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The Top 3 Benefits of Custom Velcro Patches

 

The Top 3 Benefits of Custom Velcro Patches

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Are you considering having some custom patches made for your sports league, business team, or police department? Custom velcro patches might be the perfect solution for you. Let’s take a look at the top 3 benefits of velcro backings and what sets them apart from the traditional plastic or heat seal backings.

1. Durability

Our patches are subject to hard use in the field. No matter what, Artex Group patches are durable and will be sure to last. What makes our velcro offerings especially popular for custom police patches and company uniform patches is that these patches can be easily removed before cleaning the garment they are attached to. This means that our already durable patches will have their life greatly extended.

This is good news if you anticipate the patch you are wearing will be seeing hard use. You won’t have to worry about your patch deteriorating after just a few uses. In fact, your Velcro patches might last longer than the clothes, bags, or gear that you have them attached to!

2. Ease of Use

We offer many types of backings for our patches that make affixing them a cinch. That being said, our velcro patches are perhaps the easiest to attach and offer a high level of reuse. The best part is that you can transfer a velcro patch between multiple garments, hats, or bags without having to worry about damaging your apparel. This easy application can make a velcro patch an attractive option for those that are looking to get the maximum utility out of their custom patches.

Our velcro patches also come with both the male and female sides, meaning that you can put the velcro patch anywhere you, please. Just attach the male or female side to whatever garment you want the patch on and you’ve got a quick and easy spot to instantly place your velcro patch.

3. Variety of Patch Styles

All of our embroidered, woven, and dye sublimated patches come with the option of having a velcro backing. So not only do you get the convenience of hook and loop patches, but you also know you’ll have an attractive patch made of the highest quality materials available. No matter how detailed your design maybe we can ensure that you’ll have a reusable velcro patch for your next event or game.

Maybe you’re considering some patches to make it easier to identify yourself as a member of law enforcement or a fire department? Or, you may simply want to create some morale patches for a humorous addition to uniforms and equipment. Whatever your reason may be, we can work with you to create a patch that will help your team stand out from the competition. We’ve created a variety of patches over the years, so it won’t be any problem for us to create a design that you’ll love.

If you’re considering ordering custom velcro patches, contact the Artex Group today or get a free instant quote!

 
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Let Your Bowling League Stand Out With Custom Bowling Patches!

 

Let Your Bowling League Stand Out With Custom Bowling Patches!

Custom Bowling Patches For Your Bowling Team!

Would you like to add some flair to your bowling league’s shirts, bags, or towels? Maybe you’ve recently won a bowling tournament and want to show off a bit? We certainly don’t blame you! No matter what your reason may be, picking up some bowling patches for your league is a great idea. But maybe you’re looking for some recommendations & ideas on bowling patches for shirts or towels that your team can use? Let’s take a look at some ideas to help your bowling team stand out!

 

Select The Right Bowling Patch 

There are a variety of different materials you can select for your bowling team. We recommend selecting a durable patch that will be easy to attach. Our embroidered bowling patches are an affordable option that is easy to affix and feature durable stitching that will keep your patch resistant to wear, tear, and fading for years to come. As your league wins more tournaments and championships you’ll be able to display your wins and retain your bragging rights year after year with an attractive patch that won’t fade with time.

 

Create A Logo For Your League

If your bowling team doesn’t have a logo then it’s time to design one! This is a good time to let your creativity shine and come up with an original logo for your bowling club patches. If creativity isn’t your forte, then consider using our team as we will be happy to help you design a logo. The good news is that no matter what kind of logo you have, we offer several different types of patches to accommodate you. No matter how complex your logo might be, we can create a patch that will fit your needs!

 

Grab A Few Patches For Your Younger Players

Giving your kids a little extra flair is something they’ll definitely love. They’ll be able to proudly display patches for their youth league and show off when they get a patch for their 50th game, 100th game, etc. If you do buy a patch for your child to use on a shirt, we recommend one that is easy to remove. You can get plenty of mileage out of an iron-on patch, and reuse it as they outgrow their clothing.

