Patch Glossary

Talk like a patch person

New to the world of patches? The hobby has its own lingo. Here is the decoder ring.

Iron-on backing — Heat-activated adhesive on the back of the patch. Press it onto your garment with a household iron and it bonds. The default for most Monsterologist patches. Full instructions here.

Sew-on — No adhesive at all — you (or your dry cleaner) stitch it on. The most permanent option, and the move for heavy-use gear.

Hook-and-loop backing — The hook side of hook-and-loop fastener (you know it as Velcro, which is a brand name) sewn onto the patch back. Slaps onto anything with a loop surface — tactical gear, morale panels, hats. Swappable, repositionable, deeply satisfying.

Embroidered patch — The classic: thread stitched onto twill fabric. Raised texture, bold look. What most people picture when they picture a patch.

Woven patch — Thread woven flat instead of stitched high. Finer detail, smoother feel — better for tiny text and intricate designs.

PVC patch — Soft rubbery plastic instead of thread. Waterproof, tough, slightly 3D. A favorite for outdoor and tactical use.

Merrowed edge — The thick, rounded stitched border around most patches. That chunky edge has a name, and now you know it.

Heat-cut edge — A flat sealed edge instead of stitching, used for intricate shapes where a merrowed border will not fit.

Backing — Whatever is on the reverse: iron-on adhesive, hook-and-loop, or nothing (sew-on). Always check the backing before you buy.

Battle jacket — A denim or leather vest absolutely covered in patches. The final form.

Morale patch — Military-style patches with funny, irreverent, or unit-pride designs. Born on uniforms; now for everyone.