We’ve been designing and manufacturing custom military patches for over 20 years. No matter what branch of the military you represent, we’ve got you covered. We’re familiar with all of the standard insignias and designs, and we always enjoy seeing the unique designs many units come up with. We have everything you need to design custom military patches you can be proud of. We offer a variety of patch sizes, a wide range of thread colors, and plenty of different patch backings, including Velcro. We’ll work with you every step of the way to make sure your patches come out perfect. And if you’re looking for something a little edgier, we can do custom morale patches too!
Military patches are a universal part of uniforms, both in the United States and around the world. When did embroidered patches come into use, and what makes them so important as a part of the standard military uniform?
History of US Military Patches
At the time of the Civil War, embroidery was done by hand. Each patch was at least a little bit different, so it would have been difficult or impossible to standardize them. But not long after the end of that war, changes already wrought by the Industrial Revolution brought big changes to embroidery.
The invention of the sewing machine, and later the powered embroidery machine, greatly decreased the cost and increased the speed of embroidery production. That made it possible for custom embroidered patches to be produced rapidly and consistently.
By World War I, machine embroidery was well-established. After U.S. troops joined the war in 1917, the Army’s 81st Infantry Division created what’s come to be known as the first shoulder sleeve insignia, or tactical patch. The troops had trained at Fort Jackson, S.C. Near the fort was a body of water known as Wildcat Creek. Their patch design featured the silhouette of a wildcat on an olive drab background.
Within two decades, every Army group, squad, corps, and division had its own unique shoulder sleeve insignia. The 82nd Airborne had its mirror-image pair of “A”s for All-American. The 1st Infantry Division its “Big Red One,” and so on for all the others. Before long, insignia including unit patches and U.S. flags became a standard part of the uniform.
Create Custom Military Patches
Our creative team will help turn your vision into high quality embroidered patches. We offer a free design with unlimited revisions to get the patch just right. Our talented artists can use any samples or inspiration you provide to create an effective and appealing custom design. It’s a seamless experience whether you come to us with a completed, detailed design, or a basic sketch. Customize all aspects of your patches, including shapes, sizes, colors, and type of backing. Fill out our free quote form to get pricing info. Or call our Colorado office to speak with the person who will help design your patches. There is no obligation to buy, so find out what your military patches could look like!