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ABOUT PATCH EMBROIDERY (2)

ABOUT PATCH EMBROIDERY, making a patch look great

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.

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ABOUT PATCH EMBROIDERY

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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ABOUT PATCH EMBROIDERY, Patches, Custom Patches, embroidered patches, woven patches, FAQs, leather patches, sublimated patches, PVC Patches, patch

What type of patch is best for your design?

 

What type of patch is best for your design?

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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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The Advantages of PVC Patches: What Makes Them Stand Out
Everything That You Need to Know About PVC Patches
Why You Should Consider Getting Custom Embroidered Patches
What’s the process of ordering a custom patch?
4 Patch Styles to fit any need or budget  
Marketing Department
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ABOUT PATCH EMBROIDERY, PATCH EMBROIDERY NEWS

Designing A Patch For A Music Festival or Live Event

 

Designing A Patch For A Music Festival or Live Event

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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!

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ABOUT PATCH EMBROIDERY, Hunting & Fishing Patches

Patches For Your Fishing & Hunting Business

 

Patches For Your Fishing & Hunting Business

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Have you dreamt of starting a business for fishing charters? Perhaps you have some experience working as a hunting guide? If so, you’re no doubt wondering how to distinguish yourself from the competition. Marketing can be tricky and running a guide business can be very competitive. In order to get ahead of the curve, you’ll need to stand out and make sure your potential customers know who you are. While there are certainly a number of ways to draw attention to your business, we’re going to look at how fishing patches and hunting patches can help your company.

Brand Recognition

Perhaps the most obvious advantage of creating a hunting or fishing patch is that you are giving your customers a physical memento to remember your brand by. This will help give your brand some much-needed recognition and will also help with word of mouth. This is especially true if the patch you have created features prominently on a key fob, hat, or other accessories that people are likely to see. 

Word of mouth can be a powerful marketing tool, and if you make sure to hand out patches to customers who booked a charter or expedition that you know had a great time they’ll speak highly of your operation to those who ask.

Promotions & Giveaways

Another attractive aspect of creating a custom patch is that you’ll be able to offer these patches as freebies. These patches can be given away at events, handed out to customers, or even given to influencers and other social media personalities to draw attention to your business. This can be a great way to foster new relationships and build trust in your brand. In fact, a quick Google search brought us to this helpful list of the top 1000 fishing influencers on social media, which is clearly a great place to start!

Such a thing ties in well with other social media promotions and free giveaways. Offering up a grab bag or some other sort of prize that includes these patches can be an effective strategy for collecting email addresses to use as a part of your email marketing. Furthermore, if you intend to heavily promote your brand via social media these free patches can be an efficient method to attract visitors to your website.

Show Support For A Cause

Does your company give back to the community? Creating a patch to showcase your charitable efforts and hand it out to your guides on their next fishing charter or hunting expedition. Not only does this draw attention to a worthy cause, but it will also help with your company’s image. 

Need some help creating custom hunting or fishing patches for your business? The Artex Group can assist you with designing and manufacturing a patch that features your logo, no matter how intricate the design may be. We offer a variety of patches, including PVC, embroidered, woven, and dye-sublimated patches with every type of backing you could need. Contact us today, we’d love to assist you!

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Marketing Department
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ABOUT PATCH EMBROIDERY, Velcro Patches

Creating The Best Patches For Your Cycling Club

 

Creating The Best Patches For Your Cycling Club

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If you enjoy the freedom and exercise that cycling offers you’ve no doubt joined a bicycle club to spend time with like-minded folks in your community. It’s likely that your club or team has a logo they’ve created and it only makes sense to create custom patches. Let’s take a look at some of the best tips and insights for creating stellar custom cycling patches for your organization.

Pick Your Patch Material

Putting your cycling club’s logo on a patch is a simple process. You simply need to determine which material is going to work best for the logo that you have. For example, if you have a complex logo with lots of little details we recommend a woven patch. If you frequently find yourself cycling in inclement weather or you’re part of a mountain biking club we’d recommend going with a PVC patch. If your logo is a simple design then use an embroidered patch. Finally, if you need a photographic level of detail then go with a dye sublimated patch.

Choose Your Patch Backing

Your patch backing will be based on how you plan to affix your patch. If your team is going to sew on their patches we recommend using a plastic backing. This is the most common style of patch backing and tends to be very economical. However, if you plan to use these patches on a bag or need a quick-to-remove patch consider using velcro. Finally, if you only need your patch for limited use, such as an upcoming event or competition, then use a self-adhesive patch backing. We also offer magnetic backing for patches if you want a patch that you could attach to a bike frame or other metallic surface.

Designing Your Logo

If you don’t have a logo for your bike team yet, or you’re uncertain about the design don’t worry. We have a staff of experienced graphic designers that can assist you with creating a logo for your bicycle club. We’ll make sure to create a graphic with an eye-catching level of detail that will be sure to pop when you hit the trail, road, or bike path.

Get Started Today!
Ready to make your cycling team look like a million bucks? Reach out to the Artex Group and we’ll help you design the perfect custom patch for your team. Since 2002, we’ve made over 75 million custom embroidered patches for businesses all around the world. No matter what your needs might be we can work with you to create a custom bike patch. Contact us today and let’s make your dream a reality.

