Embroidered Patches Are Easy To Order, Apply And Wear

When you think of Patches, what comes to mind? A means to repair holes in bicycle tires, well-worn jeans or an outdoor tent? Of course those are all valid answers. But there’s also another variety of patches – the embroidered type that’s become commonplace, and serves as a symbol of identity, an emblem of achievement or proof of membership in any group or club.

Embroidery is an art form that has been embraced for millennia, but the digital era has revolutionized it in the past 25 years or so. The advent of microprocessor-controlled, high-speed embroidery machines has made designing custom patches easier than ever before.

It’s easy to create custom pieces to suit just about any group or organization’s needs. Any reputable supplier can help with the choice of embroidery percentage, color, size and backing.

Embroidered patches began as a way for military members to recognize one another. Each U.S. military branch, unit and division has its own custom patch, enabling members to see who belongs to specific units and their functions. Police and fire departments, emergency medical response units and other public safety officials use them for their own identification purposes as well.

Graphic artists employed by any good supplier can help you create your own custom-designed pieces when you’re ready to order. They can take logos, concepts and even images and make them distinctive pieces of embroidered art. If you don't have a design, they can help you create one that will convey your message in an attractive manner. Reputable suppliers won't charge for artwork or revisions, so you can make changes until you're satisfied.

Patches are described in terms of the percentage of backing covered by embroidery. Your design will determine that percentage. A 50% embroidered piece, for example, will have half the twill covered with embroidered thread. This is good for basic, text-only designs.

The next type is the 75% embroidered. As the name implies, the 75% design covers more of the twill with embroidery. It’s good for displaying both artwork and text. When the entire twill backing is covered with embroidery, it’s referred to as a 100% embroidered piece. These are best suited for intricate designs and logos with fine detail.

With regard to color, there’s a wide range of both twill and thread colors available. A quality provider can help you select the right ones.

Backing choices include the standard sew-on or iron-on. The sew-on backing offers a more permanent attachment, while the iron-on allows for faster application. The iron-on backing also can be used to hold the pieces in place while you stitch them on. This ensures a straight attachment that's sturdy, too.

Velcro backing is also available, and is particularly popular for military units because they can be removed easily and replaced with newer patches. For temporary, short-term applications, tape backing allows for easy removal as well.

Whatever your purpose, there’s a patch for you. With easy ordering and application, you can be a part of the patched world in no time!