https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/a4edb1f6-6dc3-4029-9ba7-071de2bcfc23/September 2018 Complete Board 4.jpg
Why Patches?
Just like a bumper sticker, a shirt you can wear, or a custom phones case, a patch can be a simple way to display to others, or just reinforce to yourself, things you're interested in. Be they political, pop culture, or just jokes, patches can be a wonderful way to deck out and display what you're into- and without the commitment as Velcro backing lets you easily remove and swap out what you have on display often!
Patches have, in the original and traditional sense, been a way to signify belonging or allegiance to a certain group. Weather they be a military unit designation, or a large patch on the back of a biker jacket, they've been a common sight for years. With the rise of cheap, direct from manufacturer to customer shops, however, there's recently been a huge rise in small run, specific patch sellers. With more types of patches than ever before, it's easier than ever to buy a small piece of fabric that displays to all your hobbies and interests.
Why Pins?
Like patches, but shinier! Although not something I am really familiar with, there is a lot of overlap in collecting the two. At the request of other users, I have changed the title to be more inclusive of pin collectors as well, but with the understating that the OP and myself are not going to be focused on that aspect as it's not something that I feel I know enough about to make informative sections on. Still, if you're into collecting pins, feel free to share in this thread with others in this thread!
Patch Materials? Woven vs embroidered?
Generally speaking, there's three types of patches, two that use thread, and one PVC. PVC is kind of self explanatory, just a plastic, rubbery type of patch. Some people love them, some people loathe them, but they're out there.
Then there are the two stitched types: woven vs embroidered.
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/8f5086ca-70f7-4b43-99be-e062a4f61a56/woven-vs-embroidered-kpbs-800x402.jpg
Both are made with thread, but embroidered uses thicker threads. This gives it better definition, so its a texture you can feel and see. However, woven can have much more detail and color variation, but sacrifices by being a flat image. Again, it's personal preference, but I like embroidered better as its something that has more definition, you can feel and interact with more.
Here's an example of a woven patches vs pvc:
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/b686b8e2-7d18-4b81-b1f2-f81fef29b036/woven-patch-vs-pvc-patch.jpg
Another example of Woven vs Embroidered, this time from my patch board. Compare the embroidered Hotel Moscow patch (center) with the woven Evolution skull in the top. The skull has more color detail, but less definition. Also in the bottom center of the photo is an example of the PVC patch, Stay Rad.
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/709171c5-bb2c-4a96-94c5-542485f1d6d1/Three kinds of Aces.jpg
Patch backings?
Another thing to keep in mind is that some patches come with velcro, others with iron on backing. I prefer velcro as its easier to stick them on my hat and backpack, and move them around on my patch board. And most of the shops linked above come with velcro by default. But other stores have iron on or no backing- which are useful to attach to clothing permanently or to sew onto things. It's personal preference, but know what you're ordering and what the patch is coming with, or without. And if a shop has velcro which you do not want, or visa versa, you can always ask for the exclusion or inclusion of a certain backing- it doesn't hurt to ask!
Where do I put them on?
Jackets, backpacks, hats, even the interior of your car. Velcro can stick to some fabric pretty easily. Another option for displaying them is grabbing a patch board, as seen in the first image of the general.
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/304fc433-1191-4110-836d-a1aad079edb3/Backpack.jpg
-Patch Pannels for display
Getting a roll of automotive fabric or felt at a local hobby store is by far the cheapest, but requires some work to get mounted on a wall.
If you don't want to go through that process or are short on time, the patch panels I have used in the past are these from amazon.
Pricing?
In my experience, most 3"-4"patches should range from $5-$7 USD. This is another appeal of the hobby as they're relativity inexpensive compared to collecting other things. Of course there's patches out there that are much more expensive then that, but I would not recommend paying over $10 for a patch unless it's something you absolutely must have and can be found nowhere else. These price recommendations do not account for shipping costs, although this is relatively a non issue as small quantity orders are usually shipped by envelope at the simple cost of a couple of stamps. Again, though, it's up to the individual patch seller.
Where to buy?
There's not really a go-to shop that has a bunch of these things, most patch shops are small guys who usually run 10 different designs and sell them on the side. What you see on my patch board is probably from a dozen or so little shops.
Patch Sellers that participate in the thread:
Special shout out goes to WoodPatch , as they're a native facepuncher.
Badgerhound is also a really neat shop, and they actively participate in the thread. Would recommend.
Crimson Caravan - If it's fallout related, he has it. Among other things.
Other shops:
Here's a pastebin that has most of the shops I've bought from. The general themes of those shops are games, anime, and military since its someone else who maintains that paste off of a /k/ patch general. I can't say I 100% recommend everything in that paste, but everything I have bought from some of those shops have been good.
