A Guide To Creating The Perfect Custom Patch

For many, the thought of designing anything from scratch can seem intimidating and daunting. But when it comes to custom patches, it's never been easier. At Patches4Less.com, we have produced custom patches for nearly twenty years, and we've seen it all. There are several reasons why you may want to create your own custom patches. However, if you don't have a piece of artwork or a general idea in mind, you may not know where to begin. 

Do you want to be the center of attention? Do you have special events to attend or commemorate? Are you looking for a way to add some personality to your style? Are you part of a club? Well, custom patches can be created for all of those reasons and many more. However, there are a few things to consider before getting started. Let's look at a few ways to help you design the perfect custom patch. 

First things first, decide what you want to communicate with your design. Are you celebrating a birthday? Are you creating patches for a business or brand? Are your patches going to be used for marketing purposes? Patches come in various shapes and sizes, and they typically include logo designs, quotes, patterns, and more. 

Decide what kind of custom patch you want to make, then think about the design, color scheme, and other details. There are various types of custom patches. From woven patches to PVC patches, embroidered patches, and more. Embroidered patches are what we specialize in due to their durability and versatility. Embroidered patches have a level of detail and quality unrivaled by other patches, but let's take a look at a few other different styles. 

Woven patches are similar to embroidered patches, though they use thinner threads for finer details. Woven patches aren't as raised as embroidered ones, though they are more detailed. Embroidered patches are the most traditional and common type of patches. The thread is embroidered onto a backing, which creates a raised design full of vibrant colors and unique details. 

Once you have determined the style of patch you want, it's time to consider the size of your patches. Generally, the size of your patch can be determined according to the purpose of the patch. Smaller patches are ideal for jacket sleeves, t-shirts, polos, and other smaller items, including accessories. However, larger patches are great for leather jackets, vests, the backside of t-shirts, and more. 

There are some standard sizes to choose from as well. Hat patches, sports patches, and the likes are generally around three inches in size. The most frequently used size for military, firefighter and police uniforms is four inches in width by one inch tall. Figuring out the size patch you need isn't difficult. Patches are measured by adding the height and width and then dividing the sum by two. If your patch is 5" in height and 3" in width, you add those together to get 8, which is then divided by two. The size patch you need is 4." 

After figuring out the ideal size you need, it's on to the finer details. The border or your patch is great for a few reasons. First, it adds a clean, sleek edge to your design while also assisting in keeping your design together and looking great. There are two typical border options, heat cut or merrowed. Heat-cut edges are great for smaller patches or those with sharp edges and unique shapes. Merrowed borders are the most common, boasting a classic look that will add a touch of elegance to any design. Your border will drastically impact the look of your design, so choose wisely. 

Next up, it's time to choose a backing for your patch. Do you want to sew on your patches? Will iron-on patches work for your needs? Or do you want something that you can easily remove and reapply? Sew-on and iron-on patches are the two most common options. Sew-on patches are durable, though sewing them on can be a bit tricky if you don't have experience. Iron-on patches are easily applied and are a great alternative to iron-on patches. Velcro patches are commonly used in the military, as they allow you to move your patches effortlessly from one garment to another. The use of your patch will help you choose the right backing option. 

Last but not least, let's talk about thread colors. The colors you choose will have the biggest impact on how your patch looks. A smart design scheme will be bold and noticeable. Opt for contrasting colors. This will make your images and text stand out, while complimentary colors will make your patch look more vibrant. Ideal color schemes include black-white, red-green, white-red, yellow-violet, and orange-yellow. The right color patch will make a huge difference. 

At Patches4Less.com, we know custom embroidered patches; it’s what we do best. If you want to design a custom patch for your business, brand, or organization, we can assist. Give us a call toll-free at 866-847-2824 or email us. You can even fill out our no-obligation free quote form if you are ready to get started. It's that easy!