With the changes in all routines, custom patches have become a great way to express identity, promote a brand, and add a personal touch to clothing, bags, and uniforms. No matter if you are part of the scout group, a small business, or a fashion-forward community, patches add a trendy and unique vibe. However, with many varieties of patches available on the market, people often struggle to choose between woven and embroidered patches.
Do you know the difference between them? Although both styles look good, they are different in terms of how they are made and where they are best used. Through this blog, you will get answers to all these questions.
What Is The Difference Between Embroidered And Woven Patches?
The Process of Designing Them
It is their design process that distinguishes them from each other.
For stitching embroidery patches, we use thicker threads on the fabric base. The embroidery machine is used to sew the design layer by layer, which gives these motifs the signature raised texture. Now, it depends on the design. The more detailed and complex designs use more threads, and sometimes, the design looks a bit bulky when there are too many elements.
On the other side, the making of woven patches is different. Instead of stitching on top of the fabric. Companies that produce woven patches in UAE use a weaving technique with thinner threads to tightly weave and create the design of the patch. This unique feature allows it to create clean lines, smaller text, and more precise details. As the threads are flat, the patches designed are thinner and smoother.
The Look and Its Feel
Another feature commonly noticed about the patches is their appearance and texture. This is the space where both motifs shine in their own way.
The classic and textured appearance of the embroidery patches is unique. The raised threads used in these emblems give them a rich and bold look that helps logos and motifs stand out. This gives them a thicker and more three-dimensional look. Due to these features, these motifs are used for designs with strong shapes, bold lines, and less intricate details.
Whereas woven patches are smoother. As they do not have raised stitching, the surface feels flat and soft to the touch. This makes it best for designs with fine and tiny text or for detailed illustrations. For instance, if your badge includes small letters or subtle patterns, the woven insignia must be your ultimate choice.
Durability and Longevity
Although both motifs are durable, they will perform differently over time, depending on how they are used.
Emblems like custom embroidery patches, being typically thick and robust, are well-suited to withstand wear and tear. This is one of the reasons you often find these patches attached to the jackets, work uniforms, and gear used by heavy-duty officers. However, you need to handle it with care, as the threads can get caught on things and start to fray.
In contrast, woven patches are thinner and stronger. There are fewer chances that they will snag due to their flat surface. The additional feature is that the design won’t wear off easily as it is woven into the patch. If your goal is to look for something long-lasting and moderate for daily wear, then you can opt for woven patches.
Complex and Flexible
If you’re looking for something comfortable to add to your clothing, the feel of the material is crucial.
When it comes to flexibility and soft feel, woven patches have won the race. As they lie flat and are thinner, they feel smoother against the skin and conform more closely to the fabric. This is its unique feature that makes them ideal for clothing that is worn frequently or directly used to cover the body, such as shirts or hats.
Whereas embroidered patches are thicker and more rigid. This feels a little bulky. This is not a big issue for jackets, bags, or outerwear. However, it might not be a comfortable choice for those clothes that are close to the skin.
Costing
One of the elements that plays a role in either designing or not designing a patch is the costing, especially when ordering in large numbers.
The cost of the embroidered patches is a bit expensive. This is because you need to use a lot of threads to design your image. The process is time-consuming, and the thicker threads increase the material’s cost.
On the other side, woven patches are more cost-effective for detailed designs. The weaving process is quicker for intricate patterns. As the material is thinner and more thread-efficient, your design may sometimes increase its cost.
This is one of the reasons prices are often overlooked, as the final amount depends on the size, quantity, and customized features rather than just the type of patch.
The Ideal Use for Each Type
A choice between embroidered and woven patches is dependent on what you need them for.
Embroidered patches:
These are best for:
- Bold, simple logos,
- Military and scout uniforms,
- Sports team patches, and
- Decorative and traditional designs.
Woven patches:
These are ideal to use for:
- Small and complex designs,
- In fashion clothing,
- Hats and soft accessories, and
- Detailed brand logos or artwork.
The Final Thought
Whether it is woven or embroidered patches, they offer a great deal of creative freedom, and neither is better than the other. It is just the different tools that are used for various purposes. It is solely dependent on the look you want, the level of detail you desire in the design, and the intended use of the patch.
If your goal is something bold and textured with a classic feel, then your choice must be embroidered patches. If you’re looking for something sleek and detailed with a smooth finish, then woven patches can help you achieve that look. No matter which type suits your needs, a well-made patch will narrate the story of your brand, help build connections, and add a personal touch to your style that is uniquely yours.