Embroidery Badge UK: Crafting Quality, One Stitch at a Time

The Significance of Quality Custom Badges

From sports teams seeking to showcase their crest to businesses aiming to personalize their uniforms, the appeal and versatility of embroidery badges cannot be overemphasized. However, the potency of these badges hinges on their quality. A meticulously crafted custom badge enhances your professional image, while a poorly made one risks denting your reputation.

Why Embroidery Badge UK is the Perfect Fit for your custom badge needs

Experience Woven into Every Badge

The journey from threads and needles to an impeccable badge is laden with challenges, and overcoming these requires experience. Embroidery Badge UK is a veteran in the art of custom badge-making; as we are a subsidiary of Netdigitizing UK, Embroidery Badge UK is grounded in over three decades of industry experience. We’ve evolved from when digitizing was known as “punching,” we continue to weave success stories with every stitch.

Where Expertise Threads with Passion

At Embroidery Badge UK, we are more than just a business; we are a dedicated team ready to thread your vision into reality. We know the embroidery industry’s constraints and skillfully work within these boundaries to produce custom badges that mirror your brand image. Please do not compromise on the quality of your custom badges, and our 30 year journey has allowed us to create high-quality custom badges at pocket-friendly prices!

Our Commitment to Quality Stands Unravelled

We treat each design, regardless of its complexity, with the same level of care and dedication. Our practice crafting sample designs before final production helps us eliminate errors, ensuring you get the flawless badge you envisioned. We believe in quality, not just as a buzzword but as a principle that weaves its way through our work.

The Real Cost of Cheap Badges

While cheap badges might be tempting, it’s worth remembering that you often get what you pay for. A low-cost badge might save you a few pennies now but could cost your reputation in the long run. Some companies may offer extremely cheap badges, but don’t let the prices “sew” you a dream that quickly unravels. When it comes to badges, you don’t want your quality to hang by a thread.

Our Proudest Creations: The Embroidery Badge UK Portfolio

We’ve worked with many clients, from sports companies to high-street retailers and designer brands. We’ve stitched together some impressive projects, even completing a month’s workload in a week! But perhaps our most rewarding endeavour was replacing stolen badges for a Cancer Awareness Non-Profit Organization in record time. A feat that, once again, demonstrated that at Embroidery Badge UK, we truly sew to serve.

Client Testimonials

“Your response was prompt and well-priced. The ordering process is simple and the turnaround times are always spot on.” Russell Reid – Wasted Heroes

“The service that was provided was extremely good. Your badge quality was 5/5.” Jean Clark – Herne Bay Youth F.C.

“We had to do a bit of redesigning throughout the process but the team were really helpful and supportive they made the process so much easier for us while we grieved for my Grandsons and the colour scheme we used was rainbow colours to represent both my grandsons and my daughter.”

“We are very happy with the badges, they are fantastic! Thank you very much I would more than rate you 5 out of 5”.

“NetDigitizing UK Ltd have been both supportive and helpful all the way through, from the first phone call to the delivery of these fantastic badges that we sew onto the Baby Blankets we donate to the bereavement rooms of the local hospitals in Brighton, Hastings & Eastbourne and Haywards Heath.” Nicky Woodward – Nicky’s Craft Group

Choose the Right Custom Badge For Your Business

Choosing the right company to create your badges is vital for delivering a high-quality end product on time. Choosing the wrong type can leave a garment looking unprofessional, and your product won’t be as durable as you’d like. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’ve created a free guide that outlines each style of the badge and explains what type of garment they’re best suited to. Grab your copy today. 

Have a look at our Embroidered Badges!

Place a Free Quote

When crafting stunning badges, one element that significantly impacts the final product’s aesthetic and durability is the border. Given borders’ pivotal role, we at EmbroideryBadge UK, leveraging our three decades of expertise, wanted to shed some light on the topic. Having produced tens of millions of badges spanning an array of designs, we’ve encountered a myriad of border-related inquiries and issues. With this blog post, we aim to clarify the types of badge borders so that you can make an informed decision for your next custom badge order.

There are primarily three types of borders you can opt for when designing your badges:

1. Merrow (Overlocked) Borders
2. Embroidered Satin Stitch Borders
3. Laser-Cut Badges with No Borders

 

Merrow (Overlocked) Borders

Merrow borders, also known as overlocked borders, derive their name from Merrow, a US-based company renowned for manufacturing machines for creating these types of borders. These borders have been popular for decades with their characteristic thickness and are often the default choice for larger patches. A Merrow border stands out instantly.

Advantages of a Merrow Border:

• Covers both sides of the fabric, offering a fuller look.
• Suitable for larger patches due to their thickness.

Disadvantages of a Merrow border:

• Not ideal for heat seal badges, as the overlocking is done after the heat seal application, leaving the backside of the border without glue.
• The manual operation of overlock machines leads to an overlap point, creating a noticeable bump on the border.
• Not suitable for small badges due to the border’s thickness.
• Not compatible with complex shapes.

 

Embroidered Satin Stitch Borders

Embroidered satin stitch borders offer a rich, smooth, and premium look. They are not as thick as Merrow borders, giving them a sleek, refined aesthetic.

Advantages of a satin border:

• No noticeable bumps like Merrow borders.
• Ideal for heat seal badges, as the glue extends right up to the edge.
• Suitable for complex shapes, provided there is enough space for a 1.5mm border.
• Gives badges a premium, fully embroidered finish.

Disadvantages of a satin border:

• The border may appear different from the backside of the badge.

 

Laser-Cut Badges with No Borders

In some cases, badges are laser-cut without a border. This style is particularly effective for text badges or layered designs.

Advantages of a laser cut border:

• Mainly suited for appliqué badges, as this is often the only viable option.

Disadvantages of a laser cut border:

• Woven badges with thin outer edges are not recommended, as they can cause slight distortion. It’s always preferable to have a border in such cases.

