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FREE Shipping! FREE Artwork! and Unlimited Revisions!
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Custom firefighter patches are embroidered or printed insignia that carry the identity of a fire department and the crews who wear it. The department patch is the centerpiece — built around the Maltese cross, the universal symbol of the fire service — and usually includes the station number, city or county, and a motto. Beyond the standard uniform patch, departments order station-specific patches, memorial patches honoring the fallen, and event patches for mutual aid responses and academy graduations.
Design conventions run deep in the fire service. Alongside the Maltese cross you'll find the thin red line, crossed axes, leather helmets, ladder and engine apparatus, and dalmatians. Volunteer fire departments often order patches to build identity and recruit, while combined departments use station patches so crews can tell apart engine, ladder, and rescue companies at a glance. Our art team builds every design around your department's traditions and gets your approval before production begins.
Most firefighter patches are embroidered — 75% embroidery leaves the twill backing showing, while 100% embroidery covers it fully with thread. When a design has fine text or detailed artwork, a woven patch holds the detail better, and for turnout gear and packs a rugged, weatherproof PVC patch is the popular choice. Sew-on backing is standard for uniform patches, while velcro (hook-and-loop) is preferred on gear so patches can be swapped.
Every order includes free artwork and unlimited proof revisions, a 100-patch minimum, and free priority shipping within the US. Building a full department kit? Coordinate your patches with matching firefighter lapel pins and firefighter challenge coins so your Maltese cross stays consistent across everything you issue.
Every embroidered firefighter patch goes through a precise digitizing and stitching process so the Maltese cross, text, and colors come out sharp and hold up to daily wear.
Our artists turn your department crest into a stitch-ready file, mapping every thread path and color, then send a proof for your approval.
High-speed machines stitch the design onto twill backing — 75% embroidery leaves twill showing, 100% covers it fully with thread.
Patches are cut to shape and finished with a merrowed (overlock) edge or a clean hot-cut border to keep them from fraying.
We add your chosen backing — sew-on for uniform patches, or velcro for turnout gear and packs that swap patches.
Each patch is inspected against your approved proof, then shipped free by priority air anywhere in the US.
Three ways to build a firefighter patch. Compare the look, durability, and best use for each.
| Feature | Embroidered | Woven | PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texture | Raised, classic stitched feel | Flat, tightly woven threads | Smooth, molded rubber |
| Detail | Great for bold crests and text | Best for fine lines and small text | Sharp raised and recessed detail |
| Durability | Rugged, holds up on uniforms | Thin and lightweight | Waterproof, ideal for turnout gear |
| Best For | Department, station & memorial patches | Detailed crests and logos | Turnout gear, packs and helmets |
Not sure which is right? Check our FAQs or contact a specialist for personalized guidance.
| Available Sizes | 2" to 5" standard (custom sizes available) |
|---|---|
| Material | Embroidered twill, woven, PVC, or printed |
| Backing Options | Sew-on, velcro (hook & loop), iron-on, adhesive |
| Border Options | Merrowed (overlock) or hot-cut |
| Thread Colors | Unlimited colors at no extra charge |
| Minimum Order | 100 patches |
| Production Time | About 14 business days after proof approval |
| Shipping | Free priority air shipping to the US |
What are custom firefighter patches?
Answer
Custom firefighter patches are embroidered or printed insignia that carry a fire department’s identity, usually built around the Maltese cross with the station number, city, and a motto. Departments order them for uniforms, station identity, memorials, mutual aid events, and volunteer fire department recruiting. We build every design around your department’s traditions.
What is the difference between embroidered, woven, and PVC firefighter patches?
Answer
Embroidered patches have the classic raised, stitched texture and are great for bold crests. Woven patches use thinner threads to hold fine detail and small text. PVC patches are waterproof molded rubber, which makes them ideal for turnout gear, packs, and helmets exposed to the elements.
Do you make patches for volunteer fire departments?
Answer
Yes. Volunteer fire departments are some of our most common customers — patches help build identity, recognize members, and support recruiting and fundraising. We offer free artwork and low minimums so a smaller department can order exactly what it needs, in embroidered, woven, or PVC styles.
What design elements are popular on firefighter patches?
Answer
The most requested elements are the Maltese cross (the universal symbol of the fire service), the thin red line, crossed axes, leather helmets, and ladder and engine apparatus. These combine with your department name, station number, and motto for a patch that’s unmistakably yours.
Can I match my firefighter patches with pins and coins?
Answer
Yes. We make matching firefighter lapel pins and firefighter challenge coins using the same Maltese cross and department artwork, so your patches, pins, and coins all share one consistent look. Just mention what you’d like to coordinate when you request your free quote.
How do I get started on my project?
Answer
You can fill out a quote form on any of our product pages or while looking at photos in the gallery! This allows you to choose your favorite design features, leave notes for our designers, and upload any reference images you may have. Alternatively, our team would be happy to help by phone or email using the contact methods below.
We can also assist you via phone, text, or email.
Email: info@lapelpinsplus.com
Phone: +1-800-252-0904
Text: +1-800-252-0904
What is the minimum order quantity?
Answer
Minimums vary by product:
Larger orders lower your per-unit price. Check out our pricing page to learn more.
What are the production times?
Answer
Production times will vary depending on the type of custom product you order, and the complexity of your design. For the most accurate information, ask your sales representative for an estimated turnaround time. The details listed below should be used as a general rule of thumb for production times and do not include shipping time:
How do I place my order once the final proof is approved?
Answer
You can place your order over the phone or online through our secure payment portal. Have your Quote Number ready and double-check that the proof assigned to that Quote Number matches the proof you would like to purchase.
Click here to find your quote and pay online, or follow the “Order This Quote” link sent to your email with your proof.
To pay by phone, call +1-800-252-0904.
Are there any discounts?
Answer
We offer discounted pricing based on the number of custom products in your order. The more you order, the less you will pay per unit. Check out our pricing page for more detailed information on pricing for all of our custom products!
Not sure firefighter patches are the right fit? Compare our other custom patch styles.
Outfitting a whole department or building a full first-responder kit? These pair naturally with custom firefighter patches.
Die-struck coins for academy graduations, promotions, retirements, and line-of-duty memorials. Built from the same Maltese cross artwork so your coins and patches match.
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Perfect your design until you love it
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