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Patches are a great way to personalize your clothing and accessories. Whether you want to show off your favorite band, sports team, or political affiliation, attaching a patch is an easy way to make a statement. However, attaching patches can be intimidating for beginners.
First, let’s talk about the materials you need to prepare before attaching patches.
The type of garment you are sewing on.
- T-shirt or Shirt
- Jacket
- Pants
- Hat or snapback
- backpack
- Shoes
The material your patch is made out of.
The type of backing your patches count with
- Plain back
- Hook and Loop backing
- Iron-on backing
- Peel and stick
Tools you need to prepare
- Just needle and thread (handmade)
- Regular sewing machine
- Small embroidery machine
- Industrial embroidery machine.
- Your skill level.
1. How to Attach Patches to Clothes?
There are several ways to attach patches to clothes, including sewing, ironing, and adhesive and more. in the next article, we will talk about it one by one.
2. Where to put patches on clothes?
a. Back of a Jacket
The back of a jacket is a popular spot for patches, especially denim jackets. This provides a large surface area to showcase a collection of patches or a single large design.
b. Chest or Shoulder
For a more subtle look, try adding a patch to the chest or shoulder of a shirt or jacket. This placement is great for showcasing a smaller patch or a patch with a more intricate design.
c. Pockets
Adding a patch to a pocket is a creative way to add interest to a garment. It works well on backpacks, jackets, and even jeans.
d. Sleeves
Sleeves are another great spot for patches, especially on jackets and sweatshirts. They provide a visible area for patches without being too overwhelming.
3. How do patches work on clothes?
Patches are typically made from fabric or embroidered designs that can be sewn or ironed onto a garment. The process of adding a patch involves attaching it to the fabric using a needle and thread or an iron. Once the patch is secured, it becomes a permanent part of the garment, adding texture and interest.
4. How To Attach a Patch Without Sewing backing?
There are various ways to attach patches without sewing, and in the next, we will discuss the four most popular methods: iron-on, sticking, hook and loop, and gluing.
a. How to Iron on Patches (heat seal backing)?
Iron-on patch are a popular choice for adding decorative touches to clothes or repairing small tears and holes. Here’s how to attach iron-on patches without sewing:
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric and Patch
- Start by placing the fabric you want to attach the patch to on a flat surface, making sure it’s clean and dry.
- Place the patch on top of the fabric and make sure it’s centered and straight.
Step 2: Heat Up the Iron
- Preheat the iron to a high temperature (usually between 260-280°F) without steam.
- It’s important to use an ironing board or a flat surface that won’t be damaged by the heat.
Step 3: Iron the Patch
- Place a thin cloth or a piece of paper on top of the patch to protect it from the heat of the iron.
- Place the heated iron on top of the cloth and apply pressure for about 20-30 seconds.
- Once the patch is securely attached, flip the fabric over and repeat the process on the other side.
b. How to stick patches on clothes?
Sticking patches is another easy way to attach them without sewing, it is a good option for lightweight patches. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Choose the Right Adhesive
- Purchase a fabric adhesive that is suitable for your patch material and the fabric you want to attach it to.
- Follow the instructions on the adhesive’s packaging carefully.
Step 2: Apply the Adhesive
- Apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of the patch and spread it evenly using a brush or your finger in .
- Make sure to cover the edges of the patch with the adhesive.
Step 3: Attach the Patch
- Place the patch on the fabric and press down firmly, follow the adhesive directions.
- Hold the patch in place for a few minutes until the adhesive dries completely.
c. How to Apply Hook and Loop Patches?
Hook and loop patch, also known as Velcro patches, are a convenient option for those who want to attach and detach patches easily. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric and Patches
- Make sure the fabric and the patches are clean and dry.
- Separate the hook and loop sides of the patch.
Step 2: Attach the Hook and Loop Sides
- Attach the hook side of the patch to the fabric first.
- Apply pressure and hold it in place for a few seconds.
- Attach the loop side of the patch to the back of the patch in the same way.