 

Get Some Flair For All Your Gear

Why limit yourself to just getting a bowling patch for your shirt? Go all out and add some flair to your bowling towels or bags. After all, there’s nothing wrong with making your team stand out at your next game. If your bowling bag has the option for velcro attachments it may also be worthing considering a PVC patch.

These custom molded patches attach quickly with a velcro backing and can add some team spirit to your bowling equipment. PVC patches are an especially attractive option if your team has an intricate logo. This is because our PVC patches are created with custom molds and as such, we can create a patch for just about any logo design.

  

Show Off Your Bowling Team’s New Custom Patches!

We can’t guarantee that patches from Artex Group will make you a professional bowler, but they will definitely make your bowling team look like they are. Win your next tournament looking like a champ.

 

Reach Out To The Artex Group

Thinking of getting some patches for your bowling team? Reach out to the Artex Group! We have worked with bowling teams all across the US to design patches for tournaments, championships, and more.

 

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Hunting & Fishing Patches - Selecting The Right Patch For You

 

Hunting & Fishing Patches – Selecting The Right Patch For You

In the first of an ongoing series of blog articles, we’re going to be helping you find the custom patch or badge to best fit your needs. Today we’ll be setting our sights on the great outdoors and discussing the best fishing or hunting patches for your next expedition!

What should you look for in a fishing or hunting patch? If you plan on spending lots of time outdoors you’ll need a patch that’s durable. We proudly manufacture patches that stand up to the elements, even in the most adverse conditions. Our patches will remain attractive years after you’ve bought them.

But just being durable isn’t the only thing to look for in your embroidered hunting patch. Just like a patch for any other article of clothing, you want the one you choose to be stylish and attractive. That’s why it’s important to choose a high-quality patch made from durable materials.  Fortunately, we offer patches made from various substances that offer you a variety of styles to choose from. Let’s look at a few & discuss why they might be right for you!

PVC Hunting & Fishing Patches

PVC patches are made from a soft rubber that can make a great choice for your fishing or hunting club’s patch. One of the most notable elements of PVC patches is the ability to provide attention and detail to the small elements of your logo.  Small fonts are no problem. Most people notice how intense the colors are and PVC patches are both waterproof and windproof, making them great for outdoor use.

Advantages of PVC patches:

  • A long-lasting patch that will retain its color for years to come

  • Waterproof and weatherproof

  • Easy cleaning

  • Ability to show small print in detail

Embroidered Hunting & Fishing Patches

Embroidered patches are very traditional and have been a staple of the hunting/fishing industries for decades.  Our patches are a cost-effective way to make sure that your hunting or fishing club looks stylish in the wilderness! We offer a variety of different backings too. This will make it easy to affix your patch(es) to clothes, hats, vests, etc.

There are some advantages for embroidered patches that you should bear in mind when making a purchase, which we’ve listed here:

Advantages of embroidered patches:

  • Flexible and easily affixed to any garment

  • Cost-effective if you need patches for a large group

  • Polyester threads will not fade wash after wash

Dye Sublimated Patches

Dye sublimated patches are patches that have had the design printed on to their top layer. This process uses heat transferring that will prevent your patch from fading with time or repeat washes. Furthermore, a dye-sublimated patch can have additional embroidery added to bring your idea to life.

Much like PVC patches, a dye-sublimated patch will be resistant to exposure to the elements. This makes a patch like this an attractive option for those that are looking for a patch that will see lots of outdoor use. If your hunting or fishing club is looking for patches this might be the right choice with you. After all, who wants a patch that will fade quickly?

Advantages of dye sublimated patches:

  • Long term durability for a patch, especially when compared to other printing methods

  • Since it’s print based, the attention to fine detail is incredible.

Woven Patches

Many fishing clubs and hunting clubs use woven patches for their custom patches. This is due to the high level of detail that woven patches allow in their design. This becomes quite apparent when compared to other styles of embroidered patches. If you’re worried that your club’s patch features a logo with many small details then this is likely the way to go.

