Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1425980
graphics-pro.com 29 S T A R T H E R E 2 0 2 1 For certain types of orders, embroidered patches offer advantages over direct embroidery. Find out when that might be the case at http://gpro.link/emblems. as the base of the patch, it's easier to use thin threads and to carry the detail seen in seals and badges. Just remember that designs need to be digitized for 60-weight thread, as any satin or fill stitch will need approximately 25% more density to reach the coverage of 40-weight thread in the same circumstances. For hot-knife cutting, some advise using a rayon thread for edging as it doesn't melt at the same temperature as the polyester fabric. Bobbin: When possible, use a bobbin thread that is as incon- spicuous as possible for patches. The key is cutting down on con- trast. Frequently, this means using an easily found pre-wound black bobbin, but you can also use a custom-wound colored 60-weight thread bobbin to enhance the wrapped look of a patch edge. The Digitizing You'll need stitch files made for patch creation. Though the specifics are outside the realm of this article, it's not difficult to achieve. If you do the digitizing, run all decoration or central material in the design before edging with any of the methods in which patches are stitched in a single step. This prevents premature tear-out by reducing the amount of stress placed on the substrate once the edge becomes perforated with the final satin stitching. Most outsource digitizers should be able to create the necessary files and/or cut lines for your cutter should you be pre-cutting fabrics blanks. Just let them know the method you'll use to create the patches. You may even be able to have them use specialty stitch types to create a decorated border that more closely resembles overlock stitching or that adds a textural detail that sets it apart from a standard satin-stitched edge. Failing that, you can always look to stock design companies; many sell patch borders in standard sizes and shapes that you can use to make any appropriately sized logo into a patch with some simple resequencing and compositing of stitch files. No matter which method of production you choose, small- run patches can be a fantastic answer to decorating the occasional hard-to-hoop or hard-to-stitch item through the use of adhesive applications, let alone their current popularity for their compel- ling retro style. If you embroider, there's no reason not to try patch making. Both of these patches made for Vietnam veterans were created from embroidery files I created but stitched by large emblem companies. In both cases, the patches were cut after stitching. In the Run for the Wall patch, the textured background took some explaining and testing to get the company on the same page as we were for execution. Though that slowed the order somewhat, for the large number of patches we needed to produce, outsourcing made more sense. (Image courtesy Celeste Schwartz)