A merrow or overlocked border wraps around the edge of the entire badge, looking like a button hole finish and is always 2mm/3mm in thickness. This is best for simple shapes, such as circles, squares, rectangles etc. The disadvantage of a merrow border is a distinctive bump that's created where the border overlaps and if you choose a heat seal backing the glue will never go to the edge of the border. Good for a retro look.

This border is a neat/flatter option for your badge - adding a soft texture to the edge. It is smoother and there is no overlap (different from the merrow border), whilst also allowing a heat seal backing to go to the very edge of the badge.

A large percentage of the orders that we do for woven badges are without borders, the same goes for badges that are embroidered with felt as a base fabric. EmbroideryBadge.Uk can provide you with ready to applique` embroidered badges. For these types of orders, there is no border required.

The appliqué technique uses a commercial embroidery machine to add a border to the badge for attachment to your garment. We'll provide a DST stitch file. Choose non-woven backing for appliqué. Ensure a 3mm clear edge space in the artwork for optimal results. "Selecting 'Appliqué' indicates your preference for badges with the embroidery appliqué technique. By choosing this, you acknowledge that you are familiar with this technique and have access to the necessary equipment, or are working with an embroiderer who does.

Also known as iron-on, heat seal allows badge application to a garment using an industrial heat press or a home iron. Heat seal backing adds stiffness. Heat seal badges will not adhere to water repellent fabrics and are not suitable for fine nylons due to a heat in excess of 180 degrees. Always test your application and follow our heat seal guide for reference.

These are made out of non-woven fibres and help add stiffness to the badges so that they don't curl up, whilst also creating a neat finish on the back of your badge. Recommended if choosing an applique application.

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 it will also weaken over time. For permanent application, order your custom patches with plastic or no backing and sew them to your garment. Also known as peel and stick, 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.

Velcro backings tend to be used in military applications such as morale patches, where removing and reapplying badges happens frequently. Choose the hook and/or the loop sides of the Velcro. The hook side is normally attached to the actual badge, the loop side to the garment. We offer Velcro backing in other colours besides black, including - but not limited to - MOD green, brown, and shades of grey.

This is the most commonly used backing for Sew on or applique badges The non woven backing adds a little stiffness to your badge making it more stable

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 onto your uniform. With USAbadge.com the difference is:-Many badge companies glue the Velcro backing to the badge, creating weak points that eventually cause the Velcro to detach itself from the back of the Badge. We sew the backing and badge together for a stronger bond and longer life.

These backing options look very similar to a heatseal backing, however they are not to be ironed onto products. This backing is used to create a supportive and neat finish for the badge. Plastic can be used with any patch, regardless of size, shape, or border type.

In this case, there is no backings used on the backside of the badges.

We use polyester twill fabric that is available in a limited range of colors please look at the color chart for the range of colours.

Felt is a non-woven fabric that is produced by matting, pressing, and condensing woolen fibers together.

100% Embroidered, No Fabric

Reflective

Normal Thread

These add bling to your product. The metallic effects can be used as a radiant and delicate design element, as well as for powerful and striking statements. Besides fashion creations, they are often applied to military, carnival, corporate, holiday or religious items. Choosing these threads will add to the cost and length of the order process.

Madeira thread. Please specify the colour codes. This adds a 50% charge on the thread cost.

The glow in the dark effect is achieved by coating the thread with a special material. This coating is fragile and hence the glow in the dark badges are not suitable for hard wear and tear use. Available in white and a pale green. Choosing these threads will add to the cost and length of the order process.

Recycled Thread

A loop of thread is attached to the back of the badge, creating a loop for a button to pass though. Although glued, they hold up extremely well—the only weight they are supporting is the weight of the badge. More often than not, the Boy Scouts of America and other Scouting organisations order their badges with button loops, allowing the badges to hang on a button of their uniforms.