Masonic patches usually combine the square and compass with the lodge name, number and city, made either as a hand embroidered bullion patch for blazers and formal wear, or as a machine embroidered patch for jackets, polos, caps and event shirts. A round or shield patch about 3 to 3.5 in (76 to 89 mm) suits the chest. Before you order, check what your Grand Lodge allows on emblem use, and for appendant or other fraternal orders, ask the governing body about its trademarks.
This guide covers designing the emblem, choosing between bullion and embroidery, the other items lodges order (pins, coins, cuff links), and how to plan one order for members, officers and anniversaries.
Designing a lodge emblem
Most lodge patches follow a familiar structure: a central symbol, a ring or shield, and text around it. For a Masonic blue lodge, that is typically the square and compass (often with the letter G in many US jurisdictions), the lodge name and number around a ring, and sometimes the city, state and charter year. Appendant bodies and other orders use their own emblems: the Royal Arch, Scottish Rite, York Rite, the Order of the Eastern Star, Shriners, Odd Fellows, Elks, Moose and many others.
Fraternal symbols have precise proportions and meanings, so start from your lodge's existing artwork, a seal or a past patch, rather than a quick redraw. A clear photo of an old patch is enough to begin, and a vector file (AI, EPS or PDF) is cleanest.
- Lodge name and number, spelled exactly as on the charter.
- City and state, if you want them.
- Charter or founding year, often used on anniversary patches.
- The emblem, drawn correctly for your jurisdiction.
- Colours: blue and gold are traditional for blue lodge, but follow your lodge's own scheme.
As a rule of thumb, embroidered text needs a cap height of about 1/4 in (6 mm), so a long lodge name around a 3 in ring may need a slightly larger patch or a shorter version of the name. Our guide to designing a patch covers sizing text around a ring.
Bullion or machine embroidered
Hand embroidered bullion
Bullion patches are hand worked in coiled metallic wire, gold and silver, often with velvet and sequins or stones. They have depth and catch the light, which suits blazers, regalia, aprons and formal occasions. They are the traditional choice for a lodge blazer crest and for officer insignia.
Bullion is hand made, so each piece varies slightly, and it is not designed for washing. It is meant for garments that are dry cleaned or rarely cleaned. Many lodges order bullion for the blazer and machine embroidery for everything else.
Machine embroidered
An embroidered patch is thread stitched over twill. It is consistent from piece to piece, washable and durable, which makes it right for polos, jackets, caps, vests and charity event shirts. Metallic gold thread can give it a touch of the bullion look, though metallic thread works best on bold areas rather than fine lettering.
Bullion vs embroidered for lodges
| Factor | Hand embroidered bullion | Machine embroidered |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Raised metallic wire, formal | Thread, classic patch look |
| Best for | Blazers, regalia, formal wear | Polos, jackets, caps, event shirts |
| Washing | Not washable, dry clean garment | Washable |
| Consistency | Each piece slightly different | Uniform across the run |
| Fine lettering | Limited, bold text works best | About 1/4 in cap height minimum |
| Typical backing | Sew-on | Sew-on or iron-on |
Officer, anniversary and event patches
Beyond the main lodge patch, three kinds of patches come up again and again. Officer patches add a title line (Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Secretary) under the emblem or as a small tab worn below it. A tab is more flexible, because the patch stays with the member while the title changes each year. Anniversary patches mark a lodge milestone, such as 100 or 150 years, and are often ordered alongside a matching coin. Event patches cover fundraisers, charity rides, cornerstone ceremonies and district gatherings, with the event name, date and host lodge.
For event patches that go on vests or jackets, a sew-on backing is the safer choice. For a shirt or tote handed out at a fundraiser, iron-on (heat seal) makes it easy for people to apply at home. Keep event designs bold, since they are often read from a few feet away rather than up close.
Check emblem rules before you order
Rules on emblem use differ. Each Grand Lodge sets policy for its jurisdiction, and some have guidance on how the square and compass or the lodge name may be used on merchandise, fundraising items or anything sold to the public. Appendant bodies and many other fraternal orders register their names and emblems as trademarks, and some require approval or a licensed supplier for items carrying them. Ask your Grand Secretary, or the order's national or supreme office, what applies before you order.
We make patches and products to your artwork, and the lodge is responsible for confirming it may use the marks. Asking first also often gets you official artwork, which saves redrawing.
Pins, coins and cuff links
Patches are only part of what lodges order. Many members never wear a patch, but almost all wear a lapel pin.
- Lapel pins with the lodge emblem and number, for new members, officers and years of service. Hard enamel and die struck metal suit formal wear. See soft vs hard enamel pins.
- Challenge coins for raising, anniversaries, visiting brothers and fundraisers, with the emblem on one face and the lodge details on the other.
- Cuff links and tie bars with the emblem, popular as officer or installation gifts.
- Medals for service and recognition.
Planning a lodge order
Lodges usually order once for several years. Count members and likely new members, decide which items each gets, and put everything on one request so the emblem artwork is set up once and used across patches, pins and coins. Custom minimums start from 100 pieces and vary by product, confirmed on your quote. Reorders skip setup, and the digitizing stays on file.
A quote typically comes back in 2 to 3 business days, the proof about 1 to 3 business days after artwork, and production takes about 3 to 4 weeks after your written approval. Bullion is hand made, so ask about timing when you quote if you have an installation date. Rush is around 10 business days when the factory can hold it.
When you are ready, send your emblem and lodge details for a quote.
