Patches vary in forms, colours, materials and designs, but did you know that the backing also tells another story about how they were made, when and where they came from? These are some good examples that from a collector standpoint it really matters to understand.
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 have one of these patches without backings is when they will be sewn onto garments or other types of fabrics since they naturally tend to wrinkle.
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. Plastic on the back of a custom patch will appear thin and matte. If you click the image above for a close-up, you will be able to subtly see the difference in texture in comparison to the non-backing patch shown in the 'no backing' example.
Heatseal (Iron-on) Backing: Heatseal allows patch application to your garment via home iron. Heatseal backings add stiffness to patches, allowing them to lay flat. Some patch companies rate their iron-on backing for 20-30 washes, while others use more robust adhesives to achieve 50-80 washing cycles. When using heatseal, it is advisable to sew a few stitches to hold the patch in place. Heatseal doesn't work with nylon and other synthetic fabrics.
Capturing the look of heatseal with a photograph is difficult; however, if you click on the image above and look closely, you'll see that heatseal gives the patch a shiny coating that will melt and adhere to the fabric when heated.
Adhesive (Peel-and-Stick) Backing: Adhesive in a sense turns your patch into an embroidered sticker. A glue is pressed onto the back of the patch, 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. The paper backing for adhesive patches can fit the shape of the patch or it can be oversized for quick and easy peeling and application.
Hook Backing: Hook backing tends to be used in Military applications such as morale patches, where removing and reapplying patches happen frequently. If your uniform or garment already has a loop fastener area, one-sided hook is the best choice. One-sided hook is our most popular option, comprising upward of 95% of all the military orders today in the United States. You can have hook backing in black, OD green, brown, coyote, desert tan and shades of gray colours.
Hook and Loop Backing: If your uniform or garment does not already have a loop fastener area, hook and loop 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. Many patch companies glue the hook backing to the patch, creating weak points that eventually cause the hook backing to un-attach itself from the back of the patch. For best results sew the backing and patch together for a stronger bond and longer life.
Magnetic Backing: Half-inch magnetic discs are attached to the patch turning the patch into an embroidered (or woven) magnet. The amount of magnets attached to the patch depends on the patch's size; however, they are super-strong. One magnet is usually sufficient for a standard three inch patch. Even so, a three inch patch comes usually with two magnets, so you never have to worry about their performance.
Pin Backing: When the patch is being created, one or more pins are placed inside the layers of backing, twill, and thread, allowing the patch to be used as a pin or brooch. Once pinned through the garment, butterfly clutches (included) are used to secure the patch. This is ideal for frequent location changes, such as hand bags or different jackets for different times of the year..
Security Backing: Security backing is a layer of thin plastic with your company name or any other information you desire printed onto the plastic. Security backing also prevents theft and plagiarism of patches. Of course, it's only effective if the patch is not being affixed to a fabric.
Button Loop Backing: A loop of thread is attached to the back of the patch, creating a loop for a button to pass though. Although glued, they hold up extremely well since the only weight they are supporting is the weight of the patch. More often than not, the Boy Scouts of America and other Scouting organisations order their patches with button loops, allowing the patches to hang on a button of their uniforms but some military units does it as well.
Paper Backing: The most rare are the Vietnam paper backed patches, these are far and few between; you won’t see many of these out there because most collectors will hold on to them. The problem with being a collector is you have to make the decision if you want original stuff (It is not cheap), but there is a great pride in owning them. they're a great piece of history. From all the patches of the Vietnam War era in the market probably 70% of them are reproductions. You can find them on eBay, Amazon or other websites. You might find the difference between them on the quality and the backing. Also the price you paid for your patches will for the most part tell you they are not original Vietnam era. Every once in a while you might find one or two in their batches that are original, very few and far between. Original patches are not cheap but hold and even increase in value.
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