Advantages of woven patches:

  • A high-quality patch that allows for fine detail and intricate designs

  • Can be combined with embroidery to make certain areas of the patch stand out

We hope this guide has been helpful to you. This is just the first of an ongoing series intended to help you pick the right patch for your club or organization. No matter what your needs might be, the Artex Group is always here to help!

 
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Rider and motorcycle club piece custom patches


 

Rider and motorcycle club 1 & 3 piece custom patches, colors and design

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We are in the middle of an incredible season of motorcycle riding with the Mother Nature giving us plenty of riding perfect days. With the dragon tail just miles from our main office, it’s a common sight to see a variety of riders on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Every rider or group of riders seems to share one common bound, the love of the road on two wheels.

A few weeks ago, a fellow biker friend and I had a conversation about motorcycle club patches.  I make custom biker patches for a living (amongst many other types of patches) so I enjoyed discussing the many types of patches we have made over the years.  We went through a number of samples my company has made checking out the colors and designs wondering how each club arrived at a logo.

Some of the patch logos clearly gave you an idea as to what the club was about or stood for, some not so much. Generally, it seems the logos reflect the club’s philosophy but other considerations seem to be at play.  In addition to the different philosophies of Riding Clubs versus Motorcycle Clubs, each patch has its own unique look. As most of you know, there is also a vast disparity regarding RC and MC patch placement and quantities displayed.  Most RC wear one-piece patches signifying a family club, riding club and/or AMA-sanctioned motorcycle club. MC generally wears a three-piece patch selection (top and bottom rocker with the club logo in the middle).  A three-piece setup signifies that the motorcycle club is not AMA sanctioned

I would like to point out that the word “colors” is a reference to the insignia or patches worn by motorcycle club members.  Colors present a symbol of identity and represent social hierarchy within the club’s distinguishing rank.  Rank encompasses all divisions from prospects to full members generally known as patch-holders.

Recently, my neighbor (also a biker) and I visited a local joint in Asheville that caters to RC and MC clubs. Perhaps going against some of the rules of the road, I started a conversation with a gentleman (who was with an RC) sitting next to us. We started to discuss the politics of guiding rules that one must consider when visiting a bar, restaurant, etc. that is frequented by motorcycle clubs.  I had heard some of the “rules” before but found myself constantly thinking, “really I had no idea”. This guy definitely caught my attention.  If you are not well educated on the etiquette of MC interactions, I highly suggest you look into this. I can not stress how important this may be to your well-being as it was so eloquently pointed out to me.

I may be redundant here as you may already know this but being a biker patch guy who likes to see and touch patches, let me clearly state this:

Do not touch any part of club members’ patches (or colors). This is the ultimate sign of disrespect and will likely result in quick retaliation or  “an education” as the gentleman put it.  And forget about taking the iPhone out for photos, you will likely lose it in an abrupt manner

Okay, back to the friendly confines of biker patches. If you are considering a patch for your club, perhaps we should connect. There are many different styles and materials that can be used to make a very unique rider club or motorcycle club custom patch. We also work with reflective materials that are designed for nighttime safety for our client riders. Our artists can help you with the design, just give us an idea as to what your club is about and we can go from there. One word about the quality and then I will go.  Are you finding your current patches are not holding up well?  Let me state that my company is the nation’s leading provider of patches to the automotive industry so quality is our only option.

Check out the Tail of the Dragon North in Carolina and ride safely.

 
 
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How to dramatically cut costs on your custom uniform patches

 

Trade secret: How to dramatically cut costs on your custom uniform patches.

Good news for uniform companies that order custom patches.  As you know, custom patch pricing is partially based on the quantity you order.  The more patches that are made in one production run, the more cost-efficient it is for you.  With that in mind, I highly suggest you consider this amazing cost-cutting idea and give yourself a substantial discount.

