Woven Badges
What is a Woven Badge?
A Woven Badge is distinct from an embroidered badge because the design is woven in to the actual fabric. An embroidered badge is where the design is stitched on to a piece of fabric so the stitching is raised above the fabric. A woven badge is flat and slightly more flexible. It is usually finished with an overlocked (merrow) border to stop the edges fraying.
Woven vs Embroidered
Comparing Embroidered and Woven Badges
The advantage of a woven badge over against an embroidered badge is that you can fit in a lot more detail. This applies specially where there is smaller lettering and intricate detail in the design. There isn’t much difference in the prices between either option except where larger quantities are involved and we can give discounts for this. On a woven patch you can see there is a sharper definition of the design as compared with embroidery. Both are machine made and both have their own appeal depending on the application. Embroidered badges have that raised feel which tends to be regarded as more traditional.
The difference technical between woven and embroidered is that finer threads are used in the weaving process whilst thicker threads are used on embroidery machines. There are close matches available to pantone colours, probably more so with weaving than embroidery, however, in any case colour matching can be accurate.
Woven Badge Order Process
Have in your mind’s eye the end result! We are available to help you every step of the way. You can email, use the chat or phone for assistance 0333 320 2259. We are always glad to help.
Here is a quick overview of the ordering process:
Fill in the online form
We send you a quotation
We design your badge and send you a proof for approval
On approval we put your order in to production
When complete we despatch via tracked courier
Here’s how in more detail:
Designing your badge
If you already have an existing design, you can send it in for copying or alternatively upload a photo or artwork, that’s easy.
If you are starting from the ground up you will need to design a badge which is fit for purpose. Our standard woven patches are machine washable and suitable for most applications but here are a few tips:
Select a type of backing
Iron-on or heatseal backing is a good option as it saves sewing, however you need to be careful about the fabric on which it is going to be applied, can it stand the heat of a hot iron? Depending on the washing cycle they will stay attached for up to 80 washes. Heatseal doesn’t work with nylon or synthetic fabrics.
Sew on badges are self explanatory and can be easily sewn on by machine or hand. They are a bit more flexible that other badges with a backing.
Velcro (hook and loop) can be supplied as one part or two part. Some uniform already has one of the parts (loop) to receive the badge. A two part hook and loop badge – obviously the receiving part of the system has to be sewn on to the garment. These are used when there is a frequent change of badge for a particular uniform or costume.
Self adhesive backing is a non-permanent option and is usually used for a single event. It is a strong adhesive but won’t survive a wash cycle. For a permanent application sew-on is the best solution.
Edge Finishing
The two types of edge finishing most commonly used are laser cut with no border or an overlocked edge sometimes known as merrow which is a stitching to finish off the cut edge to stop it fraying. This is usually 3mm – 4mm wide. Usually a sew on badge is stitched on to the garment through the overlocked border.
Once you have decided on the backing and edge finishing, it is then a question of getting the design in to a format that we can turn in to a finished visual. If you have an existing badge or artwork, that makes it more straightforward and you can upload this on the online form.
Otherwise you can just simply sketch out what you require, indicate the colours and we can do the rest. Just take a photo or scan and upload through our form. Don’t hesitate to phone us on 0333 320 2259 or simply email us sales@badgemill.com
Badge Backing and Edging
See images below of examples of backing and edging
Badge Backing
Iron-on or heatseal backing is a good option as it saves sewing, however you need to be careful about the fabric on which it is going to be applied, can it stand the heat of a hot iron? Depending on the washing cycle they will stay attached for up to 80 washes. Heatseal doesn’t work with nylon or synthetic fabrics.
Sew on badges are self explanatory and can be easily sewn on by machine or hand. They are a bit more flexible that other badges with a backing.
Velcro (hook and loop) can be supplied as one part or two part. Some uniform already has one of the parts (loop) to receive the badge. A two part hook and loop badge – obviously the receiving part of the system has to be sewn on to the garment. These are used when there is a frequent change of badge for a particular uniform or costume.
Self adhesive backing is a non-permanent option and is usually used for a single event. It is a strong adhesive but won’t survive a wash cycle. For a permanent application sew-on is the best solution.
Badge Edging
Overlocked or Laser cut
Iron-on or heatseal backing is a good option as it saves sewing, however you need to be careful about the fabric on which it is going to be applied, can it stand the heat of a hot iron? Depending on the washing cycle they will stay attached for up to 80 washes. Heatseal doesn’t work with nylon or synthetic fabrics.
Sew on badges are self explanatory and can be easily sewn on by machine or hand. They are a bit more flexible that other badges with a backing.
Velcro (hook and loop) can be supplied as one part or two part. Some uniform already has one of the parts (loop) to receive the badge. A two part hook and loop badge – obviously the receiving part of the system has to be sewn on to the garment. These are used when there is a frequent change of badge for a particular uniform or costume.
Self adhesive backing is a non-permanent option and is usually used for a single event. It is a strong adhesive but won’t survive a wash cycle. For a permanent application sew-on is the best solution.