Sublimated Patches
Sublimated patches are great for intricate graphics or ones with subtle shadings. A computer printer uses heat to directly transfer dye into the fabric to produce a photo-realistic effect. This is the same process used to create photo mousepads or puzzles. The text, design, or photo is permanently dyed into the cloth of dye sublimation patches. The edges and background can be dyed to match.
Though dye sublimation patches do not have the same 3-D texture as embroidered patches, they are able to more accurately reproduce the extremely fine details featured in photos or other designs. Some sublimated patch designs may not even be possible to produce as embroidered patches. Of course, woven patches are also capable of producing fine detailing, but shadings are best captured with sublimated patches. If your patch design does not have a lot of detailing, whether you go with a sublimated patch, an embroidered patch, a silkscreen patch, or a woven patch is matter of style preference and the look you desire to achieve.