In conclusion, the type of badge border you choose can significantly influence your badge’s overall look and feel. At EmbroideryBadge UK, we are committed to helping you make the best choice based on your specific needs and design. With our extensive experience and dedication to quality, we strive to ensure that your badges meet and exceed your expectations.

Place a Free Quote Here

Personalised Badges: A Testament to Individuality and Community

Personalised badges have long held a prominent place in various walks of life. From sports teams displaying their crests with pride, to bikers making a style statement with patches on their jackets, these badges are everywhere. Their versatility and ease of customization make them a unique medium of expression, allowing individuals and groups to showcase their personality and affinity.

Unravelling the World of Personalised Badges

In the ever-evolving world of modern fashion, individual expression and the fearlessness to flaunt one’s uniqueness take centre stage. A personalised badge perfectly embody this ethos. They serve as adaptable tools for customising your image, mirroring your preferences, and signalling your individuality. Whether you’re a music lover, a sports enthusiast, or someone who enjoys unique design elements, personalised badges can offer a way to express these facets of your personality.

Badges come in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and materials. Embroidered badges are a popular choice due to their durability and regal appearance. These badges often feature designs, patterns, names, and quotes stitched onto a background, allowing for a high degree of personalisation. The use of bright, vibrant colours, combined with the tactile appeal of the stitching, lends these badges a distinctive appeal.

Music fans, for instance, often opt for badges that reflect their musical tastes. It’s common to see embroidered patches featuring a favourite artist’s name or famous song lyrics. These badges, sold as merchandise at concerts and gigs, can be stitched or ironed onto clothing or accessories, creating a unique piece of wearable art that speaks to the wearer’s musical interests.

The Intricacies of Badge Creation

Not limited to embroidery, badges can also be woven. Woven badges, made of different threads interlaced together, can produce intricate designs, similar to how digital images are created with pixels. The level of detail that can be achieved in a woven badge is impressive, making them ideal for designs requiring high precision or complexity.

Football team crests, often seen on kits worldwide, are excellent examples of detailed woven badges. These badges foster unity and camaraderie among sports teams, symbolising their collective identity and goals. They’re not just an adornment but a symbol of pride and a testament to the team’s spirit.

The Ubiquity of Personalised Badges in Everyday Life

Personalised badges find wide-ranging applications in both personal and professional spheres. One of the most well-known and prestigious ways that personalised badges are used is in the military. The military, for instance, has used badges since the 1800s to signify military ranks and foster a sense of unity among soldiers. These badges are heavily symbolic, denoting the wearer’s rank, accomplishments, specialisations, and affiliations within the military structure.

Personalised Badges in the NHS

In the healthcare sector, the NHS uses badges and different coloured uniforms to denote job hierarchies. These patches often contain the nurse’s name and the hospital they work at, adding a personalised touch to their uniforms. This practice helps identify healthcare professionals and contributes to a sense of team identity within the hospital or clinic.

Workwear and Personalised Badges

Personalised badges are an economical way to customise workwear in the business world. They can transform a standard uniform into a powerful tool for brand promotion. Employees wearing uniforms with the company’s logo or brand name effectively turn into walking billboards, promoting brand awareness wherever they go. And given that a well-designed badge can catch the eye, this can be a particularly effective form of passive advertising.

Personalised Badges in Fashion

The fashion industry, too, regularly features personalised badges. Despite the constant shift in trends, personalised patches are always in vogue, particularly menswear. Renowned brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Gucci often exhibit bold branding on their clothing, using both embroidered and woven badges. The choice between these two styles depends on the brand image. Brands associated with luxury and high-end fashion often favour the classy finish of embroidered badges.

The Emotional Significance of a Personalised Badge

Beyond their aesthetic appeal and functional use, a personalised badge carries emotional significance for many people. A perfect example of this is how passionately football fans react to changes in their team’s crest. When Leeds United unveiled a new crest in 2018, it sparked a significant outcry from fans, with 77,000 supporters signing a petition to stop the change. The fans’ rejection of the new design underscored their deep connection with the traditional badge and the team it represented.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Personalisation Method

When creating personalised badges, the design and level of detail dictate the type of personalisation method used. For instance, detailed and complex designs often require woven personalisation, while designs seeking a regal, classy finish may be better suited to embroidery.

Regardless of the method chosen, a personalised badge offers a unique and versatile way to express one’s individuality, affiliations, and interests. They’re more than mere adornments: personal statements, tokens of belonging, and identity markers.

The popularity of personalised patches shows no sign of waning, with innovative designs and uses continually emerging. These small but impactful items play a big part in our everyday lives, whether through embroidered music band patches, woven football crests, or customised workwear badges.

Want to learn more about personalised badges, including the latest industry news and cool personalisation tips? Sign up for our email newsletter and stay in the know!

Place a Free Quote Here

Military Patches, Rank Sliders, and Air Cadet Keyrings: The Insignia that Narrates a Tale

The Significance of Insignia in Uniformed Services and Military Patches

Each badge, patch, or insignia narrates a unique story in the sphere of uniformed services. These are not merely ornamental accessories; they symbolize honour and achievement. Military patches, rank sliders, and air cadets keyrings embody this pride, courage, and dedication, signifying the bearer’s affiliation, rank, and accomplishments.

For numerous years, EmbroideryBadge UK has crafted these symbols of pride with unwavering precision and a resolute commitment to quality. Having produced over a million military patches, our mastery lies in delivering products that uphold the highest standards of accuracy and longevity.

 

Military Patches: Symbols of Tenacity

Our military patches are fine-tuned to perfection, each painstakingly stitched to encapsulate the essence of the design. They are not only visually appealing but are also designed to withstand the rigours of time.

One feature that distinguishes our military badges is our method of incorporating Velcro. Contrary to common practices of adhering Velcro, at EmbroideryBadge UK, we stitch Velcro onto the back of our patches. This grants the patches a sleek and refined appearance and ensures that the Velcro remains secure despite repeated use. This minor distinction underlines our dedication to durability and quality.