Step 3: Attach the Patch
- Line up the hook and loop sides and press them together firmly.
d. How to glue patches on clothes?
Gluing patches is a quick and easy way to attach them without sewing. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Choose the Right Adhesive
- Choose a fabric glue that is suitable for your patch material and the fabric you want to attach it to.
- Follow the instructions on the glue’s packaging carefully.
Step 2: Apply the Glue
- Apply a small amount of glue to the back of the patch and spread it evenly using a brush or your finger.
- Make sure to cover the edges of the patch with the glue.
Step 3: Attach the Patch
- Place the patch on the fabric and press down firmly.
- Hold the patch in place for a few minutes until the glue dries completely.
Now that you know how to attach patches without sewing, here are a few tips to ensure that your patches stay in place:
- Always follow the instructions on the adhesive’s or glue’s packaging carefully.
- Test the adhesive or glue on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
- If you’re using iron-on patches, avoid using high heat on delicate fabrics.
- Don’t wash the fabric immediately after attaching the patch, and wait for the adhesive or glue to dry completely.
- For long-lasting results, hand wash or dry clean the fabric instead of machine washing it.
5. How to Sew on a Patch?
Let’s go through the sewing process by hand and sewing machine separately.
How to Sew on a Patch by Hand?
Hand sew patches can be a time-consuming process, but it can also be more precise than using a machine. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Choose the Right Thread
When sewing on a patch by hand, you’ll want to use a strong and durable thread that matches the color of the patch. A standard polyester or cotton thread should do the trick.
Step 2: Thread the Needle
Cut a length of thread that’s about 3 times the length of your arm. Thread the needle and tie a knot at the end.
Step 3: Position the Patch
Decide where you want the patch to go on your garment and place it in position. Pin it in place to keep it secure.
Step 4: Start Sewing
Starting from the inside of the garment, insert the needle through the patch and the fabric, pulling the thread through until the knot catches. Repeat this process, making small stitches around the edge of the patch. Make sure the stitches are evenly spaced and tight enough to hold the patch securely in place.
Step 5: Finish the Stitching
When you’ve sewn all the way around the patch, tie off the thread with a knot on the inside of the garment. Trim any excess thread.
How to Sew on a Patch with a Sewing Machine?
Sewing on a patch with a machine can be quicker and easier than doing it by hand, but it may not be as precise. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Choose the Right Thread
As with sewing by hand, you’ll want to use a strong and durable thread that matches the color of the patch.
Step 2: Position the Patch
Decide where you want the patch to go on your garment and place it in position. Pin it in place to keep it secure.
Step 3: Set Up Your Sewing Machine
Set your machine to a straight stitch and adjust the stitch length to match the size of the patch. You may also want to use a denim needle for extra strength.
Step 4: Start Sewing
Starting from one corner of the embroidered patch, sew around the edge using a straight stitch. Go slowly and make sure the stitch is catching both the patch and the fabric underneath. Pivot at each corner to keep the stitching neat.
Step 5: Finish the Stitching
When you’ve sewn all the way around the patch, backstitch a few stitches to secure the thread, and then cut it off.
How to Sew Patches on Clothes？
Now that you know how to sew on a patch by hand and with a machine, here are some tips for sewing patches onto different types of clothing:
- Denim: Denim is a great fabric for patches because it’s sturdy and can withstand the weight of the patch. When sewing on denim, use a denim needle and heavy-duty thread for extra strength.
- Leather: Sewing on leather can be tricky because it’s a thicker and tougher material. Use a leather needle and a heavy-duty thread, and go slowly to avoid breaking the needle.
- before sewing it on. You can use fusible interfacing or a stabilizer to keep the fabric in place while you sew.
- Thin fabrics: If you’re sewing a patch onto a thin or delicate fabric, such as silk or chiffon, use a smaller needle and lighter weight thread to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Curved edges: If the patch has curved edges, use small, close-together stitches to keep the patch from puckering or pulling.
6. How to Attach Patches to Anything – by fabric
a. How to Attach Patches with Plastic Backing?
