Ancient Art Meets Modern Technology in Today's Custom Patches
In recent years, computer-controlled high speed machinery has revolutionized the art of making custom embroidered patches.
The art of embroidery, decorating fabric with needle and thread, has been around for thousands of years. The traditional art form has roots in many societies, including those of the Phoenicians, Babylonians and ancient Egyptians. Even today, hand embroidery remains a popular handicraft for many people.
Embroidery can produce striking works of art such as the Bayeux Tapestry. This priceless 230-foot long embroidered cloth, first mentioned in the 1400s, depicts the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
For centuries, embroidered clothing and tapestries were considered symbols of prosperity, because only the wealthy could afford hand-made products. But as with so many other aspects of life, the Industrial Revolution democratized embroidery. The machine age brought mechanization to embroidery that allows the creation of precise patterns and designs not otherwise possible.
The first commercial embroidery machines, like much precision equipment in other fields, were developed in Switzerland in the mid-1800s. Isaak Groebli created the first practical shuttle embroidery machine. The machines came to be known as Schiffli looms, using a Swiss term for "little boat," which the machines' shuttles resembled. Even today, Switzerland is a world leader in the production of embroidery equipment, along with companies in Germany, the United States and China.
By the 1950s, the machines could be automated with a paper tape system that defined the pattern the machine would sew. But the computer revolution of the past 25 years has taken the art of machine embroidery to an entirely new level. Computer control of electronic embroidery machines allows high-speed production of top quality embroidery with a uniform design and higher thread count per inch. And the precision means one patch or a hundred thousand can be produced with the same uniform look.
Digitizing is the process of converting a design into a patch. The initial artwork can be scanned into a computer and turned into digital instructions for the embroidery machine. Virtually any design idea can be made into an attractive custom embroidered patch. It's possible to design on the computer screen and keep tweaking the design until it's exactly the way you want it. Then push a button and walk away while the machine does the embroidery work.
Precision doesn't stop with just the stitching. Meticulously placed cutters allow the backing material to be cut to almost any desired shape. The shape can determine whether the patches get a traditional sewn border, or a heat-sealed hot-cut border.
The traditional, or merrowed, border sets off the patch from the garment it's attached to, and provides the traditional wraparound border look. Hot cut borders are ideal for custom-shaped patches. The resulting custom embroidered patches can be sewn onto clothing, or equipped with a Velcro or iron-on backing.
One of the best features of embroidered patches is that unlike silk screened designs, the stitched pattern won't fade over time. Custom embroidered patches are generally more durable than the garments they attach to.
No matter what kind of embroidered patch you're looking for, Patches-Direct is the ONE custom patch supplier for all your custom patch needs. Patches-Direct is dedicated to your complete satisfaction with your custom embroidered patches. Email us at Patches@Patches-Direct.com or call toll free at 1-866-361-0421 and let us show you how great your custom patches can be.