Air Cadets Uniform UK"
"Quality Embroidered Badges UK"
"Military Badges and Patches UK"
"Ethical Manufacturing UK"
"Personalised Military Badges"
"Professional Embroidery Services UK"
military badges military patches
air cadets” width=”778″ height=”519″>

Rank Sliders: Symbols of Distinction

Rank sliders are more than mere accessories on a uniform. They are symbols of distinction, signifying one’s rank and position. We at EmbroideryBadge UK, comprehend the weight these insignias carry and meticulously craft them to represent the rank they stand for accurately. Each slider is designed to maintain its appearance even with regular use, thanks to the superior quality materials used. Our military badges are our pride.

Air Cadet Keyrings: Tokens of Pride

Air Cadet keyrings are more than merely functional items. They are tokens of pride, bearing the emblem of the Air Cadets. Ownership of one is a mark of affiliation with this esteemed institution. At EmbroideryBadge UK, we create keyrings that flawlessly embody the spirit of the Air Cadets. The careful embroidery and high-quality materials used ensure these keyrings are both visually pleasing and durable. This Air Cadets  example is an embroidered keyring: 

Embroidered keyrings
embroidered keychains
Custom Badge Design UK"
"Military Uniform Accessories UK"
"Quality Customer Service UK"
"UK Military Badges and Insignia"
"Custom Air Cadet Keyrings"
"Ethically Made Badges UK"
"UK Badge Manufacturing Company".
” width=”694″ height=”321″>

The Strength of Long-standing Partnerships: Crafted with Care, Not Made in China

In an era where businesses often delegate their production to external entities without maintaining direct oversight, EmbroideryBadge UK takes a unique approach. Our patches, rank sliders, and keyrings are not made in China, but instead, are intricately crafted in Thailand under our vigilant supervision and stringent quality controls.

Our unit in Thailand isn’t just an offshore manufacturing facility; it’s a testament to our commitment to quality, ethical manufacturing, and enduring relationships. Over the years, this partnership has enabled us to foster a mutual understanding and collaborative synergy that is reflected in every product we create.

Our Thai manufacturing facility has successfully obtained all certifications for ethical manufacturing, reinforcing our dedication to producing high-quality products while adhering to practices that respect the rights and well-being of our workforce. We staunchly believe in fair trade and ethical practices, and we’re proud to state that our products mirror these principles.

In essence, while our products may not be crafted on home soil, they are the product of our deep-rooted commitment to quality, rigorous control, and respect for ethical manufacturing standards. Our enduring production partnership in Thailand is a critical aspect of this commitment.

military patches
military badges air cadets
Embroidered Rank Sliders UK"
"EmbroideryBadge UK Reviews"
"UK Military Insignia"
"British Army Badges"” width=”672″ height=”448″>

Exceptional Customer Experience at EmbroideryBadge UK

Our mission extends beyond creating top-notch insignia; it encompasses delivering a phenomenal customer experience. We are committed to ensuring a seamless, transparent, and fulfilling journey for our customers, right from the inception of your badge to its delivery.

Unparalleled Customer Support

Our experienced customer support team is always at your service, ready to answer queries, provide information, or address concerns. We don’t just deliver a product; we provide an experience that stands as remarkable as the badges we create.

A Two-Stage Online Approval System

We realize how crucial it is to perfect your insignia. That’s why we’ve instituted a two-stage online approval system. You have the chance to approve the design and the final product before we ship it out. This way, you become a part of the crafting process, and we ensure that the final product aligns with your expectations. Once you’re happy with your military badges, we proceed with production.

Physical Samples for Complete Satisfaction

To guarantee your complete satisfaction, we offer the provision of providing physical samples. This allows you to physically assess your design before the full production begins. This step further ensures that the end product is precisely what you envisioned.

Timely Production and Delivery

We value time as much as you do. We promise one of the best production timelines in the industry. For embroidered badges, we commit to a production timeline of 7-10 days. For woven patches, it extends to 15-21 days. Larger quantities may take slightly longer due to our thorough process of dyeing the thread for the entire production to ensure uniform colour across the entire batch. This meticulous process guarantees consistency and quality across all badges.

A Legacy of a Million Badges and Counting

Over the years, we have crafted over a million military badges, sliders, and keyrings for our customers. Each piece stands as a testament to our commitment to quality, precision, and customer satisfaction. We take pride in having been a part of the journeys of numerous individuals and institutions, and we eagerly look forward to continuing this legacy.

EmbroideryBadge UK is more than a badge manufacturing company. We are designers, craftsmen, and most importantly, partners in your journey. We are here to create badges, sliders, and keyrings that you can wear with pride and honour, knowing that they have been crafted with care, precision, and a dedication to excellence. With us, each badge is not just a product; it is a symbol of pride, honour, and dedication, created with nothing less than the best.

Place a Free Quote

 Football crests and badges are possibly the most well-known example of football badges being used worldwide. Every team has one, from the Premier League down to grassroots level. But why? A crest is a proud symbol of togetherness and unity and shows that all the players are working towards the same goal. 

A crest can reflect the overall success of your club. For example, many teams add stars to their designs when they win a major. As it’s such a proud emblem, it must be designed well. The last thing a team wants is to be represented by a poorly designed crest.

Not only does it look poor and disrespect their history, but it could also lead to people thinking that they’re a poor standard, on and off the field. So, for this post, we’ve handpicked eight of the best football badges in the world of football – there are plenty out there, so whittling it down to just these selections was a true struggle. Most football clubs wear Woven badges as they deliver more detail and intricacy than Embroidered ones. Let’s take a look at some of our favourite football team badges. 

