Custom Chenille Patches San Antonio
The Varsity StandardThick, tufted yarn patches built for letterman jackets and retro branding. If you’ve ever seen a letterman jacket at a Friday night football game in Texas, you know what Chenille is. It’s that fuzzy, rug-like material used for the big “School Letters” and mascots.
What Our Clients Are Saying
From small local shops to established brands, San Antonio Patch Co. helps customers bring their ideas to life with premium custom patches built to last.
“We needed a high volume of varsity letters for our athletic program, and San Antonio Patch Co. delivered. The chenille texture is exactly that classic, plush feel the kids want for their letterman jackets. “
“Chenille is huge for streetwear right now, but finding a shop that can do complex shapes without losing the ‘fuzz’ is hard. James and his team nailed our mascot design. The color matching to our brand’s palette was perfect, and the edges are incredibly clean for such a tactile product.”
“As a local mum designer, I was looking for a reliable San Antonio source for small-scale chenille. The quality of these patches is outstanding. They are lightweight enough for ribbons but have that premium ‘pop’ that makes our spirit wear stand out.”
What Are Chenille Patches?
Technically, “Chenille” is the French word for caterpillar, which perfectly describes the fuzzy, raised texture of the yarn.
The Build
We punch loops of yarn through the bottom of the felt substrate, creating a locked-in pile.
The Texture
It feels soft, distinct, and plush—like a high-quality carpet or a thick towel.
The Use
It is designed for large surface areas. It doesn’t do fine detail well, but it fills space beautifully and boldly.
Why Schools & Brands Choose Chenille
You don’t put a chenille patch on a polo shirt; it’s too heavy. You choose chenille for specific high-impact uses.
Bold 3D Texture & Visual Impact
Best for: Mascots and Varsity LettersBecause the pile stands up about a quarter-inch high, these patches catch the light and add physical depth to a garment. You can read a chenille patch from the bleachers.
Perfect for Varsity & Spirit Wear
Best for: High School Jackets & SweatersFrom Alamo Heights to Judson, this is the required standard for academic and athletic achievement patches. It holds up to the weight of wool jackets and leather sleeves.
Fashion & Streetwear Collections
Best for: Retro Hoodies and BagsVintage is back. Streetwear brands use chenille to replicate that 90s “Ivy League” or “Prep School” aesthetic on heavy cotton hoodies.
How We Build Your Chenille Patches
We build these to survive four years of high school and decades in the closet.
Yarn Types & Density
We use acrylic-blend yarns that resist fading in the sun. We pack the loops tight so you don’t see the felt backing underneath the design.
Felt Backing & Stabilization
Every chenille patch sits on a layer of stiff felt. This acts as the foundation.
- Single Felt: One layer of colored felt behind the yarn.
- Double Felt: Two layers of contrasting colors (e.g., Black on Gold). Creates a stiff, professional border.
Stitching & Border Styles
Chain Stitch: The border is usually finished with a “chain stitch”, a tight, embroidered outline that locks the fuzzy yarns in place so they don’t unravel.
Backing & Attachment Options
Because chenille patches are heavy, how you attach them matters.
Sew-On (The Standard)
Best for: Letterman JacketsThis is the only way I recommend attaching a varsity letter. The patch is heavy. A simple zigzag stitch around the felt edge secures it permanently through the thick wool of the jacket.
Iron-On (Heat Seal)
Best for: Hoodies and SweatshirtsWe can apply a heat seal backing. It works for cotton blends, but be careful—chenille is thick. You usually need to heat it from the inside of the garment to melt the glue.
Velcro® (Hook & Loop)
Best for: Novelty/Morale PatchesRare, but possible. We sew the hook backing onto the felt foundation. Good if you want a soft, fuzzy patch for a tactical bag or board.
Peel & Stick / Adhesive
Best for: Temporary Event BrandingGood for a one-day use or for sticking onto hard surfaces (like a notebook), but the weight of the chenille will eventually pull the sticker off of clothing.
How We Price Your Chenille Patches
Pricing for chenille is a bit different than standard patches because of the materials involved. Here is how we calculate it:
Size
We use the standard formula:
(Length + Width) / 2
Big varsity letters cost more than small graduation numbers.
Felt Layers
A patch with “Double Felt” (two background colors) costs slightly more than a single layer because we have to cut and glue two separate pieces.
Quantity
The machines take time to thread with thick yarn. The higher the quantity, the more we can spread that setup cost out, dropping your unit price.
Embroidery Add-Ons
If we have to add standard embroidery on top of the chenille (for names or fine details), that adds a step to the production line.
Chenille vs. Other Patch Types | Which One Do You Need?
Choose Chenille If:
- You are making Varsity Jackets This is the only correct choice for Letterman jackets. Anything else looks cheap.
- You have a huge, simple design If your logo is a giant “M” or a simple mascot head, chenille fills that space with rich texture.
- You want a “Retro” look Streetwear brands love this for that 1950s collegiate vibe.
Choose Standard Embroidery If:
- You have details Standard embroidery supports fine-line detail and gradient shading that chenille yarn cannot replicate.
- You have text Unless the letters are 2 inches tall, do not try to write words in chenille. They will be unreadable.
- The garment is light Do not put a heavy chenille patch on a t-shirt. Chenille is a high-density product; for lightweight t-shirts, we recommend embroidery to prevent fabric sagging.
Why San Antonio Patch Co.?
We are a factory-direct operation. That means when you call us, you aren’t talking to a call center overseas; you’re talking to people who know the difference between a Chain Stitch and a Satin Stitch.
Direct
Hand-Checked Quality
The biggest issue with chenille is “loose loops.” We inspect every patch to ensure the yarn is locked tight into the felt backing before it leaves the shop.
Local Focus
We understand Texas football culture. We use fade-resistant acrylic yarn that holds its color even after a season in the San Antonio sun.
Straightforward Pricing
We don’t charge “digitizing fees” for standard varsity letters. We keep it simple.
The Ordering Process
Send Your Art Work
Sketch it on a napkin or send us a vector file. Tell us the colors (e.g., “Black yarn on Gold felt”).
Approve the Proof
We send a digital mockup showing the felt layers and stitch lines.
Production
We cut the felt, stitch the chenille, and trim the borders.
Get Your Custom Chenille Patch Quote
Don’t settle for thin, cheap patches on a premium jacket.
- Free digitizing
- Free shipping
- 100% quality guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ordering custom chenille patches.
DurabilityAre chenille patches durable?
Are chenille patches durable?
Yes. They are designed for outerwear. However, because they are made of loops of yarn, you should avoid rubbing them against velcro or sharp objects that could snag the loops.
CareCan chenille patches be washed?
Can chenille patches be washed?
Yes, but be careful. We recommend Dry Clean Only or hand washing in cold water if they are on a wool jacket. Hot water can felt the wool yarn and ruin the texture. Never put them in a high-heat dryer.
ApplicationWhat fabrics work best for chenille patches?
What fabrics work best for chenille patches?
Heavy fabrics. Wool, denim, leather, and heavy cotton fleece. Do not apply them to silk, rayon, or lightweight athletic mesh.
OrderingWhat’s the minimum order quantity?
What’s the minimum order quantity?
We start at 10 units.
TurnaroundHow long does production take?
How long does production take?
15–20 days. Chenille is a slower process than standard embroidery. Plan ahead for football season!
ColorsCan you match school colors?
Can you match school colors?
Yes. We stock standard athletic gold (See Color Charts)., maroon, navy, columbia blue, and bright red yarns to match most San Antonio and Bexar County school districts.