Patch Tattoo Examples: 16 Inspiring Designs to Give You Ideas

Patch and embroidery-style tattoos have taken the tattooing world by storm, captivating ink collectors with their vibrant colors, intricate textures, and unique effects. Inspired by the artistry of embroidered patches found on clothing, these tattoos create the illusion of being sewn directly onto the skin.

In this post, we’ll dig into the history and techniques behind this innovative style and showcase 20 stunning examples crafted by Wes, a master of the craft based at Sacred Hand Tattoo Society in Columbus, Ohio.

The Origins of Patch Tattoos

This tattoo style is a relatively modern trend, emerging in the mid-2010s. Brazilian tattoo artist Duda Lozano is widely credited with pioneering the patch tattoo look, combining bold colors with meticulous shading to replicate thread and stitch patterns.

This style draws inspiration from embroidered patches traditionally used to signify belonging, achievement, or personal style in subcultures such as punk rock, military service, and scouting.

For more on how I ended up embracing this style, you can learn more in the video below:

Techniques Used to Create Embroidery Tattoos

Producing a patch tattoo requires some special skills and a LOT attention to fine details. This includes mastery of fine-line techniques and layering to mimic the texture of embroidery.

Here are some of the techniques it takes to get it right:

1. Trompe-l’oeil Effect: This French term means “to deceive the eye” and is at the heart of the patch style. Careful shading and highlights create depth and texture, making the design look three-dimensional.

2. Intricate Linework: Tattoo artists use fine-tipped needles to create the illusion of individual stitches, meticulously crafting each line to mimic the delicate threads of embroidery. This attention to detail ensures that the tattoo captures the essence of a real patch.

3. Bold Colors: My favorite thing about patch tattoos is the use of bright, vivid tones to replicate the vibrant thread hues used in real patches. Black outlines often define the design, reinforcing the patch-like border.

4. Placement Considerations: Flat areas like the forearm, thigh, or back ensure the details remain intact and readable over time. Patches should NEVER go on your ribs or other ares of the body that are curved. 

Because of the massive amount of line detail it takes to create the threaded effect, a decent sized patch will take some time but can typically be knocked out in one session.  You can plan that this style of tattoo will be fully saturated with ink. This style does not really use "negative space" (areas on the skin where ink is not applied) as part of the design.

30 Inspiring Patch Tattoo Examples

Ready to bring your patch tattoo vision to life? I’m here to make it happen for you and my books are always open! Schedule your consultation with me at Sacred Hand Tattoo Society in Columbus, Ohio, and take the first step toward owning a tattoo that looks sewn onto your skin. Let’s create something unforgettable!  And, to give you some ideas to start your own, here’s a curated gallery of patch and embroidery tattoos I completed for my clients in 2024.