Artex Group Patch Blog

Posts about:

ABOUT PATCH EMBROIDERY

How to Level Up Your Retail Business with Custom Patch Designs

Custom patch designs are increasingly becoming an essential aspect of fashion and branding today. They are versatile and can be customized to match the specific requirements of your retail business. If you are looking to level up your retail business, then custom patches can significantly help you achieve this. So, in this blog post, we’ll explore how you can transform your retail business using custom patch designs.

Read More

What is most important when designing custom patches?

Custom embroidered patches are an awesome way to promote your brand, organization, event, or even an individual.  They be be used on uniforms, as a promotional giveaway or as a collectible item.  Patches are incredibly versatile and fun.  It's a great way to showcase or market your brand or message.  

Read More

Dye Sublimation and Embroidery Combo Patches

Have you ever heard of a 'combo' patch?  This means that there are two different methods to the patch production.  Today, we will learn a little more about a combo of dye sublimation and embroidery.

Read More

Artex Group Custom Patch Twill Colors

For those of you familiar with designing custom embroidered patches, you know about twill. 

Read More

A Brief History of the Role of Patches in Counterculture

 

A Brief History of the Role of Patches in Counterculture

We see embroidered patches everywhere now, whether in clothing, shoes, or even bags. That’s why it’s easy to think that clothing patches have always been considered fashionable. But that’s not the case. In fact, for hundreds of years, they were only used for practical purposes like as labels for uniforms or to cover holes in clothes. 

So, where and when did the trend of using clothing patches begin? Let’s take a look at how clothing patches have become a part of counterculture fashion in every decade:

In the ‘70s

In 1969, it was said that a group of five Canadian citizens ordered some custom patches from a local embroidery shop to create a denim jacket that would be a symbol of antiwar sentiment. As the antiwar movement grew, the denim jackets known as “peace jackets” also increased in popularity. Some of the most popular peace patches were jackets with the peace symbol and “War is not healthy for children or other living things” written on them. On the back of the jacket, there was a patch that said, “Make Love, Not War.” The patch became a symbol of the antiwar movement, and they were seen everywhere in the 1970s.

In the ‘80s

During the 1980s, clothing patches started to become more than just a fashion or a political statement, but more of a way for people to express themselves. People began to have custom patches made for their jackets, backpacks, hats, and shoes.

In the ‘90s

In the 1990s, having custom patches became a way for young people to show that they were part of a particular subculture. This was when there was a rise in the number of custom patches depicting logos of punk rock bands, skateboard companies, sports teams, and youth groups.

In the Early ‘00s

In the 2000s, custom embroidered patches became a part of mainstream popular culture as they were seen on clothing worn by singers and popular celebrities or on band merchandise. People also started to make their custom patches depicting logos of their favorite band or making a political statement.

Modern Day

In the modern-day, custom patches have become more popular than ever before. It’s not just counterculture groups like punk rock bands and teenagers putting patches on their clothes, but also people from all walks of life.

Custom patches are no longer just a means for people to express their individuality or stand out. A lot of companies and businesses are using custom embroidered patches to create a professional and well-made brand design. They are also a great way to showcase your company’s logo and promote your brand.

Custom patches are also often used in school uniforms and government agencies, including the police, fire department, military branches, and others, showing the logo of the institution or organization the wearer belongs to.

Conclusion

Nowadays, custom clothing patches are no longer just a part of the counterculture movement. Even though they are still used by some subcultures, they are popular among different groups of people from all walks of life. From companies to athletes, from schools to the military, these patches can be found anywhere these days.

If you are in need of custom patches for your business or organization, you need not look any further, as Artex Group can meet all your needs. We have the best custom patches for you to choose from, and we can deliver your order with the highest efficiency and quality. Contact us today to know more about our patches!

Read More

Patches 101 - How to Get Fashionable with Patches

 

Patches 101 – How to Get Fashionable with Patches

A patch is an embroidered piece of fabric that can be pinned or sewn to another piece of fabric. Modern methods include iron-on, adhesive, and Velcro. A previously rare art form became mass-produced with the invention of computers. 

