FAQ'S

1. What is the difference between a woven and an embroidered badge?

The difference between woven and embroidered badges can be explained as follows. Woven badges are hard-wearing and are commonly the badge of choice for customers who require small scale lettering or a detailed design. Embroidered badges are stitched on the surface of the fabric and are richer and more textured in appearance. However, embroidered badges cannot show the great detail that can be shown on a woven badge, and can be more susceptible to wear and surface abrasion.

Unlike an embroidered badge, woven badges allow much more detail in the design and hence much greater clarity of the image, and allow the badge to be smaller where required. When larger quantities are required, the woven, cloth badge is also generally a lower cost item to produce than an embroidered badge. 

Although the woven badge has much more detail and clarity of the image, than an embroidered badge/patch, some people prefer the embroidered badge where this detail is not required. This is because, unlike an embroidered badge,  the design on the surface of the woven badge is flat without any relief or texture. Franklins have overcome this on some occasions by combining a woven badge with the embroidery process, or by using special weaving techniques.

As the woven badge has a flat surface it is less likely to have its image removed by wear or abrasion, or to gain unsightly surface pilling, or snags, due to abrasion.

2. What is overlocking?

Overlocking is the stitch that goes over the edge of the badge. It helps hold the cloth badge to the rigid backing material. It also gives another option for a coloured edge, and it makes it easier to sew the badge onto the garment. This is because it is easier to sew through the loose overlocking than through the stiffened badge with the backing material and adhesive layer.

Sharp internal angles cannot be overlocked. Where these are present an embroidered edge is the alternative (see FAQ 3). Or a LASER cut badge with welded edge.

A badge is woven on a loom as an integral part of a web of fabric.  The badges are designed to be woven across the fabric as effeciently as possible to minimise waste. This badge fabric is flimsy; not stiff. So a backing material, often a fusible interfacing fabric, is used to stiffen the badge material.

The overlocking can aid hold the badge fabric and backing together. Heat stamping the badges out, or LASER cutting them to a certain extent negates the need for overlocking because these methods can weld the edges of the backing material and badge material together. However, many customers still like an overlocked edge for decorative, traditional, and as an aid to sewing the badge to the garment.

The sewing problem can be overcome by using iron on backing so that the badge can be easily ironed onto the garment.

3. When do I need to have an embroidered edge on my badge?

If your badge is laser cut, or has sharp internal angles, a satin stitch embroidered edge is a great way to complete your badge. This is a more expensive alternative to overlocking. It is most commonly used on the edge of heat applied badges used on football and other sporting shirts.

4. Can I simply email in a design?

Yes you can, please don’t forget to include dimensions and quantities and we will email back your quote. Email: info@franklins.co.uk.

Ideally we prefer a high quality colour image preferably 300 dpi but not less than 100 dpi.  However, if you have a simple sketch, we can create you artowork for you free of charge. This can be sent to us via e-mail in either JPEG or TIFF (PC COMPATIBLE). This will assist us in meeting your design expectations. If you have colour references these should also be included in your email (pantones or a simple aproach for example would be Cadbury's purple or Sainsbury's orange). Our in house design department will be able to offer you every assistance with your design.

5. I have a rough sketch of what I want but are not able to create my own art work. Can you help?

Yes, either scan and email into info@franklins.co.uk or post with your contact details to: Franklins International Ltd, 54 Scarva Road,  Banbridge, BT32 3AU. Please remember to include dimensions and quantities.

6. Can I get a sample of my badge design?

You will be emailed a scan of your badge for approval before manufacturing begins. This is usually 10 days after you have approved your artwork.

7. How long does it take for my order to be despatched?

Once payment is confirmed and you have approved your sample delivery will be 3-4 weeks. Orders may be able to be fast tracked on request.

8. Can I give you a call and speak to someone?

Yes, and we would love to hear from you. Please phone: UK 028 4062 2230 or ROI: (048) 406 22230.

9. I want an item and I cannot find it on the website. Who can I contact?

Yes, and we would love to hear from you to explain more about our products. Please phone: UK 028 4062 2230 or ROI: (048) 406 22230.

We have a much wider range than we are able to show on our website and also make bespoke items to order. You can also email info@franklins.co.uk.

