Today, embroidered patches are used by government organisations (including uniforms of military forces, emergency services and other specialised workers), sports teams and companies in the private sector to denote rank, job, specific position or specialised unit. Elaborate hand-stitched designs and patterns were used to embellish the robes of royalty and for religious artifacts. Embroidered patches can be attached with a pin, sewn on, or affixed with more modern methods such as iron-on, dryer heat-activated adhesive, and Velcro backing.Įmbroidered patches-an important identification tool for military and other uniformed personnel-trace their roots thousands of years ago to ancient cultures of the Mediterranean, Mideast, China, India and South America, where the art of decorating fabric with thread stitching originated.

There are various methods of affixing them to the fabric surface. High-speed, computerized machines have led to mass production. During the first half of the twentieth century they were commonly embroidered using a shiffli embroidery machine. The art of making embroidered patches is an old tradition and was originally done by hand.

Scouting patches worn by adult leaders, Mexico City, March 2010.Īn embroidered patch, also known as a cloth badge, is a piece of embroidery which is created by using a fabric backing and thread.

Darkwatch 2 embroidered patches