Chenille Varsity Patches

Chenille patches are the best patch for classic athletic apparel. Let’s learn more about this unique, vintage patch style, and how to make your own!

We offer seven different custom patch styles at The/Studio. Our most popular patches are definitely our embroidered patches, but for a timeless, vintage aesthetic, you simply can’t be chenille patches! Before we dive in and learn more about chenille patches, though, some of you might be wondering… What are chenille patches, anyways? 

Well, chenille patches are those fuzzy patches that are often seen on letterman jackets in 80s movies. They instantly evoke an image of the classic high school varsity sports team, and even though letterman jackets died off in the 2000s, they’ve made a massive comeback along with the 80s revival, thanks to the insane popularity of shows like Stranger Things. There’s never been a better time to order chenille patches. 

How Are Chenille Patches Made?

The simple explanation of how chenille patches are made is that you take two pieces of yarn and twist them all together via a specialized weaving machine, which weaves a “vaulted yarn weave.” This gives the finished product that fuzzy, cozy, popped-out look that is the hallmark of the chenille patch. (Perhaps this is why these unique patches are called “chenille,” because the word means “caterpillar” in French!)

Chenille patches are perfect for those who want to create a timeless and classic look, especially one that heralds the heydays of school athletic teams from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Custom chenille varsity patches are an excellent order for the back-to-school season. You can create alphabet chenille patches or mascot school patches with the chenille effect. Chenille patches aren’t just great for letterman jackets or sports apparel, they’re also an ideal patch for fashion brands looking to adopt an iconic, all-American look. They make even relatively simple designs stand out with vivid color and eye-catching texture!

The Limitations of Chenille Patches 

The great thing about chenille patches is that they work well with a variety of abnormal shapes and large designs. That being said, if there are any limitations that our Creative Specialists and designers see with your design, they will let you know and will improve upon the design to make it work as a chenille patch. 

Our team of in-house designers has years of experience and will be able to identify any problems with your design that otherwise might not be easily noticeable until your patches are made. Our designers can also create a design from scratch especially for you (and specifically for use as a chenille patch) if you don’t have a design in mind!