10. What happens once I place my order?

We follow the schedule below:

1. An enquiry is made via the Franklin website, by email, or telephone call.
2. Everything about the order is discussed and agreed. If you don’t have a proper design we can help with that.
3. Order placed
4. Payment taken
5. Artwork checked, amendments made if necessary and returned to you for approval
6. On approval design sample made (7 – 10 days) and scan sent for approval
7. On approval badges are made and despatched (3 – 4 weeks)

11. I have changed my mind and want to cancel my order. What can I do?

If manufacturing has begun (after approval by you) the order will be completed and despatched. If your sample has been made a refund will be given minus the admin fee of £20.00. If this happens before work has started on your artwork, you will be given a full refund.

12. My badges are for an event and I need them earlier, can you help?

Hopefully, please telephone or email and we will do our best to help you out. Orders may be able to be fast tracked on request.

13. I made a mistake on my badge design. What should I do?

Please telephone, or email straight away and we will do our best to help.

14. I have a problem, who should I contact?

Call Franklins sales department as soon as possible and we will be happy to help.  Please phone: UK 028 4062 2230 or ROI: (048) 406 22230.

15. I've tried to phone the factory but it was closed, HELP!

If we are closed for annual holidays there will be a message on the answering machine.

Our normal factory opening hours are:
8.30 – 5.30 Monday to Thursday
8.30 – 12.30 Friday

If you need to get in touch out of hours urgently email info@franklins.co.uk. We will do our best to respond.

16. I would like to have my order delivered to a different address, can you do this?

Yes, of course. We would prefer to know at the time of ordering/payment but as long as you allow us sufficient notice it shouldn't be a problem. Please phone: UK 028 4062 2230 or ROI: (048) 406 22230.

Or email info@franklins.co.uk.

17. I am stationed/based overseas can you ship to me?

If you have a BF PO address please advise us and we will organise this delivery for you. Please remember this will be in 2kg max weight boxes. For companies and civilians based overseas,  we can ship to most countries in the world, though this may incur additional delivery charges.

18. I am trying to order garments but two of the sizes I need are larger than most garment sizes. Can you help?

Yes. We can advise you which garment ranges are available in the sizes you require. Our largest size is 10XL.

19. I'm not sure which lady fit size garments to order, can you help?

Yes, its to best to phone so that we can ensure you get exactly what you want. Here's the reason why; Lady fit tops are by nature slim fit. 'Fruit of the Loom' being the smallest, though we would recommend B&C or AWD as the best sized female fitted garments through the size ranges. It is also possible to add their childrens range to the lower size range and the comfort (or mens) fit to the upper size scale to ensure that children and the bigger girls also have matching garments. Be careful when sellecting the colours to ensure that the same colour is available through all the styles and size ranges.

20. I am looking for a large number of garments quickly can you help?

Yes,  call Andy Wilson for a special quote please phone: UK 028 4062 2230 or ROI: (048) 406 22230.

21. I have a very strict budget can you point me in the right direction to stay within budget?

Yes call 028 4062 2230 for help.

Franklin's offers a wide range of garments with varying qualities and prices, but it make sense to bear in mind what you will be using the garments for. Low priced items are low priced because they are generally made from lighter weight material, or even cheap materials. If you need garments to last it is not always the best policy to go for the lowest price. You may need to purchase two or three cheap items to last as long as a good quality item.

“There is scarcely anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse, and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man’s lawful prey.”

John Ruskin

22. How do I apply an Iron-on badge?

1. Domestic Iron
2. Switch OFF the steam setting
3. Use a heat resistant hard surface such as a table or counter top (not a padded ironing board)
4. Place a thin cotton cloth onto the hard surface such as a hankie or tea towel.
5. Place the garment on the cloth
6. Damp the area where the badge is to be placed, very slightly with a sponge. It must not be wet.
7. Place the iron-on badge in the required position on the garment with the glue side down. Ensure that any protective wax paper backing has been removed first.
8. Cover the badge with another thin cotton cloth
9. When the iron is hot, place it on the cloth, over the badge area and press as firmly as possible for 45 seconds. thick materials eg denim or embroidered iron-on badges may take longer. this melt the glue and attaches it to the garment.
10. For large badges the iron may need to be lifted and reapplied to any unheated sections. DO NOT slide the iron over the top of the badge.
11. Let the badge and the garment cool, then turn it over/inside outand repeat the process on the rear of the badge
12. Allow the badge and garment to cool completely before handling.
13. Wash the garment at a low temperature. In the unlikely event that the badge loosens or comes away from the garment, it can be reapplied by repeating the above process.
14. Children should not try to iron on the badges on ther own. Irons are dangerous and should only be used by an adult or under supervision.

