How To Make and Embroidered Patches…
    Design Your Own Patch !!

1) DESIGN
a) Gather ideas for patch.
b) Determine elements - What "must" be on the patch?  What else could be included? 
     Confirm correct spelling and date.  List required elements.
c) Find clip art, rough sketches and drawings.
d) Assemble a "rough" art layout. Determine shape of patch. Cut and paste ideas or use a
     desktop publishing program. Patch can be about any shape desired.  Round, rectangle,
     oval and diamond patches can have a threaded border called a marrow.  Irregular shaped
     patches, those with an element breaking a boundary use a hot-knife cut border. 
e) Review with "key decision makers" and adjust as needed.
f) Prepare final "rough" including patch size, type and color of border, and quantity to be
    produced.

2) PRE-PRODUCTION
a) Share you patch "rough" art with the people who are going to help you get the patch
     manufactured. Use people who have designed embroidery, ask for samples of their work.   
     You will be trusting these folks with decisions made if a question comes from the factory
     during production.   By yourself or with the help of the embroidery supplier, finalize your
     rough the final art, also called the "factory art" or "camera ready art".
     Expect to sign-off to approve the factory art. This means you have approved dates and
     spelling on the patch.  Errors in spelling, dates, and art can be embarrassing, cause your
     delivery to be late and expensive.  Have others proof your work.
b) Discuss the following items with your supplier: actual size, number of thread colors,
     accessories (i.e., type of backing, button loop, special threads, changes in marrow color),
     and time frame for production and arrival to you from the factory.
c) Get a base price and additional pricing for your project.  Additional fees may be added for
     each of the following:  patch backing, each thread colors used beyond seven, button loop, 
     metallic thread, hot-knife edge cutting or difficult shapes, special handling, shipping and
     'slow to pay' customers. Avoid being surprised, ask about additional fees during your
     planning.
d) Negotiate the price of your patch, shipping and handling and the total invoice price.
e) Get a quote (usually good for 30 days) for your final project. Expect to pay some shipping. 
     If you are comparing suppliers, be sure to compare total cost per patch. Consider quality,
     and speed of delivery when considering patch price.

3) PRODUCTION & DELIVERY
Once you approve your art, the patch will be produced and shipped to you. Upon arrival be sure to say thanks and see the invoice is paid in timely fashion.

Need help getting a patch made?  Click here.