For many people working with fabrics, creating a piece that defines their artwork is the mark of their craft. Patchwork is a great way to showcase one’s skillset in stitching and fabric design. They are also used to produce better displays for insignia and logos.
Patching refers to the joining together of fabric that may vary in color and type of material to make an attractive design. This can be a method to reuse and recycle materials that can produce garments to be worn, handbags, and shoes. In this article, we will explore custom embroidered patches in detail to gain a better understanding not only of the craft but also of the final product.
For those interested in trying patchwork as a hobby, you will require the following to get started;
- Fabric.
- Needles and thread.
- Patterns or templates.
- Rotary cutting ruler, mat, and cutter.
- Sewing machine if you prefer it.
Varieties of Patchwork
In considering the type of patch you’d like embroidered, there are several things you should take into concern. It’s important to take into account; price, material, turnaround time, durability, and texture for the design of your patchwork. With these characteristics in mind, the following are among the choice types of embroidery you can select:
- Embroidered patches – Also known as a cloth badges, these are created using fabric and thread. They are the preferred choice for sports and work uniforms and are therefore durable, affordable, and take a shorter time to create. They were traditionally done by hand but economies of scale and production in bulk require the use of machines.
- PVC patches – Known for their longevity, polyvinyl chloride emblems are made of a tough and flexible material that has a rubber-like feel to them. The uniqueness of the material allows for greater sculpting to produce a three-dimensional effect. Their great versatility allows for use in military gear, airsoft gear, and other outdoor items since they withstand tough, gritty conditions.
- Chenille patches – These are embroidered by placing two core yarns and threading them together. The design makes it best for use in hats, bags, t-shirts, and sweatshirts because of the soft fuzzy character of the finished product. The turnaround time for this patchwork is medium.
- Woven patches – These are created with a much thinner thread which enables a tighter weave for more detail in the artwork. This allows for more detail such as small letters but the tradeoff is loss of texture from the finer threading. It’s used for sports and work uniforms owing to the ability to fit in more detail. The turnaround time for these emblems is quite fast.
- Leather patches – These are a fashionable way to adorn clothing and other types and amplify your personality. The logo is usually embossed on the leather before it is cut and then threaded onto the material. Typical materials where the leather patch is embroidered include; caps, backpacks, jackets, and jeans. The material for the leather can either be from animals or plant-based depending on your liking. The finished product usually takes a medium time to complete owing to the intricacy of designing and embossing the emblem.
- Name patches – The purpose of these are identified and are embroidered on cloth with the individual’s chosen name. Their application is for employee uniforms, teams of players in a sport, or volunteers. Name batch technology allows for the creation of a base template which gives for a fast turnaround time to produce.
- Printed patches – They are also known as dye sublimation patches bearing a similarity to a photo made out of thread. You can opt for this type of emblem for time and cost-sensitive projects.
- Bullion patches – Though ranging on the higher side, such emblems give depth to the craftsmanship through the use of gold and silver filaments. The heft and substance of the eye-catching appeal mean the turnaround time is rather longer compared to other types of patchwork. The main users are VIP clubs, military uniforms, and fraternal groups.
Conclusion
Patchwork is considered the ultimate design masterpiece since the craftspeople employ call for their utmost in imagination and creativity. Before you spend your hard-earned money, it’s important to consider the skills and experience of the company you contract for your custom embroidered patches.