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The Advantages of PVC Patches: What Makes Them Stand Out

 

The Advantages of PVC Patches: What Makes Them Stand Out

Embroidered patches have long been used in many types of clothing and other garments. While they’ve been the go-to option for patches, PVC patches seem to be becoming more popular nowadays. The top-notch printing process gives your patch a smooth, seamless design that looks professional. In this guide, let’s explore what PVC patches are and how they are different from other types of patches.

What Are Custom PVC Patches?

PVC patches are printed on sheets of a material called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material is a lot like plastic and resembles a sheet of rubber. It was invented in the 1800s and can be used for a wide variety of products. It is a popular substance for making shower curtains, surfboards, and windows. PVC patches have only been around since the 20th century, but they have gained popularity in recent years.

If you are a retailer or a sports fan, PVC patches are a great way to customize your clothing, including hats, t-shirts, jackets, bags, and more. They are a fun, novel way to express your creativity, team spirit, and personality. They are also used by various businesses for corporate gifts, employee recognition, advertising, and promotional activities.

The Printing Process for PVC Patches

PVC patches are made using a cutting technique known as laser cutting. The machine that cuts the patch designs onto the PVC film is a laser etching machine. This process uses the laser’s heat to melt and cut the PVC film into your design. Once they are cut out, they are imprinted with inks to give them the color you want.

Why Use PVC Patches?

The popularity of PVC patches has increased for a number of reasons. Here are some of them:

Strong – The PVC material is thick and durable, making it great for custom patches. It can withstand the rough wear and tear that comes with being in the field or put onto clothing.

Flexible – PVC material easily bends and conforms to a variety of different shapes without fraying or ripping. This allows a PVC custom patch to be placed on curved surfaces, like a guitar body, without having to be cut into different shapes. The patch can maintain its original shape no matter where you place it.

Waterproof and Weather Resistant – PVC patches have excellent water-resistant quality. They can withstand rain and other elements that would normally damage paper and other types of patches.

Sharp Printing – The printing process for PVC patches gives the patch a rich and clean look. In addition, they are printed with a variety of different inks, including silk-screen and digital printing techniques. This gives the patch a nice, professional appearance.

Variety of Designs – You can get PVC patches with a wide range of different designs, including the standard rectangle shape that some other types of patches have. They can also be shaped into different designs, like a heart or circle, for more personalization.

Affordable – The cost of PVC patches is less than that of embroidered patches, making it a more economical option.

Conclusion

PVC patches are an excellent choice for a wide variety of applications. They might not be as popular as embroidered patches yet, but they are an excellent alternative for a number of reasons. As more people become aware of them, we expect to see more and more PVC patches in the future.

When it comes to custom patches, Artex Group is the only name to trust. Since 2002, we’ve been designing custom-made patches to meet our clients’ specific needs. However you choose to use custom patches, we’ll make them just the way you want them to be. Contact us today to request a quote!

 
 
 
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Everything That You Need to Know About PVC Patches

 

Everything That You Need to Know About PVC Patches

Custom PVC patches are exactly what they sound like—a patch that features your logo or some other design in a PVC material, created specifically for you. PVC patches are the perfect way to sew or iron your brand’s logo onto hats, jackets, backpacks, and even bags and purses. You can also purchase a patch holder or a pocket or use an iron-on adhesive to attach your patch to any flat, smooth surface.

Today, let’s explore custom PVC patches and what you need to know about them:

What is Polyvinyl Chloride?

Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC for short, is a material made out of a polymer chain, which is a molecule with a repeated chain of atoms. Its name is derived from its origins and purpose, so it is also known as vinyl. It is manufactured by polymerizing ethylene and chlorine, both found in natural resources.

It is used in many industries because of its unique properties. These include the fact that it is very economical, making it the preferred material for certain jobs. It can also be easily molded, so it is used to manufacture many artistic pieces, such as sculptures and toys. 

Why are PVC Patches Special?

PVC patches are also special because of how they are made and used. To give you an idea, they are created using a printing process that uses screen printing, which transfers a layer of ink onto the PVC material. It is then baked in an oven, fusing the ink to the PVC.

These patches can carry various designs, and PVC patches come in various sizes, to carry your message well.

