Do you have a minimum order quantity for custom patches? | Our minimum order quantity for embroidered and printed patches is 25 (we can do fewer but the does go up). The minimum order quantity for woven is 50. However, the more you buy the cheaper they get! |
Is there a set up fee for the design? | We provide artwork free of charge! |
I don’t have a design, can you help? | We can absolutely help! We can create a unique design with your input! However please note that if your design is very complicated we may need to engage a graphic artist to assist and we pass this cost on. However we will let you know before this step occurs. |
I have an existing patch that was made elsewhere. Can you duplicate it? | Yes, we can duplicate an existing patch. Please take a picture of the existing patch and send it to us along with all relevant information like size etc. |
Will I be able to edit the design you created for me? | Yes, you will be able to. We will create a mock-up sample of your design, for you to approve. This will confirm the style of your design, the colour, and any special options that you choose. When this mock-up is complete, you will receive an email notification to approve your mock-up. If there is a problem with the mock-up you are free to request a reasonable amount of free edits. If you confirm that everything is correct with the mock-up, then you will approve the mock-up and we will proceed to the next step. |
What size should my lettering be? | You can choose the size of your lettering. However, we do recommend that for embroidered patches the height of your lettering be a minimum of 5mm. At this height your text will be legible. If you are unsure what size your lettering should be, our creative specialist can assist you with that. |
Can you do an exact colour match based on PMS numbers alone? | Yes. We have years of experience in matching the correct thread colour with the Pantone colour that you choose. We can also assist you in discussing the correct colours of your embroidered patch product. |
How many colours can I have? | You can have a maximum of 9 colours in your embroidered patch and 11 colours in your woven patch. Sublimated has no limit! |
What are your custom patches made of? | Our patches are made of high thread made especially for embroidered products, and our patches that are not 100% embroidered are made out of 100% cotton twill. |
What kind of embroidery thread do you use on your patches? How strong or fade resistant are they? | We use a premium quality 100% polyester thread that is specially designed for embroidered products. Our embroidered patches with normal use are meant to last a lifetime, with very minimal discolouration. |
What’s the difference between embroidered and woven patches? | The machines used to make both products are completely different. Embroidered patches create a very rich and sophisticated feeling for the customer. However, the biggest limitation of embroidery is that it is sometimes difficult to replicate very fine details. Woven labels don’t have the aesthetics qualities that an embroidered patch has, but they are much better for very detailed patches that are limited to 80mm and under. |
What different backings are there? | The following backing options are available: No Backing – Embroidered patches can be made without a backing. If fact, they start out that way. These patches will show the twill or threads on the backside of the patch, and are generally more flexible. Patches without backings do not have the same thickness or stiffness as patches with backings; therefore, the best occasion to order patches without backings is when they will be sewn onto garments or other types of fabrics. Vilene Backing – Same as above but with a vilene backing which hides the twill or threads on the backside of the patch. This is the standard backing for patches that will be sewn on. Plastic Backing – Plastic backing adds stiffness and support to the patch allowing it to stay flat over time while still leaving the patch thin enough to be sewn onto a garment. Plastic can be used with any patch, regardless of size, shape, or border type. This is perfect for patches that will be glued onto something. Heatseal Backing – Also known as iron-on, heatseal allows patch application to your garment via home iron. Heat seal backings add some stiffness to patches, allowing them to lay flat. When using heatseal, it is advisable to sew a few stitches to hold the patch in place. Heat seal doesn’t work with nylon, and other synthetic fabrics. Adhesive Backing – Also known as peel and stick, adhesive, in a sense, turns your patch into an embroidered sticker. Glue is pressed onto the back of the patch, and then is overlaid with paper to be peeled off at the time of use. An adhesive backing is a non-permanent option when applied to fabric or clothing; therefore, it is best for a single event. Although the glue is much stronger than what you will find on an average paper sticker, it will not withstand a cycle in the washing machine, and will also weaken over time. For permanent application, order your custom patches with plastic or no backing and sew them to your garments. Hook-Sided Velcro Backing – Velcro backings tend to be used in Military applications such as unit shoulder patches, where removing and reapplying patches happen frequently. Hook and loop fasteners are available in one side or two sides. If your uniform or garment already has a loop fastener area, one-sided Velcro is the best choice. One-sided Velcro is our most popular Velcro option, comprising upward of 95% of Velcro orders. We offer Velcro backing in other colours besides black, including—but not limited to—olive green, black, and light tan. Two-Sided Velcro Backing – If your uniform or garment does not already have a loop fastener area, two-sided Velcro is the best choice. This backing comes with both the hook and loop side. All you have to do is sew the loop fastener to your uniform. |
