How to Sew on a Patch

Ash (362)

Nov 19, 2020

Attaching a patch is an easy endeavor with plenty of room for creativity. Whether you're adding a hard-earned badge to a scout vest or creating the punk jacket of your dreams, adding a patch is a sure-fire way to show the world what you're all about.

There are several ways to attach a patch ranging from machine to hand-stitched. The best option for you will depend on what you have available, what you're attaching the patch to, and what shape your patch is. Hand-stitching a fish-shaped patch to a baseball hat would be a lot easier than trying to fit the hat into a sewing machine to attach. Your mileage may vary, so we're covering a few options to get you started!

Embroidery Needles	×	1
Fabric Shears	×	1
Brother Sewing Machine	×	1
Thread	×	1

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Hand-stitching is a great option for odd-shaped patches and awkwardly-shaped projects that don't fit in a sewing machine well. There are tons of cool hand-stitches to choose from but we'll cover four simple ones (pictured above from left to right): running stitch, back stitch, whip stitch, and blanket stitch.

Choose your stitch pattern.
Place the patch onto the fabric where you want it to be attached.
Secure the patch with pins.
Sew along the edge of the patch using one (or more) of the stitch patterns you chose.
Tie a knot at the end and trim the excess thread with fabric shears.

If your patch doesn't have an intricate edge and the material you're attaching to can fit under a sewing machine foot, you can use the machine to attach it. I'm using a Brother sewing machine, but any machine will do.

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Place the patch onto the fabric where you want it to be attached.
Secure the patch with pins.
Using the sewing machine, guide the machine along the edge of the patch.
Finish with a reverse stitch and trim the excess thread with fabric shears.

If you want to go really crazy, you can use some creative embroidery to artistically attach your patch. Look up embroidery patterns for ideas—like the Japanese practice of sashiko. With a little creative eye and patience, you can attach your patch with a truly unique display.