It seems that most uniform companies reorder the same custom patches numerous times throughout the year.  For example, you have a contract (or long-term purchasing history) to produce 6000 customized uniforms per year.  Like most uniform companies, you order your patches monthly or quarterly so let’s say you order 1500 patches per quarter.  Like clockwork, your patches arrive on time and like clockwork, you call your patch vendor again in 2-3 months to reorder the same patches.

This purchasing schedule may work well for you but if you have contracted clients or clients with consistent purchasing requirements, here is a secret to dramatically cutting your costs.  A “Stock and Hold” program is based on your client’s yearly usage whereby the majority of your patches are made in one production run. Since the patches are pre-made upfront, your patches are inventoried and always available at your request.   Your custom-made patches would be released and shipped as your requirements come in (weekly, monthly or quarterly).  One call and your patches will be shipped within 24 hours right to your door!  How nice is that?  You can start customizing your apparel within 24 hours of placing your order.  That’s a valuable service to be able to offer your clients.

Here’s where the program makes sense (cents).   Using the 6000 uniforms example, your pricing is based on the 6000 patches, not the monthly or quarterly quantity.  The difference in pricing between 500 (or 1500) and 6000 patches is significant. Savings would be in the 25 to 30% range.

Quick response times (receive your patches within 24 hours of calling your order in) and volume-based pricing could make this program a perfect fit for some of your clientele.  At the end of each year, whatever inventory remains would be released from the initial production run.

Artex Group offers a “Stock and Hold” program perfectly designed for uniform companies that have constant demands for custom patches. Read more about the “Stock and Hold” program for custom patches here and start saving big money on your custom embroidered patches right now.

Before you go, are you familiar with sublimated patches?  This process produces a patch with photo-realistic imagery.  You can even add embroidery giving the patch a beautiful, textured quality. They are very unique and given the incredible detail you can achieve, they offer a creative accessory option for customizing uniforms

 
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Embroidered Woven Patch | Martial Arts

 

Martial arts patches for your gi – The embroidered woven patch.

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As our martial arts clients consistently use embroidered patches for their uniforms, they understand and appreciate the importance of quality. As most martial arts uniforms come face to face with washing and drying machines from time to time, embroidered patch quality is of the essence.  The patch is generally the focal point of the martial arts gi. Making sure it looks good and retains its color throughout its life cycle is our focus.

As you know from our website, we are a major provider of custom patches to the automotive industry.  One of the reasons we have this distinction is due to our approach to quality control.  Each patch must be perfect, no exceptions. This is not only the foundation of our company philosophy it is also a requirement of the global industries we serve.  We will make sure the patches on your gi look fantastic each and every time your students enter the dojo.

Want to spruce up the look of your patches?  We suggest you consider our embroidered woven patch, a combination of a woven label and embroidered patch. The woven label process uses fine yarns resulting in extremely detailed embroidery. One of the most noticed improvements is how most font styles, even the most delicate varieties, appear impressively clear and sharp. Combining this detailed approach with the dimensional qualities of standard embroidery provides a uniquely eye pleasing result.  Best of all, durability is guaranteed as both processes are tried and true in the apparel industry.

Embroidered woven patches would be applied to your uniforms the same as your current patches (iron-on, Velcro or sew-on).  Most sizes and shapes are acceptable so if this sounds like a possibility for your patch program, just give us a call.  Remember to ask for “embroidered woven patches” and lets see what we can create together

 
 
 
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Great design is key for promoting your brand on custom patches

 
 

Great design is key for promoting your brand on custom patches

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An artist friend of mine recently came to me with a design/logo she created asking how could she promote this idea into a money making proposition. The logo had no significant message or meaning, it was just a cool looking design.  She envisioned her logo being worn on all types of clothing.  The logo could be made in various colors providing the wearer with creative individualism.  Apply the logo to a shirt and you would have one cool looking shirt.  Put it on a cap and you would have one piece of hip headwear.

