Computer-Controlled Embroidery Machines Help Make Custom Patches Affordable And Attractive

Embroidery, the traditional art form of decorating fabric with needle and thread, dates back before ancient Egypt. Due to the tedious hand-sewing and skill required, it was traditionally the province of royalty and the wealthy. Modern computerized embroidery machines, however, have brought this refined art to the masses in the form of embroidered custom patches.

Todays Custom Patches are a great example of the changes wrought by the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s and the microprocessor-driven revolution a century later. Modern machinery enables high-speed embroidery of virtually any design, making embroidered items affordable to all.

For many centuries, embroidery was a sign of royalty or great wealth. Only the affluent could afford to own embroidered works because they were exclusively made by hand, a time-consuming process. The mid-1800s saw the introduction of the sewing machine, and later the hand-powered embroidery machine. This enabled faster production of embroidered products.  

The early part of the 20th century brought electrically powered embroidery machines, making the process even faster. By mid-century, embroidery machines were commonly controlled by a paper tape that allowed reproduction of patterns more than once. Custom patches became economically feasible at last. By the late 1970s, the microprocessor revolution was under way. Soon, computer-controlled machines were producing them swiftly and inexpensively.

Computerized machines allowed for an infinite number of embroidered pieces from a single design pattern. Since the designs are created on a computer, they can take on virtually any desired logo, text or other design element. The finished products have a distinctive yet uniform appearance.

People wear embroidered custom patches for many reasons. They can indicate membership in military units, civic organizations and volunteer groups, for example. They can be created for sports teams, church groups, Scouts, motorcycle clubs and many more organizations. And of course, they’ve long been common among police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other public safety officials as well.

For businesses, embroidered pieces are a marketing tool. They can be a terrific way to get a message out to potential customers and the general public. Service companies that send their employees to customers’ homes use them as identifiers, introducing workers to customers in a professional and polished manner.

The twill backing surface on each piece is embroidered onto the twill to produce the desired designs. This creates a strong, durable design. Unlike printed designs, the embroidered type won’t fade over time. They’re durable enough that they’re likely to outlast the garment to which they’re attached.

Custom pieces are finished with either a traditional sewn edge, called a merrowed border, or with a hot cut heat-sealed border. The merrowed borders will give them a traditional look with a clear visual separation from the garment. Hot cut borders allow each piece to have a custom shape.

No matter what style, size or shape you’re looking for, the right supplier can deliver custom patches to your exact specifications.