For thousands of years, embroidered patches have been used to identify military and other uniformed personnel. They are used to denote a rank, position, or specialized unit in modern society. 

The Rise of Patches in Fashion

Young people demonstrated against the Vietnam War in the early 1960s. This spawned a new counterculture, which manifested itself in the form of peace signs, flower headbands, and patches to show faith in empathy and love. Their unintentional movement had a large impact on global trends beyond morals and reached the fashion industry. Hippies then began adorning used military uniforms with cloth patches that were radical in nature, with movement icons printed or embellished. 

Patches took on a new look in the 1980s, but their meaning as symbols of identity and solidarity remained. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, punk emerged from the counterculture. People grew tired of resolving conflicts through love and peace and began to use spikes and chains to do so.

Designers then popularized the term “anti-fashion.” Punks wore patches from their favorite bands on their blazers, denim vests, and leather jackets. They attached them with safety pins or other cheap materials to convey political messages. 

Heavy metal became popular during this time period as well. Black clothing, long hair, and leather jackets adorned with patches, band tees, and spiked wristbands remained the norm for metalheads. Their clothing is inspired by the biker and rocker subcultures. Meanwhile, other musical subcultures used symbols to identify their members. 

Wearing Patches: Styling Accordingly

Today, patches are ideal for jeans, jackets, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sneakers, handbags, and even phone cases. They have the power to transform you into a fashionable, elegant, rebellious, or daring individual! 

  • For the Boho Chic Hippie 

To achieve an authentic hippie look, add an embroidered patch to your denim jacket and jeans. Maintain a cheerful demeanor by surrounding yourself with sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. 

  • For the Hardcore Metal Head 

Layer a denim vest with patches and studs over a band tee, preferably white, and a denim skirt or jeans for an 80s metalhead look. To finish the look, add a bullet belt and a dog tag necklace. 

  • For the Punk Rockstar

Pair patched black skinnies with a studded vest, leopard creepers, and an unnatural hair color for a modern punk look. Top it off with an elegant leather wrap bracelet to complete the look. 

  • For the Minimalist Creative

Less is more. Take an old tee and embellish it with a favorite motif. There will be more where there is one (in this case, aliens). With a tattoo choker and jeans, you can add some grunge to your look. 

  • For the Militia-Inspired

Military tees were already the baddest piece of clothing in history, but now they can be customized. Add a single patch to your sleeve. It can be adorned with jewels and pins. Simply add a one-of-a-kind necklace to complete the look! 

Alternatively, add patches to a military jacket while keeping the rest of the outfit black. Put on a black shirt, skinny jeans, chunky boots, a chain cross-body bag, and cool sunglasses!

Conclusion

What’s not to love? An embroidered patch is a simple way to introduce an element of fun and creativity to your everyday look. At the same time, it’s a styling opportunity to separate yourself from the rest. After all, we all want to be fashionable and unique at the same time!Are you looking for custom embroidered patches? Artex Group offers you well-designed patches to use for your clothes, business, or organization. With us, the options are limitless! Get a quote from us today!

 
Read More

Factors Involved in Making Great Patches

 

What’s Involved in Making a Patch Look Great? 3 Factors

A good custom patch is made up of quality materials, robust backing, clever design, and superb manufacturing – preferably with a 100% satisfaction guarantee to back it all up. So, what constitutes a high-quality patch? Continue reading to find out!

Patch Materials 

A patch can be made from more than just cloth, a needle, and thread. A patch can be a piece of fabric (or other material such as PVC) that may be used to adorn another piece of cloth (or other material). That offers a LOT of potential for variety based on your needs and budget.

Traditional patches are typically produced with polyester-blend cloth and thread, but there’s a lot more options than that.

Here are some alternative patch materials to consider:

  • Twill / Poly Twill
  • Leather
  • PVC
  • Polyester
  • Nylon
  • Mylar

When it comes to high quality patches, it all comes down to the design of your patch, the material used and the look you’re striving for. 

