You've got the responsibility of creating the "perfect" project. You've been charged with creating a personalized or customized item that will promote your cause, company or kin with style, flair and affordability. So, you're considering something with custom embroidery. To be specific, you're looking at custom embroidered patches. Since you may not know that much about custom embroidered patches, we've put together this tip sheet concerning them, so you can make informed decisions concerning your purchase. Here you'll find what we consider to be the three most important things you'll need to know to make the best decisions for you, for us and for your project. Design
The first major decision you'll have to make regards the overall design of your desired patch. Now, this may be easy if you're working with a company or organizational logo. You'll certainly want to incorporate that in some way. But what if this project is for an "unbranded" entity - a new business venture, your family reunion, a special cause - and you've got no existing logo or design to work with? Then, the first thing you need to consider is the size of the finished design, or at least the size of the finished project. Something large, like a jacket or vest, can carry a larger, more detailed design, as the patch itself can be larger and more faceted design. A smaller final item, such as a baseball cap or bag, will require a smaller patch, with a simpler design. The style of the finished article should also have some sway in your choice of patch design. A ladies jacket or cap, for example, might call for something more delicate in nature, than say, a biker's denim vest. The shape of the patch should also be taken into consideration. A long, vertical patch may not do well for a baseball cap, while a small round patch may not look quite at home stitched to the side of a duffel bag. Colors can cause a problem, too. You don't want your family reunion's red caps to clash with the lime green of the patch background. (More on color choices in a bit.) You'll want to match the size, scale and shape of the finished item with the patch itself, to ensure a more harmonious overall look and appeal.
Patch Construction Options
How the patch is made and how it is attached to the article you have in mind are some other things to consider before making your final decision. The edges of the patch can be "hot cut" giving the patch a look without stitching on the border. There's the traditional stitched edge, too, with a contrasting or complementary color stitched completely around the border of the patch. There are several options for backing the patch, too, depending on how you intend to attach the patch to the item. Velcro has become popular, allowing for the patch to be worn on several different items, and for new patches to take the place of older ones. Iron-on patches and peel and stick options are appreciated by students and other non-sewers among us. Sewing or gluing the patch into place is still the most common way to adhere embroidered patches to items, from scout sashes to biker vests.
Color
Custom embroidered patches' backgrounds can come in nearly 100 colors. The stitching can be in any of over 200 color choices. The more colors used, however, the higher the price (usually) you'll have to pay for your patch. You'll also want to keep in mind, as mentioned above, the color or colors in the item on which you want to attach the patch. The size and intricacy of the patch's design may play a part in the colors you'll want to select, too. A small, highly detailed design may be cleaner and more easily read with fewer colors or, on the other hand, you may need many colors to make the design stand out. A large design may look clean and uncluttered done in only one or two colors, or may call for every hue in the rainbow. Your decision will rest largely on your intended design. Try drawing the design out in colored pencil or pen, and again in pen and ink. Which one appeals to you the most? Which one is the better choice for your desired design? Which one goes best with your choice of finished article?
Custom designs are, by nature, more special to the wearer/bearer than "generic" store-bought designs. Your custom embroidered patch will make your item that much more special to your customers, clients, employees, family and friends. You'll want to make it the best possible expression of your company, cause or connections as you can. Knowing your options, knowing what's available and what considerations to keep in mind will ensure that your custom embroidered patch is something everyone will be proud to sport.Visit the Patch Superstore and browse through the gallery of custom patches to obtain an idea for your custom patches. Everything from Boy and Girls Scout patches, to Police and Fire department patches, and more. Visit online today.