The Benefits of Using PVC Patches

PVC patches are very durable and versatile, and there are multiple benefits for choosing a PVC patch.

Application – Custom PVC patches are used for many different things, most commonly as identification and branding for a group, club, or company. They are frequently attached to hats, jackets, bags, and backpacks, to name a few places. They can also be attached to clothing, like t-shirts, to support a team or brand.

Affordability – Although it is made of plastic, PVC patches are still affordable, making them the perfect option for budget-conscious people.

Durability – PVC patches are very durable as well. This is its main advantage over other materials, especially when it comes to identification and branding.

Versatility – Unlike embroidered or woven patches, PVC patches are very versatile. They can be applied to multiple materials and are colorfast and waterproof..

How to Get Custom PVC Patches Made

Getting custom PVC patches made is a pretty simple one. Our team can help you with your design or you can choose to upload your logo or image, which we can transfer onto the PVC.

The Bottom Line

There are so many ways that you can use PVC patches. You can use them to identify and promote your brand as a business or organization. You can also use them to put your logo or an image on a hat, t-shirt or bag. The list goes on.

Remember, no matter what you choose, you can always trust us to provide high-quality PVC patches. That’s because we are dedicated to offering the best customer service possible. That’s a guarantee.

Get in touch with us today if you want to buy custom patches. We’d be happy to help. Artex Group has been designing custom patches since 2002. Whether you want to enhance your brand’s current patch or you want one of our dedicated designers to create a new patch design for your business, we have you covered! 

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5 Advantages of Custom Embroidered Patches

5 Advantages of Custom Embroidered Patches

Having embroidered patches that have so much detail and quality to them can be a huge benefit. In addition, with the element of personalization, you cаn choose exactly what kind оf design tо put оn them as well.

Yоu can stick them on pretty much any item, such as your shirts, coats, jackets, hats, caps, bags, shoes, and more. With the right company making them for you, you can attain such versatile embroidered patches.

If you aren’t convinced yet, here are some of the advantages to having custom embroidered patches made for you:

1. Durability

Embroidered patches are a much more sturdy and durable method for creating visual designs. Embroidery makes the patches far more durable than the screen-printing process. An embroidered patch doesn’t rip or fall apart easily, and thus leaves a long-lasting impression. 

2. Marketing

A great-looking embroidered patch can create a memorable, lasting impact and help promote your brand or organization. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to market your business or organization and can be customized with your colors, logo, etc.

Custom embroidered patches are an excellent way to help your company, team, or organization stand-out. They can help others remember your company’s name or product or service. It’s a creative and cost-effective way to market your organization using top-of-mind marketing.

3. Stability

Embroidered patches are designed to stay in place and be stable.  They can be attached to apparel in several ways, including sewn-on, iron-on, heat-activated adhesive, and more. They can even be used in automotive car mats, tailor-made to complement your brand’s logo, colors and design.

4. Visibility

Elevate your brand’s design with quality custom embroidered patches. When designed by experienced graphic designers, your patch will stand out and make an impact. Using threads that are colorfast safe can also help improve visibility and patches can be manufactured in most PMS colors from standard polyester, metallic and glow in the dark threads.

5. Accessibility

Custom embroidered patches are affordable and high-quality. They can be a great investment for your business, team, or organization. Pricing will depend on the quantity, size, amount of detail, and other specifics.

Conclusion

Embroidered patches are one of the many ways to get your image out there, especially if you enjoy a more personalized approach instead of screen printing. You are guaranteed to get a much higher quality product that is customized to your needs and image. You can make a lasting impact that is also cost-effective.

Want to get custom patches made? Artex Group has been designing custom patches since 2002. We’ve worked with countless businesses and organizations from renowned automotive companies, small businesses, police departments, and the Boy Scouts of America. We offer high-quality custom patches at competitive prices. We can help you create something special.

 
 
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FAQs: Adhesive Patches

 

FAQs: Adhesive Patches

Here are some frequently asked questions about stick-on patches – with answers from Artex Group, your partner for patches!

What are typical uses for temporary adhesive patches? 

