Custom Applique in Vancouver, BC
Applique isn't embroidery and it isn't printing — it's a separate technique where a shape is cut from fabric, layered onto a garment, and stitched around the edge. If you've seen a varsity jacket with a big block letter or a fuzzy chenille patch, that's applique. It reads bolder and more three-dimensional than flat embroidery, and it holds up better than print on oversized designs that would otherwise crack or peel.
Power Print produces custom applique in-house at our Vancouver shop, with no minimum order and a free digital mockup before anything is cut or stitched.
How Applique Works
- Your design is separated into fabric shapes — letters, numbers, logos, or icons
- Those shapes are cut from coordinating fabric (twill, felt, or chenille, depending on the look you want)
- The pieces are layered onto your garment and embroidered around the edge to secure them permanently
- You approve a free mockup before production, same as any other order
Applique vs. Embroidery vs. Printing
Applique makes sense when a design is large, needs texture, or is meant to stand off the garment — letterman jackets, team names across the back of a hoodie, mascots. Standard embroidery works better for smaller logos and fine detail. Printing wins for full-colour, photographic, or gradient designs that don't translate to fabric or thread. If you're not sure which fits, tell us what you're making and we'll steer you before you order.
What Gets Applique
- Varsity and letterman jackets — the classic applique application
- Hoodies — large team names or numbers across the chest or back
- Team and mascot logos where texture and dimension matter more than fine detail
- Blankets and larger accessory items where a bold, tactile design reads better than flat print
Who Orders Applique in Vancouver
Sports teams and school programs are the biggest applique customers — letterman jackets and team hoodies specifically — along with clubs and organizations wanting a mascot or crest that looks substantial rather than printed on. If that's not your project, our embroidery and printing services likely cover it better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about custom applique in Vancouver, BC
What is applique and how is it different from embroidery?+
Applique layers a cut fabric shape onto a garment and stitches around its edge, giving a raised, textured look — unlike embroidery, which stitches a design directly into the fabric with thread. Applique suits larger, bolder designs; embroidery suits smaller, more detailed ones.
Where can I get custom applique done in Vancouver, BC?+
Power Print produces applique in-house at our own Vancouver facility, with no minimum order and a free mockup before production.
Is applique only for varsity or letterman jackets?+
Letterman jackets are the most common use, but applique also works well on hoodies, blankets, and any project where a design needs to look bold and dimensional rather than flat.
Is there a minimum order for custom applique in Vancouver?+
No — applique orders of any size are accepted, from a single jacket to a full team order.
How much does custom applique cost?+
Pricing depends on the size and complexity of the design, the fabric used for the applique piece, and the number of garments ordered. Contact our team for a custom estimate.