 

We’ll cover the following: 

• Sampdoria – Serie A – Italy
• Boca Juniors – Argentine Primera División – Argentina
• Inter Milan – Serie A – Italy
• Roma – Serie A – Italy 
• Liverpool – Premier League – England
• Real Madrid – Liga BBVA – Spain
• Guangzhou Evergrande – Chinese Super League – China
• Ajax – Eredivisie – The Netherlands

 

Sampdoria – Serie A – Italy Football Badge

One of the most attention-grabbing and striking crests in world football belongs to Sampdoria. In Genoa, the club’s badge depicts a sailor smoking a pipe. It is a tip of the hat to being the largest port city in Italy – we love it when football badges have a story behind them rather than meaningless designs. 

 

And it doesn’t stop there. The sailor in the badge is named “Boccacia” which is the dialect name for the city’s patron saint, John the Baptist. Both elements of the crest have a rich history throughout the city, which shows that they’re proud to represent their local roots with their club. The fact the city is proud of showing off its heritage is an added motivation tool for the players wearing it on their kits.

 

Boca Juniors – Argentine Primera División – Argentina Football Badge

As mentioned earlier, some clubs like to add stars to their badges each time they win a major trophy. Boca Juniors is a club that takes this styling to the extreme. Every time they win the league, a new star gets added to their badge. 

 

As you can see, they’ve won the league more than a few times! And the Boca’s only started this tradition in the 70s; think how big their badge would have to be if they included them all? These types of football team badges are amazing.

Another reason we love this badge is because of its simplicity. A bold crest with their club initials in the centre surrounded by stars is a statement of intent. It shows the opposition exactly what they will have to get past if they’re in with a chance of coming away from the fixture with any points. 

 

Inter Milan – Serie A – Italy Football Badge

We couldn’t have a post about football teams without including one of the Milan giants, could we? We’ve opted for the impressive badge of Inter Milan. The striking, timeless and simplistic design makes this badge so special. A new and improved football club badge!

 

If you’re a three-time European Champion, you need a classic crest representing that. And this encapsulates everything that Inter Milan is about. A historical background, iconic stadium and some amazing kit designs down the years couldn’t be let down by a poorly designed crest – certainly not in Milan, the fashion capital of Europe. 

Inside the layered circles sit the letters IMCF. They’re intricately woven, which connotes the club’s team-like ethic in everything they do. A great badge all around. Certainly an evergreen football team badge!

 

 

Roma – Serie A – Italy Football Badge

Unsurprisingly, the Italian teams are dominating a post about the best design ideas. And here’s another one. A.S. Roma’s crest is one of the most iconic in world football – and it’s easy to see why. From the strong shield shape to the font, it’s perfectly designed. The only fault we can find is that the wolf doesn’t look mean enough, and we’re being ultra-picky there. This football badge is a vibrant example.

 

The badge tells a story of animals depicting Romulus, the creator of the city and Remus, who didn’t. Again, the backstory is a proud nod to the beautiful capital city of Italy. Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor was the solid foundation of one of the most admired clubs in world football. 

 

Liverpool – Premier League – England Football Badge

There are lots to like about the Liverpool crest – the Shankly Gates, two liver birds, the famous “You’ll Never Walk Alone” slogan and the club’s full name. As you can see, a lot is happening, but it all works together well. It teeters on the verge of overdone, but we feel it’s done just right. 

The finished article is memorable because of all the iconic elements of the badge. Everyone knows that Liverpudlians are proud of their home city, and that’s depicted in Liverpool’s crest with its many real-life elements. There’s certainly no mistaking who this badge belongs to. 

 

The final touches are the two flames on either side. On the surface, you’d link these with fire and passion, but they also have an understated meaning. They’re a classy tribute to the Hillsborough disaster of 1989 – a masterclass on how to mark important occasions through design. A football badge worth noting.

 

Real Madrid – Liga BBVA – Spain Football Badge

It’s only right that European giants Real Madrid feature a crown on top of their crest. After all, “real” does directly translate to “royal.” As one of football’s biggest and most successful clubs, the whole club has a royal feel – not just the easy-on-the-eye crest. 

There’s no denying that it’s one of the best football badges in the world. It’s simplistic and classy, a theme that runs right through the club’s heart. The Los Blancos are well-known for playing an attractive style of football, which, if you looked at the badge alone, you wouldn’t be expecting a lower-level hoof ball team, would you? 

 

It commands respect. And so does their heritage. More football team badges should follow suit.

 

Guangzhou Evergrande – Chinese Super League – China Badge

You might look at this choice of club as one from the left field. However, their crest is arguably one of the most powerful in football today. A roaring lion, flames and a football – need they say more about their approach on the pitch? Another gorgeous football badge.

 

“Be the best forever” is displayed across the top of the badge. Which, as a statement itself, is bold. But we like it. If you’re not in the game to try and achieve to be at the top for the longest time possible, then you’re in the wrong game. Although the Chinese Super League isn’t the highest standard, we admire Guangzhou Evergrande’s bullish design and message. Another one of the classic football team badges!

 

Ajax – Eredivisie – The Netherlands Badge

No best football badge list would be complete without including Ajax. It features an abstract drawing of the Greek warrior “Ajax” on the crest – if that doesn’t set the tone for how the team approach training and games, we don’t know what does. Nothing makes more of a statement than portraying a warrior on your crest; each match is a war, not just a game. A near-perfect football badge.

It’s one of the many instantly recognisable badges around the world today. And the fact they use a drawing shows the variety of football clubs worldwide can use on their badges. And that’s not just the professional clubs with this option at their fingertips – so do you!

 

Choose the Right Badge Type For Your Sports Team

Crests and badges are a way to show off your team’s proud history, so you want it to be perfect, don’t you? Well, you need to ensure that you produce them with the right material to be up to scratch. After all, you don’t want your team to be taken less seriously because you couldn’t design your crest properly. 

Luckily, we’ve created a free guide to help you decide the right football team badges for you and your team. Download your copy today.