For example, if you need a patch for a scout uniform, only a classic fabric-and-thread patch would suffice — anything else may not look correct.

However, if you’re decorating a simple black bag, the more pop, the better — a variety of textures may make the design more varied and exciting.

The patch material you select will influence not just the overall appearance of your patch but also its endurance. Patches made of fabric and thread offer a traditional aesthetic, but PVC or bullion patches will last longer if you plan to affix them to a work uniform or a rain jacket.

Any of these fabric kinds may be used to construct a high-quality patch; the most important thing is to ensure that the craftsmanship is good and that the materials complement the design and function.

Patch Type

Classic patches can be anything from simple iron-on adhesives to fancy embroidered patches. 

Embroidered patches have a classic, nostalgic look – they are subtle, made with thread, and they have a timeless, old-school appeal. These patches are usually made with a needle and thread, but embroidery machines can help speed up the process.

These patches are great for scouts and for sports teams, who live by tradition and want to keep their look consistent. Embroidered patches don’t have to be boring, however, if you’re looking for something a little more unique, embroidered patches can also come in custom shapes, with unique materials and a variety of attractive color combinations.

Patch Design

Some designs are just better for certain patch types. For example, a patch design with many details and intricate elements will be hard to see on a big PVC patch, but it would make a beautiful, embroidered patch for a jacket, hat or shirt.

Conclusion

Your patch is the centerpiece of your design and brand! You want to make sure your patch is perfect. The best patches are those that are made with excellent design, high-quality materials, and experienced production standards. 

If you’ve got an idea in mind for a patch, then reach out to us! The Artex Group is the leading industry expert in custom patches, and we’d love to help make your dream a reality. We even employ a team of designers to help you every step of the way. We’ll even help you determine the best patch for you. Contact us, and we’ll be glad to help you.

 
 
 
Read More

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. 

Read More

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! 

Read More

Designing A Patch For A Music Festival or Live Event

 

Designing A Patch For A Music Festival or Live Event

,
 

With more people looking to return to normal and get out and about once again, music festivals are sure to be a big draw in the coming months. Millions of Americans are looking to attend concerts once again and likely these coming months will see an increase in demand for live entertainment.

If you’re planning to start a music festival or live event you’re no doubt aware that it’s quite the undertaking. When it comes to promotion and branding why not let your friends at the Artex Group give you a few pointers on how to design a custom music festival patch.

Selling Patches At Your Live Event

The obvious place to start with designing a festival patch is to make sure that it’s a patch that can be placed anywhere. If you are selling your patches, or even giving them away, it’s a good idea to create a patch that is durable and can be easily affixed to just about any surface. 

To this end, we recommend an embroidered patch that can be easily sewn onto clothes, bags, or other garments. Our embroidered patches allow for an extraordinary level of detail that will help your logo pop. These are the perfect patches to help promote your festival, and our low prices won’t eat into your profit margins.

Use Patches For Staff Uniforms

Patches aren’t just limited to being promotional items for concertgoers. They also make a good addition to your staff uniforms. These patches can help to easily identify members of your team and your attendees will know who to look for if they are in need of assistance.

A simple patch can be a great addition to your uniforms that will create an air of discipline and professionalism amongst your staff. Such a thing will definitely help concertgoers feel safe and secure during your live events.

Have A Professional Graphic Design Team Create Your Patch

The hardest part of creating a custom patch is coming up with a logo for your event. Fortunately, we employ a team of professional graphic designers to help assist you. Such a thing can be quite daunting if you’re new to the world of branding and logos, so it’s advisable to seek out the help of a professional graphic design team. Fortunately, we’re here to help every step of the way with the design and manufacturing process.


Still, need some help with your music festival patches? Get in touch with the Artex Group. We’d love to assist you with creating a custom patch. We have provided assistance to many concert congregations across the country, and we’d be happy to assist you with your next project. Reach out to us today and let’s get started!

 
 
Read More