Sewing patches onto clothing isn’t just an old-fashioned skill. It’s also one that can save you money if you’ve got a hole in your favorite jeans or shirt. You’ll need a sewing machine and some basic supplies to do it.
This article will show you how to sew on a patch with your sewing machine, from threading it to adding the patch and sewing it into place.
What you need:
Patch – or the item you will be patching!
Sewing machine – Make sure it’s threaded correctly!
Sharp scissors – for cutting the patch.
Note: You don’t need a serger for this project.
Here is How:
Step 1:
Thread your sewing machine, following instructions from your manual. For standard zigzag sewing machines, set your Stitch to a short and wide zigzag, 3 mm wide with two to five stitches per inch (2-5 spi).
Now thread your sewing machine with the thread from the spool, this time following instructions from your manual.
Step 2:
Turn your jeans inside out, and lay them on a flat surface. Using your hands and a fabric marker, press around the hole you will sew over to smooth out any wrinkles or bumps. This will also make it easier to see where you are sewing.
Step 3:
Cut a piece of patch a couple of inches larger than the hole you’re fixing.
Step 4:
Center your patch over the hole, making sure it is lined up as neatly as possible. Use a fabric pen or pencil to mark where you will be sewing: don’t forget to leave room for the seam allowance!
Step 5:
Using your scissors, trim the patch if necessary while trying it on your garment. Your seam allowance is two to three inches – this will bring your patch to the correct size!
Step 6:
If you haven’t already, thread the machine with the piece of thread from your spool.
Step 7:
Select the type of Stitch you’d like to use, and start sewing! The stitching will be confined by the fabric marker you used for measuring, so make sure that it’s a couple of inches above your hole – that way, you’ll know it’s in place!
Step 8:
Trim away the excess patch if there is more than you need.
Step 9:
Now give it a little test run! Put your jeans on and try them on: check that the patch isn’t weirdly pulling at your pants, and see if you like how it looks in general. If you do, go ahead and wear them as usual!
Once you’re sure, everything looks okay, go ahead and throw wash your jeans as usual.
Now you know how to sew on a patch with your sewing machine and have successfully made them a little more unique.
If you’re still unsure about the process, look at this helpful video by Sew Anastasia!
What stitch is best for patches?
A standard running stitch with a small stitch length of about 2 mm and an even smaller stitch width of around 1 mm will do for most patches. Make sure that your tension is quite roughly balanced, and try to keep the tension the same as much as possible. This will help to prevent the stitching from being pulled out in the future. A zigzag is also good if you are manually sewing or using a standard machine.
What kind of needle do you use to sew patches?
You can use a standard sewing machine needle for this, as long as it fits your machine. For hand sewing, it is probably best to use a needle with a sharp point and strong enough to penetrate the fabric. It is best to use a size 14 or 16.
Is it better to sew or iron on a patch?
It depends on the type of fabric you are using. If you are using a knitted fabric, it is recommended that you hand-stitch the patch onto the garment. You can always iron it afterward to iron out any wrinkles or unevenness. If you are using a woven fabric, it is best to sew on the patch and wash it afterward. This will be fine if the patch is large enough or there is not much unevenness with your stitching.
What Do You Do If The Patch Is Not Lying Straight?
If the patch has been cut properly, it should fall naturally into place when applied to the garment evenly. However, sometimes there can be some bumps in your fabric or on top of your jeans that can cause this issue.
If you find the patch is not lying correctly, it is possible to lift the jeans and lay them flat. Then, re-sew your patch into place. Try lifting the jeans again if it is still not sitting evenly.
It can also be a good idea to use some tape and mark where the hole will go to make sure that your patch will sit straight before you sew on it.
It is also a good idea to make sure that the patch is not so large that it puts too much stress on the jeans. Too large a patch can cause issues such as uneven edges or changes in fit. Therefore, measure your patch before you sew it on!
What Fabric Type Is Best For A Patch?
It depends on your intention and what you want to use the garment for. A thin, strong patch can be sewn onto a denim jacket to make a unique statement – however, if you are trying to mend a hole on your jeans, it is recommended that you get thicker patches.
If you are using patches for decoration purposes, the thicker the patch, the better. It is possible to sew thinner patches onto jeans by thickening up the thread – but it will be more difficult and may not look as professional as thicker fabric.
It is important to make sure that your patch is the correct size for your jeans, as it will be difficult to make a pair of jeans look completely different from one another with patches.for decoration
Final Thoughts
We have covered a lot of information on patches, and hopefully, you will be able to use that information to your advantage in future projects. It is always a good idea to think about what you want out of the project and how you want the final look to be.
