When someone asks about the most popular trend in 2023, our answer is always custom embroidered patches, without a doubt. And can you honestly blame us? You’ve probably noticed people wearing them everywhere. For DIY enthusiasts, they are a fun and easy way to personalise their belongings. As for businesses, they’re an incredible branding tool.
It’s not unusual if you’re thinking about giving in to this hype around patches. After all, you might be itching to learn what this buzz is all about. But at the same time, you might be wondering how long it would take to create a custom patch online.
This blog will provide the answer by examining four key factors that determine the time needed to craft a personalised emblem.
4 Factors That Influence How Long Will An Online Patch Maker Take To Design Your Custom Patches
- The Color Of The Embroidery Thread And Background
You might wonder what your colour choice has to do with how long it’s going to take to design the patch, but there’s a huge connection. To begin with, embroidery threads are not available in every colour or shade; their options are quite limited. This limitation is one reason why patch makers often advise sticking to basic and widely available colours. Opting for a unique or uncommon colour could mean having to wait longer for your order.
However, there’s more to consider than just availability when choosing an uncommon shade. You may also be setting very high expectations, and if the designer can’t find an exact match, it could lead to disappointment. So, it’s wise to play it safe and opt for common colours when creating your custom embroidery patches UK to avoid potential complications.
- The Design You Choose
At the risk of stating the obvious, it’s going to take more time if you choose a super complicated design. The thing is, online businesses highly prioritise customer satisfaction because a single negative review can have a significant impact on their operations. So, they pour their blood and sweat to achieve design perfection.
Naturally, if your design is intricate, it will require more time to replicate it flawlessly. Additionally, since progress depends on your approval of the initial mockup, the speed of the process also relies on how promptly you provide the green light. Furthermore, if you request revisions, this can further lengthen the overall timeframe of the entire process.
- The Type Of Embroidery Border You Select
Of course, no one wants a badge with threads twilling out of it. So, do you know what gives an applique that neat finishing you require? A border!
There’s a lot that goes into designing a custom embroidered emblem. And embroidery border is one thing, not many customers are aware of. Of course, no one wants a badge with unruly threads sticking out. So, what provides that clean, polished finish? The answer: a border!
When it comes to choosing borders for patches, there are two main options: merrow and hot-cut. This is where customers often find themselves puzzled because they may not know the distinctions between these two. Let’s clarify it for you.
Merrow borders are a classic choice. They create a raised appearance around the emblem’s edges. However, there’s a catch: they aren’t suitable for irregular shapes. In other words, you can only opt for a merrow border if your design features shapes like a shield, circle, or rectangle.
Although this may seem a bit limiting, consider the bright side. Merrowed borders result in the cleanest and most visually appealing badges. They also make the patch stand out prominently when you affix it to a surface.
Now, let’s talk about the second type – hot cut borders. These borders are used for unique shapes where creating a merrowed border is impractical. What’s intriguing about them is that they are crafted entirely without the use of a machine. As you can imagine, this is a more time-intensive process because manufacturers must manually cut each patch with precision. Hot-cut borders are also an excellent choice for custom embroidered hats in UK.
- The Selected Backing And Accessories
This is the most important step of the patch making process – attaching the backing. Your choice of backing will decide how you attach the emblem and how convenient the entire thing will be for you. Let’s take a look at your options now:
- Iron-On Backing: You might’ve already heard about iron-on patches. They are magical – all you need to attach them is apply a little heat, and voila, they are all set! But only a few people know the science behind that.
These emblems come with an inactive adhesive backing that gets activated when you apply the heat. They instantly form a bond with the surface they are affixed to and hold their ground firmly.
However, even though this is the quickest way to attach a badge, it’s not the most long-lasting one. And we definitely don’t recommend going with this option if your patch is going to endure wear and tear!
- Plain Backing: If you’re not willing to compromise on durability, we suggest opting for plain backing. Such embroidered emblems come with only a reinforcement backing and they are known as customised sew-on patches. You’ll have to stitch around them to perfectly hold them in position!
- Peel-Off Backing: You can request the vendor for a peel-off backing if even the heat application method sounds like a lot of effort. As the name suggests, you’ll only have to peel off the backing and attach the patch like a sticker to the desired surface. This method works specifically well for apparel and bags. But again, it’s not durable!
- Velcro Backing: While all of the options above offer unique advantages, they all lack one thing – you can’t easily remove the patch when needed. So, if that’s something you require, your best bet is a Velcro backing. Such emblems come with hook and loop fasteners, so moving the patch around is not a problem!
However, the choice of backing largely depends on the surface to which you’ll be attaching the crest to. So, it’s better to discuss your options with the patch maker, as they will guide you on the perfect way to attach the emblem.
As for how long it takes, attaching a plain backing typically takes the shortest time. But that only means you’ll have to spend extra time stitching them around the fabric. Remember, this could be a nightmare if you’re ordering patches in bulk!
Conclusion:
In conclusion, there are plenty of things that determine how long it would take to design a custom patch online. But most importantly, the proficiency of the vendor and the intricacy of your design are the two factors that make a big difference.
Also, if you want the patches to be perfect, we suggest not rushing the process. Putting unnecessary pressure on the maker will only make them nervous and steal their focus, and trust us – you don’t want that!
Remember, good things come to those who wait. So, just be patient and discuss everything with the patch-making professional. Most experienced individuals are typically able to offer a precise timeframe of how long it’s going to take, and they may also be able to cater to your requirements if you’re on a short deadline!