Adhesive patches are a popular and flexible way for groups to promote their brand, commemorate a special event, create a memento for a celebration or recognize group members. Many Artex customers take peel and stick patches to trade shows and conventions, using them as giveaways for attendees as well as wearables for team members. 

Do I have to request the adhesive back when I order my patches, or do the patches come that way automatically?

Yes, please specify the patch backing you would like with your patch order.  If you choose our sticky back adhesive you’ll get a custom-made patch that is adhesive but not permanent. The benefits of an adhesive patch are:

  • apply the patch temporarily,
  • easily remove the patch and reapply to another garment
  • properly position your patch before you attach it permanently via sewing or heat seal.

How do I apply the temporary adhesive?

Each adhesive patch has a non-stick paper backing material. Peel off the paper backing, apply to a clean and dry surface, and press in place. It’s that easy!

Can I permanently attach an adhesive patch? 

You can permanently attach your patch by heat sealing, sewing or using fabric glue. Artex Group can advise you about each method. We’re happy to talk (1-866-845-1042) about your needs and your intended application.

Do I need special supplies or equipment to permanently attach adhesive patches?

To hand sew on patches, you need a heavy duty needle and color-appropriate thread. We recommend bonded nylon thread and a topstitch or leather needle.

Heat sealing is one of the most durable ways to permanently attach adhesive patches. This process requires specialized equipment and safe, best practices for ideal results. (Your household iron is not the same as a heat press.) To have a patch applied through heat sealing it is best performed by a company well equipped to do so because it requires certain pressure and heat specifications. 

Fabric glue – widely available at craft stores – is another option. Follow the specific instructions on the fabric glue package to avoid damage to the garment or material the adhesive patch is being applied to.

Have other questions about Artex Group adhesive patches?

Request a free quote or call us at 1-866-845-1042 and connect with one of our helpful team members.

We’ll make sure you’re not stuck with any unanswered questions. 

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Angling for Interest in Your Fishing Business?

 

Angling for Interest in Your Fishing Business?

The winter season is a great time to create custom patches for your fishing tour or charter business in preparation for spring and summer angling. Artex Group can help you create a beautiful, colorful fishing patch that’s memorable and distinctive.  Add fishing patches to tackle boxes, jackets or hats to distinguish your business to give customers cool merch options.

Are you starting a new fishing business? Looking for ways to grow your established fishing charter? Or leading a group of freshwater or deep sea fishing enthusiasts? A fishing patch that you give to customers or group members can increase your visibility and be a marketing tool.

How can using your fishing patch as a giveaway translate into business growth?

Create a social media campaign around the patches. Offer entry into a prize drawing when customers post a selfie or group photo that shows your patch on social media with an endorsement about their fishing experience. Take photos of happy customers wearing your patch, ask them for a testimonial and feature them on your social media feed.

If you have an established brand, create a new patch annually and promote it as a collectible. Keep key brand identity elements the same from year to year, but vary the patch design with a refreshed theme, message or simply the date.

Want help with the look of your patch?

Artex will help you design your patch and can advise you about the best manufacturing approach for your needs. Whether your design is a swordfishing patch or fly fishing patch, is simple or intricate, we offer high-quality options, including embroidered, PVC, woven or dye-sublimated printed custom patches with plastic, iron-on, Velcro, self-adhesive and magnetic backings.

Learn more about Artex Group fishing patches, get a free quote, or call us at 1-866-845-1042.  We’d love to create a fishing patch for you to catch the attention of customers and reel them into your business – hook, line, and sinker.

 
 
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Custom Boy Scouts of America Patches

Boy Scouts of America Custom Patches

“Be Prepared” with Custom Patches for Boy Scouts of America

Since its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has grown to more than a million youth participants. Badges and patches have been central to scouting from the earliest days of the organization in the US, and remain important today. Early emblems were embroidered directly on clothing, with later badges taking the form of embroidered patches that were sewn on. New manufacturing options allow more intricate and specialized patches than ever before.

Are you a leader looking for a custom Boy Scouts of America patch to recognize awards, accomplishments or events? Artex Group is here to help! As a licensee for the Boy Scouts of America, we’re proud to partner with you.

Can I create my own design?