Place a Free Quote Here

Custom badges, also called custom patches, have been popular for personal and professional purposes for many years. And there is no sign of their popularity slowing down. They can be produced through various styles and methods – the most popular being Embroidered, sublimation and woven badges. But which ones are right for your design? 

There are various considerations that you must address when making your decision. Is the method capable of producing the design you’d like? Is it affordable? How durable is it? – to name a few. This post will explain choices in detail and help you decide the right method for your custom badge. Embroidered vs woven patches?

We’ll cover the following: 

• What are Custom Embroidered  Badges?
• What are Custom Woven Badges?
• What are Custom Sublimation Badges?
• The Pros and Cons of Embroidered Badges
• The Pros and Cons of Woven Badges
• The Pros and Cons of Sublimation Badges
• Embroidered vs Woven: A Comparison

What are Embroidered Custom Patches?

There are several ways to approach this technique to bring the best out of your logo and designs. An embroidered patch is produced onto a base cloth by a stitching process. The result is a textured and raised design effect. The regal finish is favoured by many as it connotes a well-established brand and is a tidy professional look. 

Embroidered logos are integral to uniforms and team wear worldwide, never mind just in the UK. With an embroidered badge, you have the choice of using 100 percent embroidery or letting the base cloth show through. The base cloth is usually twill or felt.

 

What are Custom Woven Patches?

Woven badges are two prominent sets of threads interlaced to form a surface that illustrates your design. They’re a useful option to achieve photorealism in your designs. Human or animal faces, landscapes, cars or motorcycles, and brilliant shading and gradients are all popular examples of what can be replicated on small woven custom badges. 

You never have to worry about the embroidery percentage or thread count, as the threads are woven together and not sewn onto a felt or twill base. Please think of how digital images are combined with dots, similar to how woven badges are produced. The result is a durable, intricately designed and strikingly coloured badge that you’ll most certainly be proud to boast. 

What are Custom Sublimation Patches?

Custom sublimation patches are decorative emblems or badges that often embellish clothing, bags, or other fabric items. These patches utilize sublimation printing, a specialized process involving heat and pressure to transfer dye onto the fabric or material. The sublimation process enables high-resolution, full-colour designs to imprint on the surface, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting patches that resist fading and wear over time.

Custom sublimation patches offer numerous advantages over traditional embroidery or screen-printed patches. They allow for greater design flexibility, as intricate details and an unlimited colour palette can be easily reproduced. Additionally, sublimation patches are lightweight and lay flat on the fabric, providing a smooth and polished appearance. As the design is permanently embedded into the material, these patches are highly durable and can withstand washing, ironing, and exposure to sunlight without fading or peeling. With the ability to create unique, high-quality, and long-lasting patches, custom sublimation patches are an excellent choice for businesses, organizations, and individuals seeking a stylish and personalized way to showcase their identity or message.

 

The Pros and Cons of Custom Embroidered Badges

When choosing your custom badge, the methods you can opt for are more suited to some jobs than others. Different methods excel in different areas and can offer value uniquely – and embroidery is no different.

Pros

• Embroidery badges can produce a lot of depth. The raised effect and ability to add more borders make it possible to have a closer to 3D effect on designs, which is brilliant for company logos and slogans on workwear, for example. 
• The logo has an added texture due to the different motifs and stitching techniques that can be used.
• There’s a reason why embroidery has been around for so long. Finish quality and durability undeniably make embroidery one of the most popular choices when personalizing products. 
• The colour payoff is richer than other types of badges. This is due to the ability to select a range of threads from soft pastel colours to attention-grabbing neons, guaranteed to make your custom badges stand out. 
• The turnaround time for embroidery orders is usually pretty fast. So, you can show off your new band merchandise patches or your business’ staff uniform in no time. Plus, whilst the turnaround is so quick, there’s no compromise in quality on your badges. 

Cons

• If it’s extreme detail that you’re looking for, then embroidery won’t be the preferred choice. Intricate patterns or finicky designs are limited as embroidery machines can’t usually produce what other methods can. If you choose to go ahead with embroidery despite having a detailed design, the finish won’t be as good as you’d like. 
• With embroidery, you can’t blend the colours. Stitching is brought together as block colours, unlike in woven custom badges, where the colours are intertwined and blended together smoothly. So, if your design has any shading, blending or gradients, it won’t translate well on the finished badge. 
• Just as the intricacy of the design is limited, so is font size. Unfortunately, small text is unavailable as the results are poor if you go below a certain size. 

 

The Pros and Cons of Custom Woven Patches

 

Like embroidery, the woven method is more suited to particular jobs than others. Woven badges are common everyday items that we use. For example, staff uniforms, team wear and even fashionable clothing adopt the badge style. So let’s see the difference between embroidered vs woven patches.

Pros

• Woven badges have a nicer feel overall. They are softer to the touch and more comfortable. Because they’re more aesthetically pleasing, it gives the whole garment, not just the patch, a more quality feel. 
• These badges can accommodate a lot of small details. This gives you room to involve more intricate designs in your logo. This gives off an incredibly impressive finish. If a business can impress potential customers with its logos and badges, it gives the impression of a well-established and professional business.
• The text size of a woven badge can be as small as 1.2 mm.
• These types of badges are especially light.
• Since the production is entirely different from embroidery badges, the end result is extremely flat, providing uniformity throughout the design.
• You can use heat seal backings for woven badges making for an extremely simple and easy application method.

Cons

• These badges take 2-3 weeks to be delivered, which can be a hindrance if you need a quick turnaround time or place a last-minute order. 
• Because of their uniqueness, the price point for woven badges is higher, especially for smaller volumes.
• Due to the nature of weaving, sometimes there must be a 1-2 mm tolerance in the border.

The Pros and Cons of Custom Sublimation Badges

So in this battle of embroidered vs woven patches or sublimation patches, all are great contenders. But we must know the advantages and disadvantages of each!