I completely agreed with her.  Bottom line is if you ask someone why they are wearing a piece of branded apparel, the most common response is “I don’t know, it just looks good”.  The logo’s relevancy is irrelevant as long as the person wearing the logo thinks it compliments his or her apparel.  Kind of like the swoosh we all have come to know.  If it makes you feel like an athlete, then you are going to wear it.  If it makes you feel hip, you are going to wear it.  It’s that simple.

Her options for bringing her creativity to life were simple and readily available.  We could make embroidered patches, woven labels (like you tags you find on the inside back of your shirt) or sublimated patches (providing photorealistic qualities).   Each option provides a unique look and the discussion of using all three made this project more appealing to her.

The process is very simple.  We take her artwork, transform it into either one or all of the available options, and through our extensive apparel line, select the appropriate clothing.  We would take care of all the necessary steps including the customizing.  In other words, Artex Group could provide her a turnkey product.   As of this writing, the wheels are in motion and I look forward to sharing more on progress of her design and the marketing efforts behind her “brand”.

If any of this resonates with yourself, I invite you to call us to discuss what can be done to bring your idea or concept to life.  Branding is all about how something makes us feel.  That’s the essence behind any successful branding.  If something looks good on me, I’m going to wear it.  Take a look at what you wear and see how branding may have played a role in your purchasing decisions.   So if you have a hip idea for a logo and want to turn it into a brand identity, let’s talk.  Nothing gained, nothing lost so don’t let your concept go by the wayside without at least chatting with us.  Ask for me, Richard.  I welcome it.

 
 
 
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The history of embroidered patch manufacturing

 

The history of embroidered patch manufacturing

I was recently asked about the history of embroidered emblems or “patches” and how has the industry changed in the past 15 years or so.  It got me thinking about 1999, the year I began my career in designing and manufacturing embroidering patches.

Today, the majority of emblems are made on multi-head embroidery machines (I will talk about multi-head machines shortly).  This is a vast difference to when I first got into this industry as most companies were making patches on Schiffli Embroidery machines.  Schiffli machines were manufactured in Europe at the turn of the past century and have been the machine of choice up until the late 1990’s.  The machines are massive measuring over 18 meters in length and 4.5 meters in height.  Each machine had more than 1000 needles.  The space required to set up such machinery is extensive. Typically, the machines would hold 2 pieces of twill set vertically.  Twill is the material we stitch into.  The twill would measure approximately 13 meters in length and just over 1 meter in height.  Both pieces of twill could be embroidered at the same time so your output was fast and numerous.

The machines have incredible durability as many of the existing machines today are decades old.  I recall the company that introduced me to emblems had machines that were made in the 1940s.  With the advent of computerized systems, productivity and detail accuracy have improved over the years but the popularity of these machines as dropped significantly.  The biggest drawbacks are expense of owning and operating them, space required for set-up and lack of embroidery detail.  The lack of embroidery detail was not such an issue or should I say, not noticed as much until multi-head machines came on the scene.

Multi-head machines’ popularity took the industry by surprise as the machine’s ability to deliver highly detailed patches in timely, considerable quantities was quickly adopted.  The machines are made up of a series of separate sewing heads or stations.  Each station is responsible for the completion of one emblem.  The number of stations per machine varies from a few to over 30 or more.  Unlike the Schiffli machine, the twill is placed horizontally in various lengths ranging from 3 meters up to 15 or more, depending on the number of stations.


The greatest contribution these machines offer is the attention to embroidery detail.  When compared to Schiffli produced patches, the multi-head product looks much cleaner and clearer.  There really is no comparison once you compare them side-by-side.

At Artex, we use only multi-head machines so absolute clarity is the best it can be.  Not to segue into another topic but regarding clarity, I can’t overstate the importance of the quality of the digitizing file.  This file instructs the machine as to where to place the stitches.  The bottom line is the person or artist who creates this file will ultimately control the overall beauty and detail of the patch. Their ability or lack there of is the key component.  Okay, that is another topic so more to follow later.

 
 
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Embroidered patches are effective for marketing

 

Embroidered patches are effective for marketing the corporate identity of your business or association.

