Your newly bought jacket certainly looks cute, but what can you do to add a little something extra to it? The bag you take to school every day is fashionable and functional, but how can you personalize it? Your team is vying for first place at the interschool theater competition, but how can you show your sense of camaraderie to your competitors?
Using a custom embroidered patches can help in each of these scenarios.
It is a simple and affordable way to give everything you own a little personality!
But before you get your creative juices flowing, you might want to read over these instructions for making custom embroidered patches.
Let’s jump right into it!
Select Simple Artwork
If the patch is small, it is much harder to get the fine details in the stitching. You can either reduce the level of detail or make the patch larger. But you might not be able to increase the size because of your budget or for purely aesthetic reasons.
An easy solution to this is to use bold logos with strong texts and solid colors that do not require intricate stitching but still deliver the impact.
If you still want a higher level of detail, then you might want to go with printed patches instead of embroidered patches.
Utilize Fewer Design Components
Feeling tempted to embellish your patch with all kinds of design elements? We understand that you would want to express yourself and celebrate your creativity.
But keep in mind that if the patch is overloaded with visuals and text, everything may start to seem rather unkempt. In that case, it would be difficult for people to make sense of these little tokens.
The color scheme follows the same reasoning. The patch will seem murky if you use too many different colors, since then more thread and twill will be needed.
Instead, adopt a more minimalist approach and keep the message simple. After all, you can have more such patches to execute your ideas!
Use Contrasting And Complementing Colors
Make your patch design stand out more by using contrasting colors as part of your color scheme. Think red against green, orange with blue.
Also, try adding a border that uses a color from the central patch design to complement the whole patch.
Imagine how nice a pop of burnt orange would look on your white blazer! So remember to also maintain contrast with the fabric on which you will place the patch.
Choose Appropriate Backing
If you want the patch to be sewn onto a piece of fabric, then you can have a custom embroidered patch without a backing. Otherwise, there are quite a few backing options to consider.
Velcro Backing
A go-to for military units because of how easily it can be removed and reapplied. While one side of the Velcro is attached to the patch’s back, the other is sewn to the clothing. Because of this structure, patches can be taken off before laundry. This is why these patches will last longer.
Heat Seal Backing
A unique kind of backing called a heat seal backing will adhere the patch to the fabric when heated. However, this kind of backing will not work with nylon and other synthetic fabrics.
Adhesive Backing
Your patch essentially becomes an embroidered sticker thanks to the adhesive. The patch’s back is coated with glue, which is followed by a layer of paper that may be peeled off when it’s time to utilize it. This glue will not withstand a washing cycle and will eventually lose its strength. Therefore, it is your best bet if you want the patch for a limited time.
Plastic Backing
The patch has a firm backing that helps it maintain its shape over time. The plastic is thin enough to allow you to sew your patch onto fabric and can be used on patches of every size and shape.
Choosing The Right Borders
This last finishing touch will ensure that you achieve the aesthetic you want!
Merrowed Borders
Going for a more retro vibe with a standard-shaped patch? Great, finish it off with “merrowed” borders. The thread will be stitched around the edges of the patch, making it sturdy while also visually separating it from the garment to which it is affixed.
Hot Cut Borders
But if the shape is more intricate and unique and you don’t want to compromise on this level of detail, then you can have hot-cut borders. These borders have been laser-cut, giving them a crisp, clean edge. They enable the adhesive to reach the edge, making them ideal for heat-seal backing.
Master’s Custom Patches is here to help!
You can make these custom embroidered patches yourself from scratch, but it would take a lot of time and expertise. Alternatively, you could hire a reputable company like Master’s Custom Patches to do all the hard work for you. You just send us the picture of the graphics and other specifications and we will create the patch.
So, you can enjoy the creative process while we use our technology and experience to execute your vision.