Pros

• High-resolution, full-colour designs: Sublimation allows for intricate, detailed designs and unlimited colours, resulting in vibrant, eye-catching badges.
• Durability: The sublimation process creates a permanent bond between the ink and the material, making the badges resistant to fading, peeling, and wear over time.
• Smooth and lightweight: Sublimation badges lay flat on the fabric, providing a polished appearance without adding significant weight or bulk to the item.
• Design flexibility: Sublimation can reproduce complex designs, including gradients and photographic images, that may be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional embroidery or screen-printing techniques.
• Eco-friendly: The sublimation process may use water-based inks free from heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other harmful substances, making it an environmentally friendly option.

Cons

• Limited substrate options: Sublimation works best with polyester or polyester-blend materials, which may not be ideal for all applications or preferences.
• Higher initial costs: The equipment and materials required for sublimation printing can be more expensive than traditional embroidery or screen-printing methods, potentially leading to higher initial costs.
• Incompatibility with some fabrics: Sublimation may not be suitable for all fabrics or materials, particularly those with low polyester content or high heat sensitivity.
• Colour matching challenges: While sublimation offers a wide range of colours, exact colour matching can be difficult due to variations in substrates, inks, and printing conditions.
• Reduced vibrancy on dark materials: Sublimation badges may appear less vibrant on darker fabrics, as the process relies on transparent inks that do not contain white. This can make achieving the desired visual impact on dark-coloured substrates challenging.

 

Embroidered vs Woven vs  Sublimation Patches: A Comparison

Badge Type	Cost	Production Time	Size/Weight	Detail	Border Tolerance	MOQ	Comparison
Embroidery	Cost-effective at lower quantities	Quicker production (1-2 weeks)	Bulkier and heavier	Limited amount of detail	Matches Closely	25pcs	Authentic/traditional feel
Woven	Comparatively expensive at lower quantities	Take longer to produce (2-3 weeks)	Slimmer/more uniform	Almost double the amount of detail	1-2 mm tolerance	100pcs	Closer to printed
Sublimation	Cost-effective for smaller quantities	Fastest production time (7 days)	Slimmer/more uniform	Unlimited detail	Matches Closely	25pcs	Best for intricate designs with a lot of detail

 

Woven Patches

As you can see, these are front and back pictures of a woven badge. You can see everything. The text is coherent, the building is much clearer, and you can see the tiny details of the crest at the bottom. The badge is also laser cut into a specific shape with a heat seal backing. Click here for the video!

 

 

 

Embroidered Badges

Here we have front and back pictures of an embroidered badge. It has a vintage and classic feel; the raised 3D effect looks nice on the logo, and the bold text adds depth and heft to the design. Click here for the video.

 

 

Sublimation and Sublistitch Badges 

Sublimation badges are a type of printed badge with vibrant colours and high-quality resolution.

Sublistitch badges mimic embroidery’s look but are printed using a special technique. Both are excellent options for achieving intricate designs with fine detail. Please click here for a short video comparison.

You cannot categorise some designs into a specific badge type. The logo is too beautiful to be made flat as a woven badge, and the small text is too tiny to be legible in an embroidered one. For these dilemmas and to give our customers room for further creativity, the best option is a combination type badge where you can combine the woven or sublimation badges with embroidery. 

The market for embroidered badges has always been larger than the woven badges market since embroidered badges have existed way longer than woven badges, many businesses and hobbyists already possess all the mechanics and skills required to create the former.

The popularity of woven badges is evolving and growing. Businesses understand the advantages of choosing woven badges over embroidered and direct embroidery. 

But sublimation badges are quickly becoming popular for promotional companies, smaller teams, and clubs.

In the UK, professional football leagues have shifted from traditional embroidered to woven badges, which have become a staple for team wear and gear. This shift has been notable as direct embroidery and badges were previously the norms in football.

However, In the mid-2010s, we saw a change being implemented throughout the country’s team wear and merchandise; woven badges. Clubs and sportswear brands have switched to a newer, slimmer and more comfortable member of the badge family. Similarly, with the advancement in printing techniques, sublimation badges are the new Go to badge for promotional companies who want a quick turnaround.

 

Make Sure You Get the Right Type For Your Custom Badges

 

At Embroiderybadge.uk, we’re dedicated to ensuring you get the right product that meets your every need. We’ve got you covered from helping you design your logo and creations to ensuring you’re utilizing the right technique. 

Don’t miss a thing with our regular email newsletter. Be the first to find out about any industry news, handy tips and advice, plus cool personalization inspiration and sign up today. So the choice is yours! Embroidered vs woven patches? Woven vs Sublimation patches? What will you pick?

[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”orders.embroiderybadge.uk” text=”Place a Free Quote” ]

Gone are the days when embroidery was limited to two main choices – direct embroidery or embroidered badges. As technology has advanced, various choices have since evolved – woven, sublimation, combination, and enamel, to name a few. This post will outline everything you need about woven patches and badges. 

 

We’ll cover the following: 

• What are Woven Badges?
• Borders on Woven Patches
• The Complexity of Woven Patches
• The Pros and Cons of Woven Badges
• A Summary

What are Woven Badges?

Woven patches and badges are multiple sets of threads interlaced to form a surface that illustrates your design.

The production requires you to physically ‘weave’ the design into the patch using a loom. Hence the name ‘woven.’ Woven patches are a top option to achieve photorealism. They’re great for:

• Human/animal faces.
• Landscapes.
• Cars/motorcycles.
• Brilliant shading and gradients.

You never have to worry about the embroidery percentage or thread count as all the threads are ‘woven’ together and not sewn on a felt/twill base like embroidered badges. Woven Patches use much thinner threads than embroidered ones do. These patches are stitched continuously to achieve finer detail of the design/text of the patch.