What borders can I choose from? | There are various options when it comes to the border of your patches: Merrowed Border (also known as overlocked) – A 3mm border that overlocks the emblem edge, preventing fraying and gives your patch a clean finished look. Hot Knife (also known as laser cut) – For patches with complex shapes or detailed borders. Satin Stitch – A satin stitch edge without overlocking the emblem’s edge. Smooth Cut – No stitching on the patch edge |
What colour threads and base materials are available? | The following link shows the same threads and base materials that we use. It may assist you in choosing the colours you require. |
Colour Gradients | When it comes to gradient (one colour blending into another) depending on where the gradient is being used, we recommend replacing it with a solid colour or use 2 – 3 thread colours to try to replicate the gradient. How noticeable a change in thread colour will be will depend on how wide apart the colours are from each other. As an example shading from black to white will be very noticeable but transitioning from yellow to a slightly darker yellow will turn out much better. |
Patch Resolution | When making an embroidered patch we are limited around 75 threads per/inch. However different thread patterns will be used in different situations to make the patch look as close as possible to the original artwork provided. So the main thing to remember is that when you get your patches made up, don’t expect a high resolution finish like a printed or woven patch patch and don’t expect everything to have high resolution edges because they won’t. Due to the needles moving around when they are moving up and down and punching through the backing they will never strike the exact same position, so every patch will have slight differences. No two patches will be exactly the same. We are also limited to how narrow we can make a line. this is limited to about 0.5mm. Any narrower than this and we need to use a straight chain stitch. |
Do you have Quality Control before the patches are shipped? | At A1 Insignia we pride ourselves on the quality of the items we produce. Quality is everything! Before our customers receive their custom embroidered patches, our patches go through a meticulous quality control process, one that ensures your custom patches meet your design perfectly. |
Will you keep my file for future orders? | We keep a record of your custom patch forever. We keep a digital record of your product in our database, and we also keep one physical copy of your custom product in our files. If you want to reorder, simply let us know, and we will be able to quickly reproduce your custom patch again. |
What if I receive my patches and I don't like the quality of them? | If you receive your patches and don't like the quality, we will redo your order for free or refund your money |
How do I iron on my patches? | Before applying your patch wash and dry your garment first.
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What can I iron my patches onto? | There a variety of applications and can be put on shirts, jackets, bags, pants jeans and hats. The patches will iron onto most fabrics that can withstand the heat of a hot dry iron. Fabrics that may not be suitable include leather, rain-wear, highly elastic fabrics, or nylon fabrics. For materials such as these the patches can be stitched or glued. |
Can they be washed? | Yes. Once the patches are applied properly they can be put in the washing machine. Remember to turn your garment inside out. A gentle wash cycle with cold water is recommended. After the first couple of washes, check that the edges of your patch have remained in place. If they have lifted, repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 of the ironing instructions detailed above. Do not put them in the dryer. However, we always recommend oversewing the patch on items that will be washed frequently. |
What payment methods do you accept? | We accept Visa and Mastercard, cheques, or direct deposit. |
How do you ship your items and what does it cost? | We ship using Australia Post (Express Post) for a flat rate of $9.95 plus GST. |
How long will it take to get my patches? | 8 to 12 business days after final sample approval. |
Am I able to get a sample of the different types of patches to help me decide what is best for my needs? | Yes you can. Drop us an email and tell us what you would like and we can email some images to you or mail you physical samples. |
If there are any other FAQ you have please let us know - and we will add them to our FAQ page.