories. Removable and reusable with strong Velcro adhesion. Popular for military, tactical, law enforcement, and fashion applications.
• No Background PVC Patches Cut-to-shape PVC patches with no extra fabric or borders, providing a clean modern look with 3D finish. Precision-cut molding for crisp edges and visual impact. Heat-resistant, waterproof, and fade-proof.
• Custom Jacket Patches Custom patches designed for jackets with advanced embroidery techniques and high-grade materials. Crisp details, strong adhesion, and long-lasting wear. Targeted at biker jackets, varsity wear, work uniforms, and streetwear.
• Custom Hat Patches Custom patches designed for caps, beanies, snapbacks, and trucker hats. Maintains shape with daily wear, clean stitching, and vibrant colors. Multiple backing options including iron-on, sew-on, Velcro, and adhesive.
• Custom Letterman Jackets Classic varsity jackets made from Melton wool bodies with genuine cowhide leather sleeves and quilted inner lining. Customizable with chenille patches, embroidery, names, numbers, and logos. Targeted at sports teams, schools, and achievement recognition.
• Custom Biker Jackets Custom motorcycle jacket patches designed for durability and bold statement. Options include embroidered, PVC, or iron-on patches with high-quality threads and premium materials. Full customization for clubs or individuals.
• Custom Hoodies & Tracksuits Custom hoodies and tracksuits with premium fabrics, modern cuts, and personalization options. Available in zip-up, joggers, pullovers, and slim-fit styles. Customizable with embroidery, screen printing, or custom patches. Targeted at teams, brands, and organizations.
• Custom Apparel Custom apparel service including screen-printed t-shirts, embroidered hoodies, branded tracksuits, and event wear. Multiple print techniques for businesses, schools, clubs, teams, and creators.
• Custom Keychains Custom keychain patches that showcase artwork with clarity and durability. Lightweight and durable with shape, color, and detail retention over time. Designed for promotions, gifts, or personal use.
• Custom Woven Labels High-detail woven labels created using fine threads and advanced looms. Features sharp edges, clear text, and consistent quality. Available in damask, taffeta, or satin weaves with various fold options.
• Hangtags & Labels Custom hangtags and woven or printed labels for fashion brands, accessories, and retail products. Available in eco-friendly cardstock, foil accents, and soft woven threads.
• Custom Embroidery Digitizing Embroidery digitization service that converts designs into precise stitch files (.DST, .PES) optimized for embroidery machines. Focuses on stitch efficiency, visual clarity, and minimal thread trims.
• Custom Vector Art Professional vector art conversion and digitization services. Converts low-resolution images, sketches, or raster artwork into clean, scalable vector files ready for embroidery, screen printing, vinyl cutting, or digital use. Uses Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW.
• Heat Transfer DTF Prints Direct-to-Film (DTF) heat transfer prints with vibrant color and detail. No weeding, cutting, or layering required. Flexible, breathable, and durable through washes.
• Holographic Stickers Holographic stickers that reflect light and change colors from every angle. Durable, waterproof, and scratch-resistant with strong adhesive and protective coating.
• Die Cut Stickers Custom die cut stickers cut to the shape of the design with no borders. Weatherproof, scratch-resistant, and vibrant. Suitable for branding, packaging, and giveaways.

Quantifiable outcome

• Fast turnaround of 7-14 days standard delivery
• +2 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emerging players

• Printful: On-demand printing and embroidery platform for creators and small brands, including custom apparel and patches. Adjacent offering with strong overlap in the low-MOQ, creator-economy segment.

Others

• Embroidery.com: Online supplier and information resource for embroidery digitizing services and equipment. Overlaps with Patches Universe's digitizing service line and serves the same embroidery production ecosystem.
• Alibaba Custom Patch Suppliers: Large overseas custom patch manufacturers offering competitive pricing on bulk embroidered, PVC, and woven patches. Represents the principal cost-competitive threat to domestic operators like Patches Universe.

Broad incumbents

• Maker's Row: US-based marketplace connecting brands with American apparel and accessory manufacturers, including patch and trim producers. Comparable buyer (brands seeking custom apparel accessories) and supplier ecosystem.
• 4imprint: Large established promotional products distributor offering patches, apparel, and branded merchandise to corporate buyers. Wider catalog but overlapping core patch and apparel categories.
• VistaPrint: Mass-market custom printing and apparel platform with significant scale in branded merchandise and apparel. Overlaps with Patches Universe in custom apparel but at much greater scale and broader scope.

Direct peers

• Quality Logo Products: Custom promotional products distributor with deep patch and embroidered emblem categories serving businesses, teams, and organizations. Comparable buyer base, bulk-order pricing model, and patch product mix.
• Custom Patch Factory: Specialty manufacturer of custom embroidered, PVC, woven, and leather patches with low minimums and online ordering. Operates in the same product category with overlapping manufacturing techniques.
• Sticker Mule: DTC custom sticker and patch manufacturer offering low minimums, fast turnaround, and online quote-based ordering. Closely mirrors Patches Universe's PLG-style funnel and direct-to-consumer model across custom adhesive products.
• The/Studio: On-demand custom merchandise manufacturer covering patches, embroidery, and apparel with a self-serve platform. Direct overlap in patch types, apparel categories, and target buyer segments (brands, creators, organizations).

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/patchesuniverse
• Instagraminstagram.com/patches_universe
• TikToktiktok.com/@patches_universe?_t=ZS-8wKbX6oVNhc&_r=1

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Patches Universe