Artex Group Patch Blog

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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