The Good and the Bad When It Comes To Embroidered Patch Backings
Have you ever thought about buying an embroidered patch that has been custom made for you? If you have, you need to determine which backing material is best for your garment. This step is of the utmost importance because it will not only affect the quality of the garment that it attaches to, but it will determine how long your design will last.
There are three common patch backing types.
- Iron-On Using Heat Sealing
- Velcro Using Hooks And Loops
- Stick-On Using An Adhesive
There are pros and cons associated with each type of backing. These are listed below.
The Pros and Cons of Iron-On Backing
You’ll get temporary security when your patch uses an iron-on backing. In general, these are used for either casual or ceremonial clothing that won’t be used for training or exercise. In addition, they are often used to keep the patch securely in place when it is being sewn on. If the garment is to be used for active lifestyle pursuits, the iron-on backing is not a good choice to keep your patch securely in place.
Pros and Cons
- Perfect for clothing used for ceremonies.
- Not recommended for garments that will need frequent laundering.
The Pros and Cons of Velcro Backing
There are two main styles of Velcro backing material: Two-sided (male and female) or hook-sided (male only). When clothing is frequently changed by either adding new patches or for other adjustments, such as police uniforms or military garments, hook-sided Velcro is the best choice. When a loop fastener is not already attached to the clothing, two-sided Velcro patches work best.
Velcro backing has its pros and cons. These are:
- Greater durability. The patches can be removed prior to washing means they will last longer.
- More flexibility. Patches can be easily taken off and reapplied.
- Less permanency. Velcro patches are not as strongly attached.
The Pros and Cons of Adhesive Backing
Adhesive backing is one of the most popular types of backing for embroidered patches. It is easy-to-use and convenient and is the backing of choice for one-time events. For short-term application, this adhesive is a fantastic choice. However, when the patch needs to stay in place over the long haul, adhesive backing is not the perfect choice.
The pros and cons of this type of backing include:
- It is easy to apply to a garment.
- It is perfect when the patch only needs to be on the garment for a short period of time.
- When the patchwork is needed on a permanent basis, adhesive backing is not ideal.
Special glues such as Beacon Patch Attach provide an additional way to add a patch to an item of clothing. The glue bonds to just about every type of fabric with no need to do any sewing. It is non-toxic, washable, permanent, and is easily removed with the application of heat.
However, the single best method to attach patches is to sew them on. The patch will remain on the garment for many years to come when it is sewn on.
Now that you have made the decision about which type of backing you require, it is time to find an expert to design it for you. Our business is creating custom patches that our customers love. Contact us and we will help you out.
