A merrowed patch edge is a raised overlock (merrow) stitch around the perimeter. Heat-cut and laser-cut edges are trimmed to the artwork with no traditional overlock rim. For most UK jackets, caps, and uniforms, merrowed is the default because it looks like a badge and protects the fill. Unique logos — a maple leaf, a guitar, a mascot outline — usually need heat-cut or laser-cut so the shape is the border. At The Customized Patches that choice is a production spec, not an afterthought: 5 pieces per design, free mockup usually within 12 hours, then 7–12 business days plus UK-wide shipping after approval.
This page sits next to how to design a custom patch (safe area, files, type) and embroidered vs printed (process). Woven patches often run heat-cut because the weave is already fine. PVC is moulded rubber — it does not take a merrow. Chenille typically has an embroidered felt edge, not a merrow on yarn.
What is a merrowed border?
Merrowed (sometimes written merrow) is a dense overlock that wraps the edge of an embroidered or printed fabric patch. It adds a raised colour ring — often matched to the design or set in a contrast thread. Circles, ovals, rectangles, and simple shields merrow cleanly. Tight inner corners and star points fight the overlock head. If your art is a perfect circle crest, start merrowed.
What are heat-cut and laser-cut edges?
Heat-cut seals a synthetic edge with a hot knife or similar so the twill does not fray. Laser-cut follows a vector path more tightly and can hold thinner silhouettes. Neither looks like a traditional badge rim. Both need a clean outline in the file. Printed patches and woven crests use these cuts often. Embroidery can too, when the logo *is* the shape.
See your artwork as a custom UK patch before you buy. Free digital mockup in 12 hours — 5-piece minimum per design. We do not produce until you approve.
GET A FREE MOCKUPSide-by-side: merrow vs heat-cut vs laser-cut
| Factor | Merrowed | Heat-cut | Laser-cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Raised overlock, classic badge | Flat rim, shape-led | Sharp silhouette, least “badge” |
| Best shapes | Circles, ovals, simple shields | Simple unique outlines | Tight, complex outlines |
| Fabric patches | Embroidered and printed | Embroidered, printed, woven | Printed and woven excel; embroidery if fill reaches the edge |
| Tiny inner cuts | Poor (overlock cannot enter) | Limited | Best of the three |
| Cost driver | Standard on many runs | Cut path and shape | Tighter path, more machine time |
How to choose an edge in five minutes
- If it should look like a traditional cap or jacket badge, choose merrowed.
- If the logo outline *is* the product, choose heat-cut or laser-cut and send vector.
- If there are thin protruding elements (flames, feathers, letters as the cut), ask for laser-cut and be ready to thicken strokes on the mockup.
- Keep a 1–2 mm safe area inside a merrow. Art that kisses the overlock looks crowded or clips.
- Name the edge on the quote. We show it on the free mockup before we cut thread.
Ready to spec type, size, backing, and quantity? Open the quote form for a free 12-hour mockup and UK-wide shipping after approval.
GET A FREE MOCKUPFine motto type still belongs in the weave or the print, not in a 2 mm merrow ring. Compare woven vs embroidered if the problem is text, not the border. Jacket placements: custom patches for jackets.
What to put on the purchase order
- Edge: merrowed, heat-cut, or laser-cut — one choice per design.
- Merrow colour if it is not the same as the fill.
- Longest side in inches and backing (sew-on, iron-on, Velcro).
- Vector outline for any non-rectangle cut.
We manufacture after written approval. Typical production plus UK-wide shipping is 7–12 business days. Ordering path: how to order custom patches. Cost: UK patch pricing.