PatchesnPins is a pretty good store for more SciFi, movie, and pop culture things, but shipping is from the UK, so there's that. Where I got my Black Mesa patch, oddly enough.
/fa/ pastebin Most of these are iron on or no backing. Not my usual cup of tea, but there's more on offer here covering a wider variety of interests. The word "hipster" comes to mind for some of these.
Other places to look is ebay, etsy, even Chinese websites like AliExpress. Your millage may vary with these options, however.
Gallery
Here are a select few patches that cover a wide variety of interests that can kind of gauge the gauntlet of what's available out there:
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/01a8e629c5bc.gif
This patch is from the 22nd Military Airlift Squadron, who flew C-5 cargo aircraft out of Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. Part of the 22nd MAS' mission was to conduct late night operations picking up classified aircraft from aerospace plants in Southern California and delivering them to classified locations for testing and evaluation.
When the 22nd MAS undertook these missions, its crews would take off their everyday heraldry and Velcro this patch to their uniforms.
The black background and crescent moon on the patch probably represent the unit's night operations. The silver lining represents star light. The question mark signifies classified operations. The letters "NOYFB" stand for "None of Your F#g Business."
Reproduction available on amazon
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/8d557426-15c0-42ee-b5b3-3e47f4fce58a/ProductImage_1024x1024.jpg
Don't you EVER talk to ME or MY SON. EVER. AGAIN.
From WoodPatch
https://files.catbox.moe/ufbix5.jpeg
This original embroidered design is strongly influenced by nostalgic '80s finance themed movies and books. Classics like Wall Street (1987), Liar's Poker, American Psycho...
"A fallen angel is a bond that was given an investment-grade rating but has since been reduced to junk bond status due to the weakening financial condition of the issuer. There is a fine line between fallen angel bonds and value stocks, some have the potential to recover from short-term challenges, and some are headed straight toward bankruptcy."
This particular type of junk bonds kickstarted the notorious junk bond boom during the late 1970's and '80s. Mike Milken, the 1980s 'Junk Bond King' also started his highly profitable high yield business with 'Fallen Angels'.
From AestheticNorth
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/394f0314-34a3-433c-9fa7-af94a85ccb5e/IMG_2193_1024x1024.jpg
Provide ample warning to those around you of the ferocity of a certain polymer framed firearm
From Unlimited Patch Works
https://files.catbox.moe/syts0n.jpg
From Against Meaning
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/38b7da31-ded8-499b-ba24-5ae0a06b9478/s428982168532535188_p273_i4_w1836.jpeg
In Space, there's a lot of Dead.
From Crimson Caravan
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/8fdecd91-7e76-475a-93cf-87b114320502/REFSKULLBP_NOBG_ID_1000x.jpg
REFLECTIVE SKULL BACK PATCH
OH MY GOD IT'S BLINDING MY EYES!!!!! Stay safe at night and ruin flash photography all at the same time! This THREE-EM quality patch measures 10" at its widest point and features an iron-on backing.
From Inner Decay
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/8ce78c2a-e5d4-4254-b8c3-be93a0b886ea/20171205_113923_1024x1024.jpg
In the first age, in the first battle, when the shadows first lengthened, one stood. He chose the path of perpetual torment. In his ravenous hatred he found no peace. And with boiling blood he scoured the Umbral Plains seeking vengeance against the dark lords who had wronged him. And those that tasted the bite of his sword named him... the Doom Slayer.
From Skinwalker Supply Co.
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/28490054-8ffe-4203-b3c4-97bbdd51ea57/765909-180623.jpg
Assorted Gondolas, from left to right: White Death, Continunation War, and Cosmo Gondolas.
From Badgerhound Supply Co
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/cea4888f-47ef-4c2f-a7b0-0a6769f8bead/Valkyria Class Logos Closeup.jpg
Class Logos from the Valkyrian Chronicles series.
From Just the Base
Questions?
I'm absolutely certain there on people on FP that have infinitely more knowledge than me, who has started into this hobby only relatively recently. I welcome any comments and criticism to this patch primer. However, I'll answer any questions to the best of my ability.
A final note: there are going to be stores that have very political patches, from one side or the other. I'm probably jinxing it, but please don't bring that sort of discussion into the threads. If you see a patch you strongly disagree with, either from a store or another poster, ignore it and move on.
I hope I've might have inspired those who may have had interest in this sort of thing, or at the very least provided some sort of rudimentary education into the subject. It is a hobby I enjoy very much, especially because of it's relatively inexpensive cost compared to collecting other things, but whatever you take out of this thread, or the hobby itself, I hope it's something positive. Please post your patches and question!
Patch General v0 - Unique military patches I found online. (2012)
Patch General v1 - Velcro Backed Memetic Warfare
Please post your patches, pins, recent purchases, or just ask questions!
