Scout badges are worn on the uniforms of members of scouting organizations all over the world so they can be identified for their membership and achievements.

There are a few varieties of badges not just between the different scouting organizations but the different programmes as well.

For the different variety of badges, there is more than one way that these badges can be created!

Yes, we’re gonna talk about:
Embroidered Badges, Woven Badges and Sublimation Badges.

Embroidered Badges

Embroidered badges have been the standard method of fabricating scout badges for decades, now.

An embroidered badge is produced onto a base cloth by a stitching process; it results in a textured and raised design effect.

The best things about embroidered badges are:

  • They are able to produce a lot of depth.
  • They add a lot of texture to the design.
  • Since they’ve been around for so long, they’re the most trusted and used method of badge production putting them on the top of the list.
  • Embroidered badges can be received within 10 days of order placement.
  • The minimum order quantity is 25 badges.

The not so great parts about embroidered badges are:

Embroidery badges cannot deliver on extremely detailed designs.

  • There are no blending options available.
  • There’s a limit to the text size as small texts are illegible.

Woven Badges

Woven badges are fairly new to the scouting world. Since woven patches use thinner threads that are woven together instead of embroidered onto a fabric, they are ideal when a design is too detailed or complex to be achieved with the embroidery process.

The best things about woven badges are:

  • These badges are softer to the touch.
  • They can accommodate a lot of small details.
  • Woven badges can be lasered to perfection.
  • These badges are extremely light.
  • The final design is extremely flat providing more uniformity.

The not so great parts about woven badges are:

  • Woven badges take up to 3 weeks to order.
  • The price point is much higher, especially for smaller volumes.
  • The minimum order quantity is 100 badges

Sublimation Badges

Sublimation badges are super new, even to the embroidery world. Basically, they’re the print equivalent of an embroidery! The desired design is printed directly onto a pre-sewn blank badge. This technique is used to provide a photo-like quality to badges.

The best things about sublimation badges are:

  • The production process is pretty fast. The order can be dispatched in under 5 working days.
  • They’re extremely light.
  • Smaller quantities can be ordered as there is no minimum quantity.
  • The smallest of details can be highlighted because it’s essentially a print.
  • The badge itself can be outlined with embroidery for added bravado.
  • The end product is nicer looking.

The not so great things about sublimation badges are:

  • They can only go up to 40 washes.

Embroidery vs. Woven vs. Sublimation

The three types are both similar to and unlike the other. Each type has its own set of pros and cons, as seen above, but it’s also necessary to know the difference between them for better judgment.

  • Embroidery badges cost lesser than woven badges.
  • Woven badges take the most time to produce.
  • Embroidery badges are way bulkier than woven or sublimation badges.
  • Embroidery badges weigh more than woven or sublimation badges.
  • Sublimation badges fade away after a few dozen washes unlike embroidery and woven badges.
  • Sublimation badges are the cheapest and woven badges are the costliest.

Now that you have a better grasp on what these badges can do, you can pick the best badge type according to your requirements!