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Service 07 — Appliqué

Appliqué. Material that sits on top.

A club name in cut flex, a squad number in flock, a retro patch in chenille, a woven label at the hem: appliqué applies material rather than laying down ink. The result is tactile, three-dimensional, and lasts as long as the garment does.

Request a project →Specifications ↓
tactile & raised◆flex · flock · chenille◆small runs possible◆woven labels & patches
Appliqué
When appliqué?

When ink isn’t enough.

When every piece needs different lettering, when a design should stand proud of the fabric, or when the label itself becomes the feature.

01

Names and numbers

A different number on every shirt, a different name on every jacket — with cut film that costs no new setup, unlike a screen.

02

Raised finish

Flock stands velvety on the fabric, chenille builds up. Where print stays flat, appliqué casts a shadow.

03

Labels and patches

Woven labels and sewn-on patches turn printed blanks into something that reads as your own product.

The process: from briefing to delivery

Step 1

Briefing & quote

Design, material (flex, flock, chenille), quantity, garment — quote within 24 hours on weekdays.

Step 2

Cut file & approval

The outline is prepared, patches get a sample; then approval by digital proof.

Step 3

Cutting & application

Film is cut and weeded or the patch is made, then pressed or sewn on — checked piece by piece.

Step 4

Finishing & shipping

Names and numbers stay assigned: labelled, packed individually, sent to warehouse, venue or end customer.

Specifications

The key figures.

Guide values for planning — we clarify special cases in conversation.

Minimum runSmall runs possible — for patches it depends on the maker
TechniquesFlex · flock · chenille · woven label/patch · sew-on badges
PersonalisationNames and numbers per piece at no extra charge per design
GarmentsMaterial-dependent — we test heat-sensitive qualities on a sample
Lead timeProject-dependent — patches need lead time, cut film does not
EffectsMetallic flex · reflective · glitter · chenille patch
LimitsNo gradients and no photographic motifs — every colour is its own layer
Common questions

What people ask first.

01
Can names and numbers differ from piece to piece?

Yes, at no extra charge per motif. A different number on every jersey, a different name on every jacket — with cut vinyl that needs no new setup, unlike a screen.

02
What is the difference between flex, flock and chenille?

Flex is smooth and thin, flock velvety and raised, chenille builds up noticeably — the look of varsity jackets. All three sit on the garment instead of being printed into it.

03
When is appliqué NOT the right technique?

With gradients and photographic motifs — every colour is a separate layer of material. Anything that needs more than a handful of colours belongs in digital print.

04
How long does it take?

Cut vinyl is quick and needs no lead time. Woven patches, on the other hand, take time at the manufacturer — when a date is tight, that is where it gets stuck.

05
Does an appliqué last as long as a print?

With the right care, yes: up to 40 degrees, inside out, no tumble dryer. Dryer heat attacks the adhesive — that is the one point where appliqué is more sensitive than print.

Other techniques

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Reply < 24 h on weekdays

Request an appliqué project.

Have quantity, deadline and artwork at hand. Then we can start costing right away.

Make an enquiry →
→ merch@cortela.de→ Mon–Fri · 9 am–6 pm