subject: Patches The Ancient Art of Embroidery Meets Modern Production Tools [print this page] Patches The Ancient Art of Embroidery Meets Modern Production Tools
Today's custom embroidered patches are a natural evolution of an ancient art form dating back thousands of years. Embroidery, a traditional art of decorating fabric with needle and thread or yarn, was once the province of kings and queens. Because of the hand sewing required, embroidered art once adorned only the homes of the wealthy and powerful.
But in recent decades, what was once an exclusively hand-crafted art form has become democratized, bringing embroidery to the masses. Today's custom patches are an example of how the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century and the Computer Revolution of the 20th century have brought the cost of embroidery low enough to be affordable to virtually everyone.
The 1800s brought mechanization, the first step toward the economically feasible production of embroidered patches. First then sewing machine, then the hand-powered embroidery machine, created a method of mass production of embroidered products, including patches. By the 20th century, the machines were electrically powered and later, operated by a paper tape that could reproduce patterns more than once.
The microprocessor revolution that began in the 1970s changed the production of embroidered patches as much as it did everything else. For the first time, computer controlled high-speed automatic embroidery machines could produce patches quickly and economically.
Designs for patches became infinitely repeatable, with a higher thread count per inch than ever before. Orders for 10 patches or 100,000 patches could be produced affordably and uniformly. Artists can work with customers to revise patches until they are exactly what the customers want. The best providers offer this service at no additional charge.
The new design freedom brought about by computerization means patches can be created with virtually any logo or design desired. Custom embroidered patches can be worn to show membership in military units, civic organizations, volunteer groups and much more. Already common among firefighters, police officers and other public safety officials, patches can be designed for sports teams, church groups and many other organizations, businesses and groups.
Twill backing is the surface for embroidered patches. The thread or yarn is embroidered onto the twill in patters to create the desired designs. The patches are then finished with either a traditional sewn border, called a merrowed border, or with a hot cut heat-sealed border. Those with merrowed borders have a traditional look and a strong visual separation from the garment to which they are attached. The newer hot cut borders enable patches to be made into more custom shapes. Either style can be sewn onto clothing or applied with an iron-on backing.
One of the advantages of custom patches is that embroidery, unlike printed designs, doesn't fade with time. Embroidered patches are often made durable enough to outlast the garment to which they're attached.
Many businesses have discovered that custom patches are a great promotional item, a way to get their message out to potential customers and event he public at large. Many companies that send workers to consumers' homes depend on patches to identify their employees and ease customers' concerns about letting strangers in.
