Just a Patch? Or a Piece of Art?

I’ve been obsessed with patches from a young age and in the 80’s I made very rough hand embroidered and painted ones for my biker pals. What I would have given to have had access to todays technology for producing machine embroidery! At 53 years old the obsession has never left me though.

I think patches are very similar to tattoos, the final piece is on on a moving canvas that can be viewed from bus stops to festivals and everywhere in between. A piece of art that no-one has to visit an art gallery to admire.

Triumph Tiger Cub patches

This denim cut off definitely stands out. The tiger cub patch is my own design but I also supply the official tiger cub one.

So for that reason, like tattoos, they should be absolutely top notch quality and unique, not mass produced, stripped back artwork, but something that can be worn with pride to make a statement and reflect a lifestyle but here lies the problem…

We are so used to buying poor quality patches for very little, that trying to produce really good quality pieces can be really tricky. Like any piece of artwork, it takes hours to produce and those hours have to be reflected in the final product along with material costs as contrary to belief, artists can’t actually survive on fresh air alone!

So as I’m currently in my absolute element test stitching some ideas for limited edition band merch for the Levellers, I’m also hoping I’m not wasting my time and I can take them to full production and actually be able to pay myself a wage in the process.

First Stitch Out of Levellers Limited edition patches, A Weapon called the Word is nearly perfect, Zeitgiest still needs a bit of work to try and reflect the textures of Jeremy’s original painting.

I’ve been following the Levellers for years and have become good friends with bass guitarist and artist, Jeremy Cunningham, he completely understands and supports the need to slow down mass production for things like band merch and take a more ethical approach, supporting independent producers using ethical procedures. Anyone who knows their work will know for 35 years their lyrics have taken a political stance about the current state of the world and the injustices between the classes. Jeremy and the rest of the band fully supported an idea I had during lockdown of producing merchandise made from up-cycled fabrics, mostly old denim, which I embroidered with their iconic, ‘Rolling A’ a symbol of anarchy and widely seen in some shape or form on fans of the band. To my relief, these sold out in no time at all and I take great pleasure in patch spotting when I’m at gigs and festivals!

The Rolling A

The Levellers iconic anarchy symbol. These were stitched out onto old denim after I bought 25kilos of used Levis, turned out to be a wise purchase!

As we are all trying to lead a more ethical lifestyle and think about the damage fast fashion has on the planet, I am hoping I can help change people’s perceptions on the humble patch. The digitising process is quite a complex affair and there are loads of companies that will auto digitise an image and produce really poor quality items, it’s all about mass production at low cost and we all know this can also involve, harmful chemicals and cheap labour in poor working conditions.

The initial digitising process, which is the art of translating artwork into stitches, is something I will spend hours on, I never auto digitise, I build all my designs from the ground up, making small adjustments here and there and several test stitch outs until I end up with a product that is a pleasure to look at, touch and really reflects the statement it is making. I always use either up-cycled, deadstock or ethically produced fabrics in all my makes and try my best to have as little impact on the planet as I can, whilst still being able to pay my bills, it’s never an easy balance but so far, as my patches are gradually getting recognised as being a ‘wee work of art’ rather than just a patch, I take a few ‘happy dance’ moments that all the hard work is paying off and I’m producing work to be proud of and that’s what matters to me. I never mass produce, it’s just me and Bob, my embroidery machine and the fact I only produce short runs of limited editions elevates these pieces from simple merchandise to collectible items.

I’m hoping as I gradually get my stitchy art out there, more bands will realise there is a place for these premium pieces. There will always be a need for some mass production and musicians that play for tens of thousands of fans will have no place for a run of 50 patches but I’m proud to part of a festival family that not only like to be unique, they also support independent artists, even if it costs a few quid extra and for that I am forever grateful.

Custom merch for Maelor Hughes Music

A short run of patches stitched onto everything from my sisters partners old cammo jacket to an odd end of upholstery fabric, made this project truly unique. Mounted on the cards gave Maelor an opportunity to further customise these and sign them for his fans.

If you are a small band and would like some unique quality merchandise, please get in touch, i’m always more than happy to discuss all things embroidery, I always work in short runs so there is no place for waste.

Big love and patchy vibes and see you all in a happy field again soon.

Judi x