 

 

Borders on Woven Patches

Woven badges with overlocked edges and laser-cut ones can be produced and are great to attach to bags, shoes, and garments.

 

The Overlock Method 

Also called a “merrow border”, this product is stitching around all the edges of the badge. This type of stitched edging can be done in different colours, either complimenting or in the same general colour scheme to make the design more aesthetically pleasing on your woven patch.

A laser-cut edge is a heat-sealed edge that can accommodate a wide spectrum of intricate shapes. For patches with extremely complex edges, such as waves, that are difficult to overlock, we recommend simple laser cutting (die-cutting).

 

Satin Stitch Border

A woven badge can feature an embroidered stitch border around the edge that gives a professional finish and allows it to stand out. You won’t see this option with many badge suppliers, as it requires a good deal of accuracy. However, at Embroidery Badge UK we’re experts and have vast experience in this field.

 

Applique

A woven badge can also be attached to a garment via a satin stitch border called the applique method. Most of the football team logos are done this way.

 

The Complexity of Woven Patches

Since a woven patch uses thinner threads, it is ideal when a design is too detailed or complex to be achieved with the embroidery process. These badges are the perfect solution for needing the extra fine detail that embroidered badges can’t provide. They show small lettering too, which may not reproduce well on embroidered badges. If you are looking for highly complex art, sublimation patches can be a better option.

 

How to Attach Woven Patches to a Product?

There are a few methods of attaching a badge to products. Please Refer to our 5 Best Techniques to Apply Patches Blog to learn more!

So here are some YouTube videos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pros and Cons of Woven Badges

Now that we’re clear on what a woven patch is and how to attach it let’s go over its advantages and disadvantages. 

 

Pros

• Woven badges have a nicer feel overall. They are smoother and more comfortable.
• These badges can accommodate a lot of small details. This gives you room to involve more intricate designs in your logo.
• The text size of a woven badge can be as small as 1.2 mm.
• These types of badges are lightweight.
• Since the production is entirely different from embroidery badges, the result is extremely flat, providing uniformity throughout the design.
• You can use heat seal backings for woven patches and badges, making this an extremely simple and easy application method.

Cons

• These badges can take from 2-3 weeks to be delivered. A great alternative for faster delivery is sublimation badges that can be delivered in 7 days.
• Because of their uniqueness, the price point is higher for smaller volumes.
• The colours are subdued as the threads are woven into the fabric. So, they don’t have the 3D effect as embroidery.
• The minimum badge order quantity on our website is 100 pcs. 
• Due to the nature of weaving, sometimes there must be a 1-3 mm tolerance in the border. The fantastic solution to this problem is to add a thin satin stitch embroidered outer border, which will maintain the design’s integrity and add an extra dimension to the badge’s appearance.

A Summary

Woven badges can be a more cost-effective option, particularly when ordering in volume. When choosing between embroidered or woven patches, remember that while you will get extra fine detail, you will miss out on the textured 3D effect that embroidery offers. 

Pro tip: If a textured effect is required, you can always place an order for a combination type badge where the small text and extra fine details are woven and the large text and designs are embroidered!

 

A few options to consider when considering your order, such as border type and backing, affect the price slightly; however, decisions should be based on the badge’s use and shape.

Woven badges are a great option if your design has a lot of small text and detail. Embroidery badges are better for designs with large text and will not be able to deliver small detail without compromising on the overall look of the badge. 

 

For intricate designs where embroidery badges are not viable, woven patches and badges would be adequate for garments that go through a lot of wear and tear. For example, football jerseys, activewear, and sportswear. This is because they will not fade or come off if it’s sealed or sewn on. Here, picking the cheapest option might not serve your purpose.

 

Choose Embroidery Badge UK For Your Woven Badges

And as we’ve mentioned, ensuring you get the right product is crucial to the result of your garments. If you choose the wrong method, your designs won’t be as striking as possible. That’s where Embroidery Badge can help. 

And our team are vastly experienced and are expert in their field. So if you’re unsure which method is right for your product, our team is always available to answer any questions or queries. Or, why not download our free guide that outlines which badge type is right for you? Grab your copy below and take the first step to producing a quality product. 

Place a Free Quote for your Woven Patch

Custom embroidered patches are an excellent way to promote your brand, attract new customers, and grow your business. These embroidered badges can significantly enhance your branding efforts and bring your logo to life worldwide! This comprehensive guide will delve into essential aspects to consider when ordering the quintessential custom embroidered patch for personal or business purposes.

Discover Custom Embroidered Patches

A custom embroidered patches involves stitching a design onto fabric, which is then attached to clothing or accessories using various techniques. As a business specialising in embroidered badges, we create patches tailored to customer specifications or designed to align with a specific business theme.

Depending on the preferred badge application method, you can order Iron-On, Sew-On, Appliqué, or Velcro patches for your garments. Check out our tutorial videos here to learn more about the badge application process.

Why Opt for Custom Embroidered Patches?

Impactful Branding

Custom embroidered patches are an impactful choice for showcasing your company name or logo, celebrating events, or adding flair to apparel. As an increasingly popular alternative to traditional embroidery, these patches offer convenience and sustainability.

Durability

Made with high-quality thread and materials, custom embroidered patches are durable and can last for years with proper care. They resist fading and fraying, ensuring that your logo or design remains vibrant over time. The reason is that we sew them using the highest quality thread and materials.

Versatility

You can apply custom embroidered patches to various garments and accessories, such as jackets, hats, bags, and uniforms. They’re perfect for businesses, sports teams, clubs, non-profit organisations, and individuals looking for a unique way to express their identity or promote their brand.