• Industrial Heat Press

• The optimum procedure is

• Temp 165-170
• Pressure medium (nb paper should not be able to be pulled out from between the press)
• 15 seconds
• Cool
• Additional 5 seconds (some use spongy mat) use non-stick paper
• Timings and heat may vary dependant upon make and age of press.

23. Can you do flame retardant badges?

Franklin's have developed an embroidered badge with velcro backing which meets std. BS EN ISO 14116.

This standard specifies the performance requirements  for the limited flame spread properties of materials, material assemblies and protective clothing in order to reduce the possibility of the clothing burning and therefore avoiding hazard.

This badge was designed specifically for police body armour and helmets, but can have many other applications.

24. What is your minimum order?

To enable Franklins to sell at wholesale prices we need reasonable sized orders to cover our overheads. Franklins keep their order quantities to a minimum, and for various products the minimum order quantities are:

100 units for badges, 1000units for labels, 6 units for garments. 1 unit for hand embroidered or hand wire embroidered badges.

For customers who require less than 100 units, we suggest it best to buy the whole hundred and simply use the quantity you require. We believe in most cases you will find the price to be little different from that most companies would have to quote for 25 or 50 badges.

Total order values should ideally be in excess of £200 in value.

25. What are all the finishes on the labels?

We supply woven labels in taffeta and satin quality, these can be supplied in a variety of formats such as:

• Hot cut, often know as flat or laser-cut labels. These are generally applied by sewing around the four sides or sticking
• Cut & end folded, end fold labels are secured by sewing on to the garment at each side
• Centre fold, this is the most common neck label or tax tab as it is generally ed into a garment seam. washing instructions can be on the reverse
• Mitered,  each end of the label is folded at 45 degrees so that the ends can be inserted into a seam. often used as hangers on a garment.
• Manhattan fold, one of the raw salvages is encased in the fold. This label is generally added to garment after the manufacturing process.
• Continuous roll of ribbon/tape
• Laser-cut to shape, often heat applied or self adhesive.

27. I want a bespoke garment. Can you help?

Yes, in most cases we can manufacture to match your requirements.  Please phone: UK 028 4062 2230 or ROI: (048) 406 22230 or email info@franklins.co.uk.

28. Has Franklins got an ethical trading policy for outsourced products?

29. Are Franklins badges and labels safe for children to use?

For additional confidence Franklins badges and labels are tested for harmful substances according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100. The Oeko-Tex label indicates to interested end users the additional benefits of tested safety for skin-friendly clothing and other textiles. In this way, the test label provides an important decision-making tool when purchasing textiles. We feel this is especially important as many of our products are used by children.

30. I have had no Response to an Email?

Franklin's respond to all genuine inquiries so if you do not get a response it may simply be that your email has been accidently caught by our spam protection software. Or our response has been caught by your spam protection software.

We apologise if this happens, but would please ask you not to give up. Please fax or telephone, and ask for Judith, Karen or Claire:

United Kingdom 
Tel: (028) 406 22230

Republic of Ireland
Tel: (048) 406 22230

Email: info@franklins.co.uk

 Sorry, but Franklin's do not respond to any emails that are sent to undisclosed recipients.

31. What products and services do Franklins International Ltd supply?

Franklins main products are woven and embroidered badges.

To give our customers the best possible price and service we supply both from our factory in the UK and from our factory in the Far East.

As well as this our main products also include:

• Woven garment labels
• Printed garment labelsPrinted laser-cut iron on badges (bulkorders only)
• Zip pullers/tags
• Tax tabs
• Epaulettes & Sliders for Epaulettes 
• Embroidered promotional clothing
• Commission embroidery service for all UK & Ireland.
• Woven ribbons
• Custom woven or neck ties
• Custom clothing (huge range)
• Flags and banners (embroidered or printed)
• Embroidered pennants
• Bespoke clothing either designed for you or to your design.

As well as our main products we also supply a range of other products and services. Please ask if in doubt.

32. What is the maximum size of a woven badge?

There is a maximum width restriction of 400mm. The length has no real restriction.

Machine embroidered badges maximum size restrictions are 23cm x 23cm.

If you require a large badge please discuss with our sales team.

33. What are Franklins Standard Terms and Conditions?

Franklins standard terms and conditions can be found at the bottom of the home page on the website.

Or alternatively you can click HERE.

34. Do Franklins still manufacture in their own factory?

Franklins embroider in our factory in Banbridge. We also have a team of stitchers for overlocking badges and making up items such as arm bands, epaulettes, etc.