Custom is the word for these BSA patches, so your design is where we begin. Circles, squares and custom shapes can feature your district, camp name, special event, dates and more. Use your imagination and incorporate emblems and illustrations that we’ll translate into colorful, high-quality embroidered, woven or dye sublimated printed custom patches.

Just send us a sketch of your ideas, and we’ll provide a free quote. Not sure what your BSA patch should look like? Artex will design your custom patch absolutely free of charge.

How do I apply the custom Boy Scouts patches?

Depending on your intended use, you may use an iron-on adhesive, a press-on peel-and-stick adhesive or sew the patch on. Our customers put patches on caps, neckerchiefs and other apparel. The Artex Group team is happy to advise you about the best options for your BSA custom patch manufacturing and application.

Why should I choose Artex Group for my BSA patches?

In the words of our customer and veteran Scoutmaster Clarke Green, “I’ve been very pleased with both the quality of the patches and the level of service I’ve received from Artex. Artex quotes each job individually and, in my experience, offers a significantly lower price than I’ve found elsewhere.”

Learn more about Artex Group Boy Scouts of America custom patches with a request for a sample, a free quote, or call us at 1-866-845-1042. We’re here to help and answer your questions. Scout’s honor.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Boy Scouts of America®, the Universal Emblem, BSA®, are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the Boy Scouts of America in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

 
 
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PVC Patches

 

PVC Patches

PVC Patches – Not a Plastic Pipe, But a Pipeline to Marketing

Working on a patch design with a lot of intricate detail?

PVC patches could be the perfect solution!

These custom patches offer precision reproduction of your design with near-perfect color matching and better rendering of fine detail than may be possible with an embroidered patch.

Artex Group’s custom PVC patches are waterproof and weatherproof, making them durable and versatile for outdoor uses as well apparel branding. Each PVC patch design is custom molded and can take virtually any shape. You can specify most Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors to keep your brand and marketing consistent, too.

What is PVC?

When you hear PVC, you might think of pipes for plumbing and construction. Known for their strength and water resistance, PVC pipes are made from the same type of material as our PVC patches – polyvinyl chloride, a synthetic plastic polymer. In its more flexible form, PVC is ideal for molding into our custom PVC patches.

Can you create a textured PVC patch?

Our PVC patches can include 2D or 3D textures, adding interest and tactile quality to your design. You can make the background one level of the patch and a logo or graphic on top of the background a different color and level of the PVC material.

How do you attach PVC patches?

Like our embroidered emblems, our PVC patches can be plastic-backed for sewn-on applications. If sewing on the patch is too permanent, our PVC patches also can be backed with Velcro for removable and repeated on/off uses.

How can you use custom PVC patches?

Artex Group’s PVC patches are great for clothing and other apparel branding. Our clients frequently use them for garments, caps, and canvas bags. Custom PVC patches’ resistance to fading and cracking makes them a great choice for gear used and worn by first responders and military service members.

Learn more about our custom PVC patches

Request a free quote, or call 1-866-845-1042 and talk with the Artex Group team. We’re here to help you build your marketing pipeline with on-brand and high-quality PVC patches!

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What's the process of ordering a custom patch?

 
What’s the process of ordering a custom patch?

 

One of the most frequent questions we get from new customers is this: “So how does this work, anyway?”

Some folks want to hold a physical patch sample in their hands, put it up the light, and examine the thread before proceeding with production. Others are content with a digitized sample.

What’s important to remember is that everyone’s journey is different, just as each patch has a unique purpose.

Some people come to us with a logo fully developed by in-house graphic artists, thread colors picked, a style already in mind, and all of that information beautifully laid out in a spreadsheet; others come to us with a hastily-snapped photo of a pencil drawing in their notebook. There’s no right or wrong way to go about it, but understanding the process of developing a custom patch will help you be prepared to get the most out of your experience.

Without further ado, here’s a step-by-step guide to ordering your first custom patch!

Step 1: Prepare your design

Before you can create your patch, you have to know what your design will be! Now, some patch manufacturers will help you create the actual artwork for the patch and some won’t – here at Artex, we’re proud to provide a basic design service – but if you (like most of us) weren’t blessed with artistic vision, consider using a freelance graphic designer to bring your logo to life. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork are great for quickly locating available talent without straining your budget, plus you get to feel good about supporting the little guy!