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Marketing Department
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ABOUT PATCH EMBROIDERY, Discount on ordering patches, INTERESTING TECHNIQUES, TIPS FOR ORDERING PATCHES

How To Market Your Business With Custom Patches

 

How To Market Your Business With Custom Patches

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If you’re looking for an affordable option for marketing your business then custom patches might be the right fit for you. Our durable and striking patches offer great branding and marketing options for those who are looking to bring more visibility to their business. Custom patches will allow you to add your logo to clothing, hats, and bags. If you need a patch for a corporate event, such as a convention or expo you’re attending, then this might be the perfect opportunity to stand out from the crowd.

Create A Custom Patch

The most obvious place to start is working with a representative from the Artex Group to help create a custom patch for you. We employ a team of designers and artists to assist you during this process, and we’ll make sure that you are completely satisfied with the patch design you receive.

We’ll even help you decide on the best type of patch material to use, depending on what your plans are. We offer patches in a wide variety of styles, materials, and backings. This includes PVC patches, embroidered patches, woven patches, and dye sublimated patches.

Tips For Marketing With Custom Patches

No matter how you’re using your custom patches, it’s a good idea to have your logo feature prominently and make your logo simple and easy to read. Attaching your patch to t-shirts, polos, hats, and jackets is a great place to start. Of course, you aren’t just limited to using your brand new custom patches for clothing or hats. Consider the following ideas:

  • Add your patches to bags or backpacks
  • Include your patch as a freebie inside of grab bags
  • Adhere a pin to the back of your patch to turn it in a removable pin
  • Attach your patch to can koozies
  • Turn your custom patch into a keyring

Standing Out With Custom Patches

Another thing to consider is that you don’t have to giveaway patches to potential customers. Decking out your team in stylish patches is another surefire method for getting brand name recognition. For example, if a member (or members) of your team have recently accomplished something noteworthy, such as earning a certification, consider making a patch to add to your company’s uniforms. Such a thing will help to instill trust in customers and will exquisitely showcase expertise. 

If you have a group of charismatic and enthusiastic employees consider making them brand ambassadors. These ambassadors will share their passion for your business with folks they meet, converting them into potential customers. By having them wear your company logo they’ll be able to foster goodwill for your brand.

Need some further assistance with your custom patch? Reach out to us today! The Artex Group has the expertise and know-how to help you design and manufacture a custom patch without the headache. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

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Marketing Department
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ABOUT PATCH EMBROIDERY, INTERESTING TECHNIQUES

Custom Iron-On Patches: How to Apply Them in 5 Simple Steps

 

Custom Iron-On Patches: How to Apply Them in 5 Simple Steps

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Nothing feels quite as cool as having custom iron-on patches to apply to your jacket, bag, or uniform. But how exactly does a heat press transfer your patch onto your clothes? Here, we’ve compiled a simple five-step process to help you transfer your custom iron-on patches to your clothes without breaking a sweat.

Step #1: Get Your Patch and Assemble Your Supplies

Custom iron-on patches are a great way to express yourself no matter your aesthetic. They also help you avoid having to put in the extra time it would take to sew the patch onto your clothes yourself. No one wants to have to sit down and worry about potentially messing up their jacket or their new custom patch with a bad sewing job.

With custom iron-on patches, all you need to do is grab your favorite jacket, pair of jeans, or bag along with a patch design you really love. You also want to be sure to have a heat press, a pressing cloth, pins, and measuring tape on hand.

Step #2: Set Up the Heat Press

Before you begin applying your custom iron-on patches, you want to be sure that the clothing you’re using the heat press on can take the heat. You won’t be able to use an iron-on patch on materials like nylon or rayon. A rain jacket is also not a good choice. Instead, choose clothing that’s made from cotton or polyester. Once you have your clothes and your heat press is ready, you’ll want to turn your heat press on to the highest heat setting.

Step #3: Carefully Position the Patch

Use a measuring tape to center your custom iron-on patch in the right place on your piece of clothing. If you’re applying the patch to a jacket, you can pin the patch onto the sleeve or lapel so you can figure out the best positioning for it while looking in the mirror. A patch that looks good on a jacket when laid flat may not look as good when you wear the jacket, so make sure you position the patch correctly to avoid a decision you might regret.

Step #4: Press the Heat Press

Use a pressing cloth, handkerchief, or cotton pillowcase between the iron-on patch and the heat press. You don’t want to apply direct heat to the surface of the patch or you run the risk of damaging the patch. Hold the heat press down on the pressing cloth covering the iron-on patch and hold it in place for 30 to 45 seconds.

Step #5: Turn the Clothing Inside Out and Repeat

After you’ve applied the heat press to the cloth-covered patch for 30 to 45 seconds, turn your jacket or other items of clothing inside out. Lay the clothing flat. Position your pressing cloth, handkerchief, or cotton pillowcase over the reverse side of the patch. Place the heat press over the cloth and hold for 30 to 45 seconds. Allow the patch and clothing to cool. The patch will now be secured completely to your clothes.

Looking for cool custom iron-on-patches to add to your clothing? The Artex Group is the place for you. To learn more about our custom embroidered patches and badges, contact the Artex Group today.

Marketing Department
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ABOUT PATCH EMBROIDERY

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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Marketing Department
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