Patches have always been a part of the clothing industry, and have made a huge come back in recent years. Patches have taken on a new dimension and more and more small and large business firms, institutions as well individuals are using patches to highlight their brand.
The wide variety of patches which are currently available to consumers may seem overwhelming to the average person. Since patches vary in costs, material, durability and texture, you can learn about some of the different patches that are available. Depending on the type, you can find cheap patches as well as expensive ones.
Read on to find out about the different types of patches that are available.
• Embroidered patches
• Chenille patches
• Woven patches
• Leather patches
• Name patches
• Printed patches
• Bullion patches
• Blank patches
Embroidered Patches
Most persons are familiar with embroidered patches and they are usually seen on jackets, work and sports uniforms and hats among others. This pattern begins with a twill base and the design uses thread for the embroidery. Embroidered patches are available in the following coverage amount 100% embroidery, 75% embroidery and 50% embroidery. Each coverage percentage denotes the amount of thread coverage the patch consists of as opposed to how much twill will be visible. Patches with 50% embroidery or 75% embroidery usually have a different texture because the embroidered section will “pop” off the patch creating depth.
Embroidered patches are the ideal mixture of durability, affordability and design potential with hundreds of thread colors to match your logo or drawing. Check this URL for more information: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patch.
Chenille Patches
Chenille patches are also called Letterman Patches. They are used for awards and are often seen on sweaters and varsity jackets. Chenille patches usually consist of two layers, a bottom felt and a top felt but the top has a ‘furry’ look similar to a robe made from terry cloth.
Chenille patches can be designed to look like custom shapes such as mascots, state and county outlines as well as numbers, letters, and even complete words. The fuzzy tread of the chenille patches does not highlight details as other types of patches. However, the finish cannot be reproduced.
This is an old school fashion that has resurfaced in the fashion world and is often used on high school gears, retro fashion, glee clubs and simple designs.
Woven Patches
Woven patches can achieve a somewhat similar effect to the embroidered style but the process involves using thinner threads, which are woven together rather than being embroidered on the fabric. Woven patches are best suited for detailed or complex designs, which is not possible with the embroidery method.
Made from thread only, woven patches are sewn in a continuous design. The tighter weave allows for more detail to be “packed in” such as small letters in the same volume of space. Woven patches are smooth in appearance because they don’t have the same raised texture as embroidered patches.
Woven patches are great for achieving photographic reality. Human faces, motorcycles, landscapes, inclines and blends can be replicated on woven patches of smaller sizes in a way that is possible only on big embroidered patches. Woven patches are all about detailed designs.
Name Patches
Name patches are used by businesses, volunteers, and teams to identify the persons who are part of the group. Etched on work shirts or other applications, name patches are often used as an identifier. You can either order them as blank patches and have them embroidered locally or order them as a complete and ready for the last application.
Name patches are simple. They have minimal stitching with just one or two colors and are less costly than completely embroidered patches. Depending on your preference you can get your name patches either in the printed or embroidered form. See more info here.
Printed Patches
Printed patches involve the process of printing a photograph, a text or a design onto a plain piece of twill. Printed patches use a dye sublimation process where ink melds the design into the fabric. This type of patches uses more than a million available colors in the designs.
Printed patches are durable, washable, dry cleanable and will never fade. It is easy to read the small prints on these patches and they are usually best suited for persons who want photographic realism. They are also perfect when you need patches for short term, cost-effective projects because the process of printing takes a shorter time to complete when compared to the embroidery process.
Printed patches are great for giveaways, budget patches, and when you need an exact photo on a patch.
Bullion Patches
Bullion Patches or Crests are the handiwork of skilled artisans. Although these handcrafted designs include embroidery, they are fuller and stronger than embroidered patches because of added materials including beads, wire, felt, velvet and metallic threads.
Bullion crests are used by VIP clubs, fraternal groups, military uniforms, and other entities. They create a high-class finish to the design. These patches are made by hands and therefore would not be the ideal choice if you are in a hurry for patches for your project. However, if you have the time to wait, then of course, bullion patches are a must because they will definitely advance your image.
Leather Patches
Leather patches are made from high-quality animal hide. These thick high-quality patches are perfect for jeans, bags, bags or other durable type of clothing. You can stamp your logo or design on leather patches. This type of patch uses Velcro backing to seal it on, however, it is not advisable to use heat to seal it on.
Blank Patches
If you need patches for your projects and you’re working a tight deadline, then blank patches must be your choice. They are the superb solution for work shirts, uniforms, and motorcycle groups. They are as the name suggest “blank patches.” They have no design instead they are a cut of twill fabric with a secured merrowed border.
Blanks patches allow for designs to be printed or embroidered on the blank twill. Since blank patches can be used to get as many different designs as is necessary, they are a useful solution when you’re not looking for accuracy or complexity.
I had some flower patches on a jacket long ago. I did not continue to use patches.
I had a patches jacket way long time ago in another life. I loved that jacket. I have not thought of it in years. Thanks for the memory.
I used to have a jacket that had a lot of patches. I really like the floral one at the top of this post. Interesting read!