To give our customers options, and the best possible all round value we at Franklins also outsource elements of our business. However, we have a very responsible approach to this function. We establish long term relationships with our partner companies. We only work with companies we trust and we regularly visit and assess them. As Franklins combine a lot of business, millions of badges a year, and put it through these partner companies we can get special prices and service, often better than customers who go direct to off-shore manufacturers themselves.

So please check with Franklins before trying to order from overseas suppliers. We can often get you better lead times, and you don't need to worry about customs duty, shipping charges, quality issues etc. Also, if you are not fully happy with your order you have someone local to complain to.  If you are a regular customer with a good payment record you may even not need to pay 100% up front; we can grant credit terms to regular customers. We can even arrange stock holding and call-off for a small extra charge if your order is of a reasonable volume.

35. What other names are woven badges known by?

People are understandably often not aware of the difference between woven and embroidered badges (see our cloth badge page). However, woven badges can be referred to by the following other names:

#sew on patches

#sew on badges

#cloth badges

#sew on badge

#sewn on badges

#cloth badge

#iron-on badges

#fabric badges

#custom patches

#clothing badges

#sewnbadges

...... to name but a few. Some of these names may also be used to refer to embroidered badges.

36. Do Franklins Keep Stock badges?

Due to the nature of the business Franklins do not keep any stock badges. All badges are unique customer designs, and are made specially for each order.

For large customers some stock is kept as part of call-off orders, but no stock is kept without a sales order.

37. How can I attach a cloth badge to a garment?

There are numerous ways of attaching cloth badges to your garments:

1. Appliqué process - you can not really use this one yourself. This involves attaching a badge using an embroidery machine. This gives a very professional looking finish and is ideal for sports wear. Franklin's can do this for you.
2. Sew on - this can be done in the home. The over locked/merrow edges help with the sewing on of the badge to a garment
3. Iron-on badges - They can be supplied with an iron-on backing.
4. Velcro (hook & loop) attachment - They can be supplied with velcro backing.
5. Self adhesive backing - Can be a weaker backing to allow the badges to be used as entry passes to events etc., without being permanently attached.
6. You can use adhesive - If you do not like to sew. You can use Loctite 595 or UHU Textil. Loctite 595 can be purchased here (CLICK). Supplied by Scout Shops.

38. Are Franklins woven badges resistant to the chlorine in swimming pools?

Franklins have many years experience in this application. Franklins badges have been used for very many years by swimming clubs and award organisations without any complaints about fading, colour change or disintegration.

So you can use Franklins badges for this application with confidence.

39. Are Franklins badges resistant to the laundry and dry cleaning?

Franklins badges have been used for well over 50 years, and are resistant to the laundry and dry cleaning?

They are made from polyester yarns which are thermoplastic so should not however be subjected to a boil wash. 

40. Is Franklins committed to protecting our personal data?

Franklins is very much committed to protecting your personal data and has policies in place to deal with this.

For more information please click here to see Franklins "Privacy Policy".

41. Why does the badge need a backing material?

A badge is woven on a loom as an integral part of a web of fabric.  The badges are designed to be woven across the fabric as effeciently as possible to minimise waste. This badge fabric is flimsy; not stiff. So a backing material, often a fusible interfacing fabric, is used to stiffen the badge material.

As well as the badge fabric being flimsy; without a lot of work the rear side of the badge fabric can have long floats of yarn which are unslightly, and it could also catch on things during the manufacturing process, and afterwards.

The stiffened badge is easier to handle and work with; especially if it requires overlocking. The stiffening also keeps the badge flat.

Designing, weaving, backing, cutting out, overlocking and packing can often be considered too many costly steps in the woven badge manufacturing process. Badges have been designed in the past using a Franklin's developed process where stiff monofilament yarns were used in the weft during weaving which stiffened the badge fabric and meant a second fusible stiffening fabric was not required. The badge could simply be woven, LASER cut, packaged and it was ready to use. Overlocking was not needed as an aid to sewing because without the stiff backing fabric, with adhesive layer, it was easier to push a sewing needle through.

42. Are Franklins trying to use sustainable materials?

Today, we face the paradox that when there is a concern about the environment. Our natural products are more and more being replaced by synthetic substitutes which in spite of their attractive appearance and functionality carry the difficulty of disposal and long- term damage to our environment. Franklin Group are aware of this problem and are continually moving to use more sustainable materials in their production processes. 

There is often a significantly greater financial cost in using these sustainable materials. As well as sometimes reduced functionality. However, we are all aware the cost of not using them may be even greater. 

Franklins understand that these changes can often make good business sense, not just for oursleves, but also for our customers. As well as good sense for the environment in which we all live.