Have you ever seen really cool military patches that really catch your eye? Or maybe you've seen patches from civic groups or sports clubs that you'd like to have simply because they look so awesome. Well truth be known, designing embroidered patches that are both attractive and effective takes some experience and know-how. Of course, artistic talent doesn't hurt either.
If you're interested in designing your own custom patches, we've listed below are some tips to help you get started. These tips apply whether you're design patches just as a hobby or you want to eventually make a living at it.
1. Size and Shape - Always consider where a patch is most likely to be mounted before choosing an appropriate size and shape. Your design should take into account whether you want a circular, oval, rectangular, square, or custom die-cut shape.
2. Colors - Try to incorporate colors in your design that work well together. For example, red is a good color to grab the attention of the eye, but it doesn't necessarily go well with things like purple and dark brown. Make sure your colors are complementary rather than contrary -- unless contrast is integral to the design.
3. Text Constraints - If you're using text it should be clear, concise, and to the point. You won't have a lot of room for excess text; too much text can be confusing and unattractive anyway.
4. Stick with Your Theme - Most military patches we've seen are clearly themed around a branch of service, a unit, or a specific military conflict. When designing your own patches remember to do the same thing. Keep your graphics and text applicable to your theme so that you don't divert attention from it.