Patches with plastic backing are the easiest to attach. You can simply iron them onto your clothing or accessory. Here’s how:
- Place the patch on the item you want to attach it to.
- Set iron to the cotton setting, and let it heat up to standard temperature.
- Place a thin cloth over the patch and item to protect them from the heat.
- Press the iron onto the cloth, applying pressure for about 20 seconds.
- Remove the iron and cloth and let the patch cool for a minute.
- Check that the patch is firmly attached. If not, repeat the process.
b. How to Sew Patches on Leather?
Sewing patches onto leather requires a bit more effort than ironing them on, but it’s still doable. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose a heavy-duty needle and thread that matches the color of the patch and leather.
- Position the patch on the leather and hold it in place with fabric glue or small clips.
- Thread your needle and knot the end of the thread.
- Insert the needle through the leather and patch from the back, making sure to catch a bit of the leather with each stitch.
- Continue sewing around the edges of the patch, making sure your stitches are tight and evenly spaced.
- Tie off the thread when you’re done.
c. How to Attach Beaded Patches?
Beaded patches are delicate and require careful handling when attaching them. Here’s what you need to do:
- Position the patch on the item you want to attach it to and hold it in place with small clips.
- Thread a beading needle with a strong, thin thread that matches the color of the patch.
- Insert the needle through the fabric from the back, just below the patch, and bring it up through the first bead.
- Thread through the next bead and repeat until you’ve sewn through all the beads around the edge of the patch.
- Tie off the thread when you’re done.
d. How to Attach Patches to Denim?
Denim is a popular material for patches, and the process of attaching them is fairly simple. Here’s how:
- Place the patch on the denim item and hold it in place with small clips.
- Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch and sew around the edges of the patch, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the thread.
- Alternatively, you can sew the patch on by hand using a whip stitch.
e. How to Attach a Patch to a Hat?
- First, position the patch where you want it on the hat, considering the curved surface, you can use self adhesive backing and secure it in place with sewing pins.
- Thread a needle with matching thread and knot the end.
- Begin stitching around the edge of the patch using small, even stitches.
- Continue stitching until you have sewn all the way around the patch.
- Tie off the thread and cut any excess.
f. How to Put Patches On shoes:
- Clean the area on the shoe where you want to attach the patch with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.
- Apply a small amount of fabric glue to the back of the patch.
- Position the patch on the shoe and press it firmly in place.
- Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing the shoes.
g. How to Sew on Applique Patches:
- Position the applique patch where you want it on the fabric and secure it in place with sewing pins.
- Thread a needle with matching thread and knot the end.
- Beginning at one corner of the applique, sew along the edge of the patch using small, even stitches.
- Continue stitching until you have sewn all the way around the patch.
- Tie off the thread and cut any excess.
- How to Sew On a Patch to an Uniform:
- Position the patch where you want it on the uniform and secure it in place with sewing pins.
- Thread a needle with matching thread and knot the end.
- Beginning at one corner of the patch, sew along the edge of the patch using small, even stitches.
- Continue stitching until you have sewn all the way around the patch.
- Tie off the thread and cut any excess.
7. What is the easiest way to attach patches?
The easiest way to attach patches may depend on the type of patch and the material you are attaching it to. iron on and sew on are the most common used.
8. What material do patches stick to best?
Patches typically stick best to fabrics that are smooth, flat, and free of texture. Here are a few materials that patches tend to adhere well to:
- Cotton: This is a common material for patches and is easy to work with. It has a smooth surface that allows patches to stick well.
- Polyester: Polyester is also a popular choice for patches because it is lightweight, durable, and has a smooth surface that makes it easy for patches to stick.
- Nylon: Nylon is another good choice for patches because it is lightweight, strong, and has a smooth surface that allows patches to adhere well.
- Leather: If you’re attaching patches to leather, be sure to choose a patch with a strong adhesive or sew it on for added security. Leather can be a bit more challenging for patches to stick to, especially if it is thick or textured.
In Conclusion
In a word, before you attaching patches, considering the fabric and patches backing, and your skills, to attach embroidered patches perfectly.
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