The Difference Between Embroidered Labels and Woven Labels
Many people love the vintage feel of embroidered patches, but here’s what you need to know: Why is it often a better choice to choose a woven label (clothing woven label) for your clothing labels?
Sometimes, we are often asked about the difference between embroidered labels and woven labels. At first glance, they may be mistaken for one another, but in fact, the whole production process and results are actually very different. Once you are familiar with the characteristics of each, you will be able to quickly distinguish between them, helping you decide which one is better.
Both embroidery and weaving are common methods of getting a design or pattern on fabric. They both use thread to express the design, which is durable and high-quality, and the patterns produced are durable. However, the similarities end there, woven labels are made by interweaving 2 or more yarns together at right angles, so the entire label is made from scratch to match the design. Embroidered labels are very different from this, because they start with a common base material (usually cotton drill), and then the design or pattern is stitched on top of this base material, which creates a different effect. Both methods have a special place in design and textiles, so continue to learn more about these techniques.
Embroidered Labels
Embroidered labels are made by embroidering (stitching) the design directly onto pre-existing label material using colored thread and special stitches. Due to the nature of embroidery, they often give off a "vintage" feel reminiscent of old-fashioned badges and more elaborate handicrafts.
Embroidered labels are far less common than woven and printed labels. Embroidery is a method that has higher production costs and more design restrictions, so the embroidery concept is often replaced by the more versatile woven labels, which have a similar look and feel.
Woven Labels
Woven labels are made on a jacquard loom that weaves polyester or cotton threads together to produce the design pattern you want. Woven labels are high-quality, durable, and soft against the skin. Your design will not rub off or fade over time because the design is made to create the label, not just glued or printed onto a pre-existing label surface.
Woven labels are a good choice for any brand label because they add a luxurious feel to names, logos, and simple images, and can be made in a variety of shapes and colors to match your intended design. Woven labels are smooth and soft, making them perfect for applying to skin and anywhere you don’t want to add anything bulky.
Embroidered vs Woven Labels, Which is Better?
Since embroidered patches are sewn onto a base fabric, these patches and labels are usually thicker and more textured. The design is raised above the base fabric, giving it a more three-dimensional feel, while the layer of stitching adds stiffness to the finished product. Woven patches are smoother and softer, with a flatter surface. The fabric is woven together using different yarns to match the design, becoming part of the label from the beginning. Since the thread used in the weaving process is much finer than the embroidery thread used to sew the image onto an already woven base, more detail can be achieved in a woven patch.
Overall, embroidered labels give a really great vintage, outdoorsy feel to simple designs on the outside of a product. Woven labels and badges are better for detailed designs, and sometimes you don’t want something so stiff and bulky. However, when choosing between woven and embroidered labels, we think there’s no contest between the two, as woven labels are softer, more durable, and can capture subtle details.
