Most of the custom biker patches available in the market are made from heavy materials such as denim or heavy cotton since these materials are durable. Depending on the type and design of the patch that you want, you may require different percentages of embroidery during stitching.
Biker patches that are more complex in design and detail usually require a lot of embroideries, while patches that only require basic text-only require little embroidery.
Levels of Embroidery Used in Biker Patches
1. 50% Embroidery
A patch with 50% embroidery typically contains simple little text and simple design. In this type of patch, 50% of the twill is visible, with the other half covered by embroidery. Creating a custom patch of this nature is not that expensive, and it is thus used for most designs.
2. 75% Embroidery
Most of the biker patches that you see with most motorcycle enthusiasts have 75% embroidery. More than half of the biker patch is covered with embroidery, with less than half of the twill being visible. These patches can be found at a moderate price.
3. 100% Embroidery
This is the most expensive type of biker patch since it has 100% embroidery, with no twill being visible. If you are seeking a biker patch that is intricately and very accurately designed, you should go for a patch with this level of embroidery.
What Do Different Types of Embroidered Biker Patches Mean?
Before acquiring a biker patch, it is important to understand the meaning of different patches. This is the best way to ensure that you are wearing patches that do not rub other bikers the wrong way or send the wrong message. Below is an outline of the meaning of the different types of embroidered biker patches.
1. One-Piece Embroidered Back Patch
This type of patch is work on the jacket or vest of bikers who are members of a biker association or Motorcycle Club (MC) that has been sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association. This type of patch can contain different information such as the name of the MC, logo used by the MC, and in some cases, the location of the club.
2. Two-Piece Patch
This type of patch is usually worn by a member of a motorcycle club that is awaiting to be sanctioned into a recognized club by the American Motorcyclist Association. When a club is sanctioned, the members can then go ahead and start adorning a three-piece patch.
3. Three-Piece Biker Patch
This type of patch is typically worn by members of a recognized and approved MC. This type of patch is usually used to set the members of an MC apart from other clubs. This type of patch typically has three parts. There is the centerpiece that contains the club emblem, the top part of the patch that contains the name of the MC, and the bottom part, which identifies the MC by their location. Together, these three parts of a three-piece patch usually form the ‘colors’ of a motorcycle club.
4. Outlaw Biker Patches
This is a type of patch that is worn by self-designated outlaw motorcycle clubs or rides. This type of patch typically comes in the shape of a diamond, and it has a logo that reads 1%. This one percent is used by riders to signify that they do not consider themselves as members of the 99% of motorcycle clubs that are represented by the American Motorcyclist Association.
5. Activity Biker Patches
These are typically given to motorcyclists who attend a major rally organized by bikers such as a charity event.
Top Factors to Consider When Ordering Custom Embroidered Biker Patches
You can also choose to get embroidered patches that signify patriotism or your own beliefs. Custom patches can come in any design, color, and size as long as you can afford the cost of creating your desired patch. Here are the top factors to consider when ordering a custom biker patch.
1. Cost
As stated earlier, custom embroidered patches come in varying sizes, designs, and shapes. The cost of a patch typically depends on the level of embroidery, detail, size, design, and colors you want to incorporate in the patch.
2. Size
When determining the size of your biker patch, you should consider where you will be placing the patch. Remember that the ideal size for a shoulder patch may differ from one that you will use on a back patch.
3. Shape
Before buying a patch, ensure that you let your custom patch maker know the shape of the patch that you are interested in. Some of the most common shapes used for patches include squares, ovals, and circles. However, custom patches can be made in any shape. Before informing your designer of your desired shape, check the rules that your MC adheres to.
4. The Backing
The backing refers to the type of material that you will sew your patch onto. Keep in mind that the ideal type of patch will depend on the backing on which it will be placed.
5. Color and Design
When it comes to custom embroidered purchases, there is no limit to the designs that you can create and the colors that you can use on your biker patches. When choosing colors, you should be guided by your tastes and preferences.
Biker Patch Rules & Etiquette
Now that you have acquired an embroidered biker patch, below are some rules that bikers and motorcycle clubs adhere to when it comes to motorcycle patches.
- If you are a member of an MC, you can wear the colors of the club outside the territory that the club covers but never within the territory of another club
- On losing membership to an MC, you must surrender your colors
- You cannot borrow the jacket of another biker if it has the colors of the biker on it
- The colors of an MC club member can only be worn by another person if it is a woman riding with the owner of the colors
However, it is important to note that the rules on biker patches and colors vary from club to club. As such, understand the rules for your club first before adorning your biker patches.