U.K. and U.S. companies usually overlock patch borders with no sign of the background fabric, we can see only merrowed border. This type of the edge is made by special overlock sewing machine, in this particular case edging is created manually or by a jig.
Merrow border is expensive and time-consuming technique. The quality of the finished item always depends on skill level of the staff.
Also, be aware, using hot-melt adhesive for the patches with merrowed border, can cause some trouble, because the edging is applying on the top of the adhesive layer.
In this case, when attaching the patch on the clothes, the edges of the patch remain unfixed and may lose their good appearance in the nearest future.
Any dense fabric is suitable for patch production.
Ukrainian companies generally do not use cloth as fabric background for patches. Usually preferred to use smooth dense fabric, for instance gabardine (twill) or felt. The edge of the patch is cut as close as possible to the edge, using Laser Cutting Machine.
The edge of the background fabric may be slightly visible, but will have nice professional look.
The main benefits of this method are low cost and, no doubt, less time-consuming than merrow border. Thin and thick bordering available. Perfect solution for complicated shapes.
Our company offers each of these techniqes. If you need custom embroidered patches, please contact us. We will be happy to help!