Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
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Fastening a metal logo plate to a garment or accessory can be done in five main ways: with claws that bend on the reverse side, with rivets or screws, with sewing holes, with pins and a backing plate, or with adhesive. The choice depends on the product material, wear and washing stress, and whether the back will be visible. Deciding on the fastening method during the plate design speeds up assembly and reduces defects in production.
Why the fastening method is chosen first
Many brands approve the logo design first and only then ask how the plate will be attached. This is the wrong order. The fastening method determines the blank’s shape, metal thickness, hole or claw placement, and even manufacturing technology. A plate with claws is stamped together with them; a cast plate with pins is cast with them; and a sew-on plate needs holes that don’t cut the thread. Therefore, when inquiring about metal plates, the first question is always: on what material and how will it be mounted?
The five methods at a glance
| Method | Suitable Materials | Reverse Side | Assembly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claws (legs) | Denim, velvet, thick knitwear, fabric with lining | Bent claws, usually hidden under lining | By hand or with a tool |
| Rivets | Leather, eco-leather, canvas, heavy textiles | Visible rivet head or cap | Press with die |
| Sewing holes | Almost all textiles, knits, hats | Only the stitch | By hand or machine |
| Pins and backing plate | Bags, stiff leather, lids | Metal backing plate | Pressed or screwed |
| Adhesive | Hard surfaces, boxes, packaging | Not visible | Double-sided tape or contact glue |
Claws
The plate has two or four thin metal tongues along the edge. They pierce through the fabric and bend inward, gripping the material. This method is quick and does not require a press, so it is preferred for jeans and jackets. It is important that the claws do not touch the skin directly—they are usually covered by lining, a pocket, or facing. For thin fabrics, a backing of interlining or leather is placed under the claws to prevent tearing when pulled.
Rivets
The plate has holes through which rivets pass. This is the strongest mechanical fastening and is used for leather bags, belts, workwear, and backpacks. The rivet head can have the same finish as the plate to blend into the design. The rivet stem length must match the total thickness of the material and plate; otherwise, the rivet will either not close properly or deform.
Sewing
Plates with two or four holes, sometimes with a recessed channel between them, are sewn like a button or along the edge. This universal method suits knits, hats, children’s clothing, and thin fabrics where claws would damage the material. The hole edges must be smooth to avoid cutting the thread during washing.
Pins and backing plate
The cast plate has pins on the back. They pass through drilled holes in the product and are fixed with a backing plate, which is pressed or screwed on. The result is very stable and neat inside, making this method standard for leather bags, suitcases, and lined accessories.
Adhesive
Adhesive fastening is suitable for boxes, packaging, and hard surfaces but not for garments that are washed or bent. Even good adhesives lose grip over time with heat, moisture, and repeated bending. If a plate is glued on leather, it is usually combined with at least one mechanical fastening element.
How to choose the fastening method by product
- Jeans and denim jackets – claws or rivets; rivets preferred if the back of the pocket is visible.
- Leather bags and wallets – pins with backing plate or screws; rivets for lower-cost lines.
- Knits and hats – sewing through holes, as claws stretch the loops.
- Swimwear and sportswear – sewing or integration into seams; avoid sharp claws near the skin.
- Workwear – rivets that withstand industrial washing and heavy use.
Practical tips for series production
- Request a sample with the fastening element and test it on the actual material, not just a fabric swatch.
- Perform pull and wash tests—the plate should not rotate or detach.
- Check that claws or rivet heads do not catch the lining or show through thin fabrics.
- Fix the plate position with a template to ensure consistency across sizes.
- For leather, coordinate its thickness with the rivet or pin length.
If the plate is combined with a leather label, for example a metal logo on a leather patch, the metal is usually fastened to the leather with rivets or claws, and the leather is sewn to the product. This way, the two materials work together and the load is distributed.
Common issues and how to avoid them
The most common problem is rotation of a plate with two claws or one rivet—this is solved by using at least two fastening points along the longer axis. The second issue is fabric darkening around claws during wet washing, prevented by corrosion-resistant coatings and suitable metal. The third is visible imprint of the backing plate through thin leather; in this case, a soft pad is added or a smaller plate is chosen.
Metal plates with suitable fastening from Polkom
Polkom manufactures metal logo plates to customer design and offers versions with claws, holes, pins, and rivets, as well as matching rivets. We produce samples so you can test assembly in your workshop before ordering a series. Send us your logo, product material, and desired plate position via the inquiry form, and we will propose the best solution.
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