Once your logo is primed and ready, it’s time for step two.

Step 2: Select your patch style

This is a whole blog post in and of itself… luckily, we already have one, which you can read by clicking here!

The short version is this: the style of patch you choose (embroidered, woven, sublimated, PVC, et cetera) will have a tremendous influence on the way your patch looks and feels. If you’re having trouble deciding, have a conversation with one of our salespeople! They have decades of experience in the patch industry and know which style will suit a particular logo simply by looking at it.

Remember, the style of patch you choose will ultimately affect the way the patch looks and feels. Once you’ve got your artwork ready and you’ve picked the patch style that best suits your logo, it’s time to get things moving!

Step 3: Approve your custom patch

Once the details are settled, the next step is to produce what’s called a “stitch-out” or “sew-out” for your approval. So what exactly is a stitch-out? It’s not complicated – a stitch-out is just a scanned sample that will be passed along to you in order for you to decide whether you’d like to make any changes to the design prior to proceeding with production.

It’s important to be detail-oriented at this stage, but also to remain realistic. Remember what attracted you to your logo and focus on what’s important. It’s important that you love your logo – it’s very important! – but no one will ever analyze it to the same extent that you will during the design phase. Knowing what matters most to you will help you keep that perfectionist tendency in check while also ensuring that your custom patches are exactly what you wanted.

Step 4: Production time!

As soon as your patch is approved, production begins. The lead time on manufacturing a batch of new patches is typically around three to four weeks but can vary depending on the size of the order and the complexity of the design. Some styles – such as metal pins – may also take a bit longer than a traditional embroidered patch.

If you’re under a time crunch or if something unexpected comes up, don’t be afraid to communicate your needs! There have been times when our team at Artex has had to wrangle large orders of custom patches in just two weeks, but the worst thing for both the manufacturer and the customer is a breakdown of communication.

Step 5: Shipping your custom patches

Once your patches have been manufactured, the last step is getting them to your doorstep! Artex Group offers shipping options ranging from standard to overnight, but communication is key! Make sure you leave room in your schedule for mishaps. If you need your patches three days, for example, it’s best not to select two-day shipping… we’ve seen packages left unscanned in carrier warehouses and all other forms of slip-ups in our time, and we can safely say that a little bit of cushion never hurts! It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

… and that’s it! You have your custom patches!

If you have any questions about the process of ordering custom patches or if you’d like a quote for your design, feel free to reach out to us. We’d be happy to help you get your next order of patches going!

 
 
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How Do Heat Transfer Patches Work?

 

How Do Heat Transfer Patches Work?

Embroidered patches are becoming more popular, and not only because they’re effective for marketing your business or association. With heat transfer, you can place patches on jean jackets, pants, bookbags, purses, and more, adding a fun and even vintage aesthetic to your look.

But how exactly do heat transfer patches work? Here, we’ll help you understand how to transfer your patches onto your clothing or accessories so you can look your best while feeling confident that your patches aren’t going anywhere.

How Do You Adhere Patches With an Iron?

If you’re using an iron to adhere your heat transfer patches, you’re going to start by pre-heating your iron on the “cotton” setting. Be sure that your steam setting is turned off. Set your custom patch on the garment in the place where you’d like to adhere it. Place a heat-safe piece of cloth such as a cotton pillowcase over the patch and garment. Be careful that you don’t move the patch. This fabric serves as a protective barrier between the patch and the iron.

When the iron is ready and the steam is turned off, press the iron onto the patch. Keep the iron on the patch for approximately 25 seconds and don’t move the iron. Use firm, consistent pressure. Moving the iron back and forth can prevent the patch from adhering properly to your garment. After ironing on the patch, let your garment cool down for about five hours prior to wearing it. This gives your patch enough time to properly adhere to the fabric.

How Do You Adhere Patches With a Heat Seal Machine?

If you’re using heat press patches and a heat seal machine, you’ll start by setting your machine to 365 degrees. Unlike when you’re using an iron, you’ll need to pre-heat the spot where you plan to adhere your heat press patches. Pre-heat the spot on the garment for approximately 15 seconds and then place your patch in the pre-heated area. Using about 50 to 70 pounds of pressure, apply heat to your patch for approximately 18 to 20 seconds. Once the patch is adhered, let the garment cool down for about five hours prior to wearing it.

