subject: Computer-Controlled Embroidery Machines Help Make Custom Patches Affordable And Attractive [print this page] Computer-Controlled Embroidery Machines Help Make Custom Patches Affordable And Attractive
Embroidery, the traditional art form of decorating fabric with needle and thread, dates back to ancient Egypt and before. Due to the hand-sewing required, it was traditionally the province of royalty and the wealthy. Modern computerized embroidery machines, however, have brought this refined art to the masses in the form of embroidered custom patches.
Today's custom patches are a great example of the changes wrought by the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s and the microprocessor-driven revolution a century later. Modern machinery enables high-speed embroidery of virtually any design, making items such as custom patches affordable to all.
For many centuries, embroidery was a sign of royalty or great wealth. Only the wealthy could afford to own embroidered works because they were exclusively made by hand, a time-consuming process. The mid-1800s saw the introduction of the sewing machine, and later the hand-powered embroidery machine. This enabled faster production of embroidered products similar to custom patches.
The early part of the 20th century brought electrically powered embroidery machines, making the process even faster. By mid-century, embroidery machines were commonly controlled by a paper tape that allowed reproduction of patterns more than once. Custom patches became economically feasible at last. By the late 1970s, the microprocessor revolution was under way. Soon, custom patches could be produced on computer-controlled machines that could produce them quickly and inexpensively.
Computerized machines allowed for an infinite number of patches from a single design pattern. Huge numbers of custom patches could be produced quickly, with a uniform look to all of them. And because the designs are created on a computer, custom patches could be created with virtually any desired logo, text or other design element.
Embroidered custom patches can be worn for many purposes. They can indicate membership in military units, civic organizations and volunteer groups, for example. Custom patches can be created for sports teams, church groups, Scouts, motorcycle clubs and many more organizations. And of course, custom patches are routinely worn by police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other public safety officials as well.
For businesses, custom patches can be a terrific way to get their message out to potential customers and the general public. Service companies that send their employees to customers' homes rely on custom patches to identify their employees to customers wary of letting strangers into their homes.
Custom patches use a twill backing surface. The thread or yarn is embroidered onto the twill to produce the desired designs. This creates a strong, durable design. Unlike printed designs, embroidered custom patches won't fade over time. They're durable enough that they're likely to outlast the garment to which they're attached.
Custom patches are finished with either a traditional sewn edge, called a merrowed border, or with a hot cut heat-sealed border. The merrowed borders will give your custom patches a traditional looks with a clear visual separation from the garment they're attached to. Hot cut borders allow patches with custom shapes.
A good supplier of custom patches can demonstrate the styles of custom patches that are available. No matter what style, size or shape you're looking for, custom patches can be made to your exact specifications.