Embroidered patches offer your company a cost-efficient and most importantly, effective part of your campaign or long-term marketing and branding program. A quality-made embroidered patch will last for years providing your clients and potential clients a very colorful impression of your corporate identity. Embroidered patches or emblems give your corporate logo a pop with texture and incredible detail.

Here’s a point to consider. Next time you see someone wearing an embroidered patch or emblem on a uniform, shirt, jacket, cap, or hat, think about how quickly you noticed it. It may have been one of the first things you noticed about the person. It tends to be a “focal point”. Your company’s identity becomes a focal point. What a great concept. It’s just the way it is.

In addition to marketing your company, embroidered emblems are an effective way to recognize employees or club members who have achieved levels of success worthy of acknowledgment. Many of our clients, from hobby groups to law enforcement, routinely use patches as a proven method of acknowledgment.

Embroidered patches can be used as giveaways at sponsored events. We can package the patches in a variety of ways so your presentation can be customized to fit the venue. They can be packaged bags with header cards or handed out separately. Some of our clients prefer the sticky backs so they can “stick them” right on conventioneers as they walk by their booths. Another possibility for marketing is to resell the emblems as souvenirs as part of an income-generating program. Our clients generally can resell “souvenir emblems” at 3 to 8 times the initial cost. Got your attention now? Either way, they become collectibles which can only be a good thing for your company’s exposure.

With the advent of dye sublimation patches and emblems, your choice for expressing your company’s logo just got a bit more creative. Unlimited colors and extreme detailing make this process very appealing, particularly if your logo is extremely detailed.

Our patches are made for the long haul. We use materials that are designed to meet even the most stringent cleaning applications. They will look great wash upon wash. Given the cost efficiency and potential marketing exposure, considering an emblem or patch program will complement your existing marketing approach.

First impressions are everything. Artex Group’s dedication to detail, documented by our service to the auto industry, will make sure your emblems are perfect and help convey the top-notch company you are. We look forward to serving you. It’s just the way it is.

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Tips for Designing Your Company's Embroidered Custom Patches

 
 

Tips for designing your company’s embroidered custom made patches and emblems for corporate branding.

I need an embroidered patch but I don’t have any artwork. Sounds familiar? Let us show you how easy it is to get this project in the “accomplished” category. Remember, no experience is necessary and we will help you throughout this simple process while making it fun!

There are a few ways to go about getting started. First, let’s assume you do not have any artwork. Our suggestion would be to write down the most important aspects of what you wish to convey. In other words, what are you trying to accomplish with this emblem? Is it for marketing or celebrating an event? Is it for marketing or advertising your company’s logo?

Next, jot down all the main items or elements you wish to have in it. For example, if it’s for a camping event, you may want a tent, camp side fire, and canoe, along with the name and date of the event.

Next, consider the size and shape of the emblem. Would you prefer a circular or rectangular shape or perhaps you want a laser-cut finish whereby we eliminate most of the background by laser cutting your logo. The emblem’s size can be determined by what you intend to do with it. Are the emblems going on uniforms or hats, or given out as souvenirs? Above all, we will surely offer suggestions for both the size and shape that best suits your intentions.

So, now you have an idea of what you want in your emblem, what it needs to convey, and the mode of application (uniform, hat, or otherwise). Now all you need to do is contact a highly qualified embroidered patch manufacturer who will call you within 24 hours to go over any and all details regarding your emblem. You can list or attach any pertinent information on a request form including any artwork you may have, even if it’s a bunch of stick figures.

Embroidered Patch Account Executives will go over every detail needed for the design team to create your emblem. you will be assisted in determining the type of backing, percentage of embroidery, and thread color selections needed to get your emblem completed. Once a design has been created and approved by you, then an actual sew-out will be created for you to review and approve. If all is to your satisfaction, the production process begins and the manufacturing, branding, and identity of your embroidered patches are up and running. It’s just that easy. We are here for you and look forward to helping you create the perfect emblem.

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