Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
A metal logo plate is attached to a garment or accessory in five main ways: with prongs bent over on the reverse side, with rivets or screws, with sew-on holes, with posts and a backing plate, or with adhesive. The choice depends on the material of the product, the load during wear and washing, and whether the reverse side will be visible. If the method is decided while the plate is being designed, attachment in the factory goes quickly and without rejects.
Why the attachment method for a metal plate is chosen first
Many brands approve the look of the logo and only then ask how the plate will sit on the product. That is the wrong order. The attachment method determines the shape of the blank, the thickness of the metal, the position of the holes or prongs and even the production technology. A plate with prongs is stamped together with them, a cast plate with posts is cast with them, and a sew-on plate needs holes that do not cut the thread. So when inquiring about metal logo plates, the first question is always: on what material and how will it be attached?
The five methods at a glance
| Method | Suitable materials | Reverse side | Attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prongs (legs) | Denim, corduroy, heavy jersey, lined fabric | Bent prongs, usually hidden under a lining | By hand or with a tool |
| Rivets | Leather, faux leather, canvas, heavy textiles | Visible rivet head or cap | Press with die |
| Sew-on holes | Almost all textiles, knitwear, hats | Only the stitching | By hand or by machine |
| Posts and backing plate | Bags, stiff leather, flaps | Metal backing plate | Pressing or screwing |
| Adhesive | Hard surfaces, boxes, packaging | Not visible | Double-sided tape or contact adhesive |
Prongs
The plate has two or four thin metal tabs on its edge. They are pushed through the fabric and bent inwards, gripping the material. The method is quick and does not require a press, so it is preferred for jeans and jackets. It is important that the prongs do not come directly against the skin – they are usually covered by a lining, pocket or facing. On thin fabrics the prongs can tear the fabric when pulled, so a backing of interfacing or leather is placed under them.
Rivets
The plate has holes through which rivets pass. This is the strongest mechanical method and is used for leather bags, belts, workwear and backpacks. The rivet head can be in the same finish as the plate, so that it looks like part of the design. The correct post length for the total thickness of the material and the plate is needed – otherwise the rivet either does not close or distorts.
Sewing
Plates with two or four holes, sometimes with a recessed channel between them, are sewn on like a button or around the edge. The method is universal and suits knitwear, hats, children's clothing and thin fabrics where prongs would damage the fabric. The edges of the holes must be smoothed so that they do not cut the thread in the wash.
Posts and backing plate
A cast plate has cast posts on its back. They pass through punched holes in the product and are fixed with a backing plate that is pressed on or screwed. The result is very stable and clean on the inside, which is why the method is standard for leather bags, suitcases and lined accessories.
Adhesive
Gluing is suitable for boxes, packaging and hard surfaces, but not for garments that are washed or flexed. Even good adhesives lose their grip with heat, moisture and repeated flexing. If the plate is glued to leather, it is usually combined with at least one mechanical element.
How to choose a method according to the product
- Jeans and denim jackets – prongs or rivets; where the back of the pocket is visible, rivets are preferred.
- Leather bags and wallets – posts with a backing plate or screws; for cheaper runs – rivets.
- Knitwear and hats – sewing through holes, because prongs stretch the loops.
- Swimwear and sportswear – sewing or incorporating into a seam; avoid sharp prongs close to the skin.
- Workwear – rivets that withstand industrial washing and loads.
Practical tips for series production
- Request a sample with the attachment element and fit it on the actual material, not on a piece of sample fabric.
- Carry out a pull test and a wash test – the plate must not rotate or come off.
- Check that the prongs or rivet heads do not catch the lining and do not show through thin fabrics.
- Define the position of the plate with a template so that it is the same on all sizes.
- With leather, match its thickness to the length of the rivet or post.
If the plate is combined with a leather label, for example a metal logo on a leather patch, the metal is usually attached to the leather with rivets or prongs, and the leather is sewn to the product. This way the two materials work together and the load is distributed.
Common problems and how to avoid them
The most common problem is a plate with two prongs or one rivet rotating – this is solved with at least two attachment points along the long axis. The second is discolouration of the fabric around the prongs during wet washing, which is prevented by a corrosion-resistant finish and a suitable metal. The third is a visible imprint of the backing plate through thin leather; in that case a soft pad is added or a smaller plate is chosen.
Metal logo plates with the right attachment from Polkom
Polkom manufactures metal logo plates to the customer's design and offers versions with prongs, holes, posts and rivets, as well as the rivets themselves in a matching finish. We make samples that you can use to test the attachment in your factory before launching production. Send us your logo, the material of the product and the desired position of the plate via our inquiry form and we will suggest the right solution.