A couple of my most recent additions!
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/434781/ff606a0b-bc29-4cb7-b8f1-0139032568fa/IMG_20190506_153928.jpg
Reposting my collection
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/1829/55592e51-5d52-4a31-98d1-6eb73a0edd9f/IMG_20190506_172049_6.jpg
Tactical Tabbies is the most wholesome patch seller, I swear.
Just look at this design:
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/f668713f-709b-4bb0-b8f5-d2608b8fd230/23380231_10213273406763986_8198077887748333168_n_1_1080x.jpg
i may not have any patches (yet) but i do have a handful of pins! some of them are technically badges and not pins but ultimately its the same thing
https://i.imgur.com/y1DaADk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/atGCI9v.png
the only patch I own, I need to start a collection like y'all
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/238892/0a5804f9-dbce-467c-93dc-484cfa21d301/44693948_690506614683614_1484621287711047680_n.png
Wow a new thread! I don't make any pins though. Yet.
The patch that launched the thread, classic.
Now only if he'd ever restock.
Velcro too loud? Learn how to get rid of that ugly, harsh noise with this ONE easy trick!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSK3maq8Cyk
Oh god. oh fuck.
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/526/565e8892-bdb3-40e2-bd76-af43692214d3/IMG_20190507_170109.jpg
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/526/dda76ed6-7768-405a-a068-53de0f6eb248/IMG_20190507_170118.jpg
I've been busy fellas. Getting new patches is so addicting... and here's my pins, too
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/526/e30c9aaa-c4c2-4bc5-b69a-0645d525a184/IMG_20190507_170210.jpg
I see you've got some doki stuff in buttons and pins- have you seen the different doki patches Merlin's Magical Merrows has?
Yeah, I actually ordered the full set but never got them
I emailed him several times over the last 5 months, but never got a response. He didn't say anything when I filed a paypal dispute either, so whatever. I'll probably try ordering them again another time
Well, Merlin's restocked Goblin Slayer within the last two months, so I think he's still active if you did want to try again.
At least you got your money back with the dispute, right?
Yeah, but when the dispute went through I kinda felt like an asshole. I was hoping he would actually contact me instead. Oh well. Like I said, I'll try again later. Maybe I'll send him another email so there's no hard feelings ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Contributing with patch photo
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/238892/98ec5e69-3798-4194-b0f3-9f45a4fc082b/P1000038.JPG
There's a coupon for free shipping up on my site now through the 20th. The downside, your stuff isn't going to ship until I get back. Code is "vacation".
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/238892/49f0f92e-5a09-4d75-a1c6-4d1f34b5620e/D5Kr1Z0WkAEpxyC.jpg large.jpg
Oh and this includes international shipping too
oh man! if only I had a link to your webside, but I guess it's for cool people only...
updated pic of the current patch board
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/979ae665-2f62-4baf-ade3-8bf583b8eb6d/May 2019 - Patch Collection v3.jpg
Man I suck at compositing, and had to practically deep fry it to get it under a reasonable file size.
I'm going to throw my poorly photographed and not-very-well-formatted car's headliner into the "showing off my patch board" ring
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/209014/da644cea-398b-4632-a98e-47b6c22937c5/blueguy6.jpg
We all gotta start somewhere. This was the start of my patch board two years ago.
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/dbbf1a03-f336-4379-8d09-c0985a764473/Please be gentle.jpg
https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/548594803030360102/550555502631976961/JPEG_20190227_215018.jpg?width=260&height=538
i got this patch I don't know if it's vietnam-era since i found it at an estate sale
Could be, it is a 1st Division cavalry which was in Korea and Nam, might be from one or the other.
Just remembered we do pins here so I thought I'd drop my tiny collection.
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/237011/e9255491-e76a-4712-92bf-b82ab83a068b/20190518_112718.jpg
yah sorry I feel like general patch thread etiquette is not to spam the URL if it's already at the top, in the future I can provide a handy link though. Yeah I'm out of the red ones If there's enough interest still I can reorder.
If it's any difference, I'd definitely buy a red one if you re-upped on them
So NEET of Just the Base restocked a bunch of patches.
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/b24a7e3a-db6b-41c4-a92f-bfeae6e6edaa/1558564954269.jpg
Amoung the restocks, her turned the Delta and the Iltien rangers from woven to much nicer embroidered patches.
Hey guys, so for Memorial Day weekend I've got a sale going on, 30% off with the code "F".
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/238892/7425730c-a169-450a-881e-f31306f4e015/40253663_657424044658538_3812057322314792960_n.jpg
Razgriz of Strangerealpatches.com just dropped their AC7 patches:
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/527/010cb451-f7a7-47bf-b82a-7c6f1d7ea860/1558669905122.jpg
Sorry, you need to Log In to post a reply to this thread.
