Embroidered patch
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An embroidered patch is an embroidered design on firm backing that is applied to clothing by organizations to distinguish membership or rank, youth groups to mark accomplishments and individuals for art or expression.
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[edit] Manufacture
Manufacture can be done by hand, using a machine, or in a factory with computer digitization. A firm backing, the twill, forms the support and is ideally suited for the embroidered design using thread. Rayon and polyester are most common in commercial manufacture, but cotton and hemp can also be used.
[edit] Application
Iron-on, heat seal, and sew-on are the three most common types of patches. Iron-on can be created by applying heat from a household iron, but heat seal requires a professional machine. Both heat types melt the thermoplastic glue and adhere it after drying, but heat seal requires the higher temperature and pressure of a professional heat press machine. Sew-on patches can be applied with fabric glues or sewn on. Other backings include rubber, magnet, and velcro.
[edit] Other types
Embroidered patches have the advantage of three-dimensional texture, but the limitations, especially with regard to small detail, have created the need for other methods. Dye sublimation can create photographic detail and woven patches look similar to embroidered but allow for small lettering detail.
