What Is The Difference Between A Merit Badge And A ...

What Is The Difference Between A Merit Badge And A Patch?

Patches and badges often highlight similar features, but they have different manufacturing processes. One commonality between them is that they are both utilized by brands for product awareness and promotional campaigns. While patches add trendy elements to clothes, badges are symbols of accomplishment worn on garments. Since their introduction in 1911, about 150 different badge designs have been developed. Traditional patches, however, are usually made of textile and might have designs similar to badges.

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What Are Merit Badges?

Merit badges aren't just decorative pieces; they serve to encourage young scouts. Even though scout patches online are becoming popular, badges remain the preferred method of scout recognition. Smaller in size, children love them as they symbolize achievements when worn on uniforms. Another distinguishing feature of merit badges is their shape. Typically, they are round, ensuring they can be neatly sewn into belts and cuffs. Uniforms would look disorganized if badges varied significantly in size and shape.

Individuals of various ages earn and collect merit badges, be it as a hobby or as a testament to their accomplishments. Custom-made badges can also be created for club logos or other purposes.

What Are Traditional Patches?

Traditional patches have gained significant popularity, becoming a new medium for brand marketing campaigns and creating team identities. Clubs, sports teams, and businesses often customize patches for their apparel, serving as symbolic representations of their objectives. Designing a traditional patch is straightforward with numerous sizes, shapes, and colors to choose from. Options like fuzzy letter patches can be attached to clothes to add a stylish touch. They can be embroidered, glued, sublimated, or ironed onto garments.

Similarities And Differences

Here are some points to help you distinguish between traditional patches and merit badges:

1. Both traditional patches and merit badges feature creative designs and logos and are collected by enthusiasts as a hobby.
2. Patches add a stylish element to clothing, while badges symbolize achievements and are attached to garments.
3. Patches can be attached using embroidery, glue, or adhesive backings, whereas merit badges come with a pin for attachment.
4. Merit badges convey positions, ranks, or rewards, whereas patches serve as decorative elements or as showcases of brand partnerships and collaborations.

We are confident that any confusion regarding the purposes and applications of merit badges and traditional patches is now clarified. If you need patches for your brand, club, or team, contact us. We manufacture iron-on labels for clothing, as well as embroidered and printed patches. Visit our website to customize your patches!

Differences Between Traditional Patches & Merit Badges

The first merit badges were issued in 1911, with 57 initial designs. Today, there are over 150 designs, and a hundred million merit badges have been awarded globally. Despite their similarities to traditional patches, several distinct differences exist.

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Merit Badge Design

Young scouts spend weeks or even months earning a merit badge. More than just decoration, it symbolizes their achievements. Because they are often worn by children, merit badges are smaller than traditional patches—previously 1.5 inches in diameter and now 2.25 inches. Larger patches would look disproportionate on a child’s uniform. Badges are round for easy alignment on a sash and can also be sewn into cuffs and belts. Like patches, embroidered merit badges can be artistic, and are often collected for their distinct designs.

Create Your Own Merit Badges

If you're looking to create custom merit badges, American Patch is an excellent choice. Unlike other companies, we send a physical sample since it's hard to decide based on a graphic rendering. Shipping within the US is free, with quick turnaround times.

Learn More About Traditional Patches

The design possibilities for traditional patches are virtually limitless, with various shapes, sizes, and colors. Embroidered patches use threads sewn into backing material, while woven patches use finer threads for a flatter appearance. Dye-sublimated patches are vibrant, made using special ink to dye parts of the patch.

While merit badges and traditional patches share similarities, badges follow stricter design guidelines. American Patch can help create both merit badges and traditional patches for your organization. Contact us today for a free quote.

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