Diverse Customizable Embroidered Patch Options:

Custom embroidered patches come in various categories, including:

1. 100% Embroidered Patches – These fully embroidered patches provide a vibrant, detailed design.
2. Partially Embroidered Badges with visible fabric (polyester twill or felt) – These patches combine embroidery with a fabric background, offering a more cost-effective option for larger designs.
3. 3D Puff Embroidered Patches – Featuring a distinctive raised embroidery effect for prominent text, these patches add dimension and flair to your design.
4. Chenille Embroidered Badges – Mimicking a towel-like appearance, these patches are famous for varsity designs and sports teams, giving your logo a unique texture.
5. Faux Chenille Embroidered Badges -We make our faux chenille badges using embroidery thread and a unique stitch technique, allowing for a broader range of colours and intricate designs compared to traditional chenille badges.
6. Eco-Green Badges – We create our Eco-Green badges using sustainable and eco-friendly materials, ensuring they look good and are kind to the environment—We manufacture these badges by using embroidery thread made from recycled pet bottles.               
7. Special Stitch Badges – Special stitch badges are embroidered patches with a twist, using excellent special stitches. These stitches add both structure and definition to the logo. They stand out from typically embroidered badges.

Design Tips for Customized Embroidered Badges

To maximise the impact of your custom embroidered patch, follow these design guidelines:

• Choose a recognisable logo or design that aligns with your brand image and is legible from 2-3 feet away.
• Determine the patch’s purpose and usage before finalising the design. Consider whether the patch is for branding, commemorating an event, or purely decorative.
• Use only one or two colours in the central element of the badge to avoid distracting the viewer. We can add more colours, but it’s essential to maintain a clean and professional appearance.
• Ensure small fonts are at least 5mm tall for readability from a safe distance. This ensures that your message is clear and easily understood.
• Consider the shape and size of the patch to ensure it’s suitable for the intended application. We can create your patches in various shapes, from traditional circles and rectangles to custom designs that complement your logo.

 

The Ordering Process for Custom Embroidered Patches

Step 1: Request a Quote

Contact our team with your design concept, patch size, quantity, and desired backing type. Or place a quote directly on our site! We’ll provide you with a detailed quote and turnaround time for your custom embroidered patch.

Step 2: Artwork and Design Approval

Once you’ve accepted the quote, our talented designers will create a digital proof of your patch design for your review and approval. You can request revisions to ensure the design meets your expectations.

Step 3: Production

After approving the design, we’ll begin production on your custom embroidered badges. Our experienced team ensures that every patch is crafted with care and attention to detail, using high-quality materials to guarantee durability and longevity.

Step 4: Quality Control and Shipping

Before shipping, each patch undergoes a thorough quality control process to ensure it meets our stringent standards. Once approved, your patches will be shipped directly to your specified location, ready for application or distribution.

Caring for Your Custom Embroidered Patches

To keep your custom embroidered patches looking their best, follow these care guidelines:

• If your patch is sew-on, hand wash it or use a gentle cycle on your washing machine.
• Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, which can damage the embroidery thread and fabric.
• Allow patches to air dry, as the heat from a dryer can cause damage or shrinkage.
• If your patch becomes wrinkled, use a pressing cloth and a low-heat iron to smooth it out.

So, it’s essential to consider various factors, such as badge type, size, font, colour, style, and material, when ordering custom embroidered badges. Custom embroidered badges offer numerous benefits for individuals and businesses, providing a durable and versatile branding solution that stands the test of time. And don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you require assistance with custom patches or need further information!

Place a Free Quote

All you need to know about School Uniform Badges

As a school, you want to stand out and make a lasting impression on anyone that comes across your institution. One way of doing this is through School Uniform Badges. School Uniform Badges uniquely represent your school and can be used on various products like blazers, jumpers, polo shirts, and bags. These badges can incorporate the school’s crest, colours, and other design elements essential to the school. We design personalised badges for schools in different shapes, sizes, and materials, allowing for complete customisation.  

A well-designed badge can create a strong brand for the school and showcase its commitment to quality standards.

As school uniforms are often the first thing people notice, a poorly designed badge could give the impression that the school needs to be well-established. However, a strong brand can help attract high-quality students, demonstrating the school’s commitment to creating a positive learning environment.

A customised badge gives your school a unique identity that sets it apart from other schools in the area. Whenever your students wear their uniform, they promote your school, and a well-designed badge can make all the difference. This is because the right badge design can reflect the school’s values and personality. And in turn, make it easier for people to identify your institution.

Schools should take the time to research and choose the right badge type to ensure their design stands out. Embroidered badges are perfect for polo shirts and jackets, while woven badges are ideal for blazers and bags. Silicone badges are perfect for sports teams and athletic groups, as they are durable and stylish. Adhesive badges are great for events and conferences, as they are lightweight and easy to remove once the event is over.

Parents consider several factors when selecting a school for their children, and uniform is one of them.

School Uniform Badges are essential in attracting high-quality students. And a school with a well-designed badge shows that it pays attention to detail and is committed to creating a positive learning environment for its students. When your school’s badge is well-designed, it can also increase school pride and encourage student participation in school activities.

As a school, it is essential to honour your history and tradition. Personalised badges for schools can help by displaying the school’s crest or emblem, making it easier for people to identify your school. And a well-designed badge can foster a sense of belonging and pride among students and faculty, encouraging a positive school culture.

Embroidery Badge UK is a leading supplier of personalised school badges in the UK.

Our badges are made to the highest quality and durability standards, which ensures they withstand daily wear and tear. We offer various badge types and materials, including embroidered and woven badges, silicone, and badges with adhesive backing. They also offer a bespoke design service, allowing schools to create personalised badges that reflect their values and identity.

So, to summarise, School Uniform Badges are a must-have for any school looking to create a strong brand, increase attraction rates for high-quality students, honour the school’s traditional and prestigious reputation, and choose the right badge type for their design. Badges Plus is an exceptional supplier of personalised school badges, offering a wide range of badge types and materials made to the highest quality and durability standards. By creating a well-designed badge, schools can showcase their identity! And also create a positive learning environment, and foster a sense of belonging and pride among students and faculty.

Place a Quote

School Uniform Badges