Are you looking for custom iron on patches to add to your clothes or accessories? We’ve got you covered. Artex Group provides custom patches for individuals, sports teams, business organizations, and more. Reach out to us today to learn more about our heat press patches and how they work.

 
 
 
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What type of patch is best for your design?

 

What type of patch is best for your design?

,

There’s a lot of terminology to learn in the wide world of patches. Do you need a sublimated patch or an embroidered one? Or maybe you’d be better off with a woven patch? Do you want a merrowed edge or a hot-cut one? Will your backing be heat-seal, velcro, plain? It’s a tough decision to make unless you have the right information, especially if you’re new to the patch game – but don’t worry, it’s not as complex as it seems!

Patch styles: the good, the bad, and the… well, you’ll see

Embroidered patches

Our logo as an embroidered patch

There’s nothing quite like the classic, old-school look of an embroidered patch. Although embroidered patches were first widely adopted for military use in the early 19th century, their modern purpose is twofold: they can bring a sense of officialdom to a logo, such as on a police officer’s uniform, or they can lend an undeniable coolness which harkens back to denim vests and vintage Americana motifs. Which effect you get all depends on your design!

Embroidered patches are classy and recognizable, bringing dimension and character to your logo. Embroidered patches are ideal for simple and bold designs, and they work best with 1″ patches and larger. They’re also great for achieving a textured look.

No other style can match embroidery in flat-out coolness… at least not in our opinion!

Woven patches

Our logo as a woven patch

The big-city cousin of the embroidered patch! Because woven patches are made using thinner thread and a different methodology, they are able to render fine detail more cleanly than a typical embroidered patch, which is why they’re often used in clothing labels and other compact designs.

Examining a woven patch feels like sharpening the focus on a camera lens: the blurred edges fall away and become crisper, clearer. They capture minute details well and still retain a sense of dimension. They’re also a very popular option for apparel, bringing a refined look and modern flair to your logo – in that last few years, for example, demand for woven patches in the hat industry has skyrocketed.

If your design requires intensive detail, or if you’re creating something like a shirt label or uniform name tag, woven patches are a great choice! They’re flexible, attractive, and undeniably stylish.

Sublimated patches

Our logo as a sublimated patch

While woven patches may be capable of capturing more detail than embroidered ones, sublimated patches take the prize when it comes to faithfully rendering every element of your design. Sublimated patches aren’t actually stitched onto a twill base like a woven or embroidered emblem – they’re printed, which means a sublimated patch can capture photo-quality detail. No matter how busy or difficult your design, it can be digitized and translated onto a sublimated patch.

If your logo looks like a work of art, with an array of colors and a wealth of detail, sublimation is a great option for showcasing the quality of your design. Background elements such as gradients translate perfectly into sublimation, representing complex imagery such as sunsets with a fantastic blend of color.

Plus – here’s an insider secret for you – you can always combine embroidery with sublimation to achieve that sought-after textured look!

PVC, leather, and other nonstandard patches

Our logo as a PVC patch

Of course, not all patches are made up of thread and twill. PVC patches, made with rubber, are fast becoming popular due to their architectural qualities and their ability to match most Pantone colors. And as an added bonus, they’re both extremely durable and stylistically unique.

PVC patches are totally weatherproof and can stand up to whatever punishment you have in store. They’re a great choice for outdoorsy apparel or any equipment which might end up on the receiving end of constant abuse, such as a hiking backpack. The thickness and makeup of PVC patches give them an extra layer of armor, which means they can keep a licking and keep on ticking.

Need help choosing a patch style?

That’s totally understandable! It’s a lot to take in all at once. Fortunately, we have an expert team with dozens of years of experience. If you’re wrestling with which style of patch would look best with your design, we’d be happy to give you our two cents – totally free of charge!

Remember, creating a business strategy can sometimes be a (pardon the pun) patchwork enterprise. Not everything is always apparent at the outset. But with some friendly advice and a few handy blog posts, you’ll be armed with all the information you need to keep your patches – and your business – going strong! 

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