Sewing a Patch to Clothing

Embroidered patches are a great way to cover up holes or tears in clothing or add some flare to your uniform and apparel. They can enhance your jacket back or show your support to your military brethren. Applying a patch depends upon the type of backing that accessory has, and we will be focusing on attaching sew on patches in this article.

Here are the supplies that you will need:

• • A needle (a size 12 should suffice for most applications but a heavier gage may be in order for thicker fabrics and leather)

• • Thread (choose a color that is similar to the edge of the patch or the color of the garment)

• • Scissors

• • Pins (for securing the patch while sewing it)

• • A thimble (especially helpful when you have thicker material)
  • An iron and ironing board

After gathering your supplies now we begin.

1. Iron the garment where the patch is to be attached so that there isn’t any bunching or puckering when the process is complete. This will also help in keeping the patch in place while you are sewing.

2. Put the patch in position, secure it in place with the pins, and then try on the garment with the temporary placement to confirm it is as you want. Now thread your needle and tie a knot in the end to start the sewing process.

3. Start by putting the needle through the garment on the topside slightly toward the center of the patch so that the knot will be hidden by the patch when complete. Now come back up through the garment to catch the edge of the patch and then move around the edge of the patch with each stitch about 1/4 inch apart, removing the pins as you go.

4. When you have sewn all the way around the edge of the patch, knot the thread and pull the needle through between the patch and the garment. Now cut the ends of the thread a little past the knot about half an inch and then tuck the ends under the patch.

You’re all done! Congratulations.

 Extra notes:

• • If you have trouble pushing through the garment with the needle, try using the thimble as it will help the process.

• • Many patches have iron on backing these days and can be attached with an iron first and then secured by sewing as well. This way the patch won’t come up at the edges over time.
• • You may choose to use a sewing machine instead. If so, use a top thread that matches the edge of the patch, and use a bobbin thread to match the garment. Ensure the foot of the machine can handle the extra height of the patch and garment and make certain the tensions are correct so the bobbin thread does not come through and show on the patch.