6 Ways to attach patches on clothes
There are many reasons why you might want to sew patches on your clothes. Primary reason why many youngsters consider sewing patches on their clothes is – it is ultra cool .Be it the funky jean patches or the cutsey sequin patches on tops or badges proclaiming your loyalty to sports teams and such – patches are everywhere.
If you are looking specifically to repair a hole in jeans – check out this post – 7 ways to fix a hole in jeans.
1. Iron on patches
These are Patches ( embroidered and otherwise) which you can attach by applying heat on. This is the easiest way to attach patches. These patches have a sticky back which is activated when heat is applied. Some have a backing sheet which has to be removed , some have a plasticky back.
How to attach the iron on patch
Step 1
Take the patch – you may want to cut your simple patch in interesting shapes or keep it as it is.
Keep the iron on patch where you want it to be ( if it is a hole the patch should fully cover it with 1/4 inch all around). Set the iron temperature to that of cotton
Step 2
Spray a little water on the back of the patch.Keep a piece of pressing cloth (any thin cotton cloth) on top of the iron on patch. This is so that the heat do not damage the patch
Step 3
Use the hot iron to press evenly. Iron for about 20-30 seconds.
Ensure that the heat setting of your iron is for a cotton cloth. Please do not use the iron on patches on elastic fabrics, leather, waterproof rainwear, and nylon fabrics, as the material may be ruined with heat.
2 . Appliqued Patch
The fabric patch is Hand or machine appliqued on the face of the garment – hand sewn blanket stitch is used in hand applique ( with turned under edges) or closely packed zig zag stitches are made around the edges of the patch with a sewing machine.
3.Hand sewn set in patch
Step 1. Prepare the hole – trim away the ravelled thread on the hole and try to make it square shaped.Make a small slash 1/4 inch on all corners.
You have a 1/4 inch edge now for the hole sides. Turn under these edges and press in place
Step 2 Cut out a square patch which measures a little over 1/4 inches ( almost 1/2 inch) bigger on all sides. Turn under 1/4 inch from all edges of the patch to the right side and press.
Step 3 Keep this patch under the hole right side up. Match prints or stripes; check the direction of the weave of fibers and align if possible . Pin in place or better baste in place.
From the wrong side hem the patch on the garment. Now turn to the right side and hem the hole edge to the patch with slip stitches.
4. Handmade Overhand Patch
This is a patch ( self fabric or contrast fabric) sewn from the right side of the garment ie face of the garment. If you are patching a thick fabric the overhand patch should be done with a thinner fabric , otherwise it will project out.
How to sew an Overhand Patch
Cut the hole in a square shape ( the existing hole should be made to look like a square) Cut out a square piece of fabric which is slightly bigger ( 1/2 inch) than the hole. Press the edges 1/4 inches inside
Keep it on top of the hole. Baste stitch along the edge .
Turn the garment wrong side out. The edge of the hole and the fabric patch piece will be together. Make overcast stitch all over the edge.
5. Flannel/ felt Patch ( hand sewn)
This patch is a piece of felt in a matching color or contrasting color. Cut a a square shaped fabric patch (large enough to cover the hole).
Place the patch on the top of the garment, matching the warp threads of both the garment and patch, then baste.
Catch stitch to garment or use blanket stitches or buttonhole stitches
Turn garment to wrong side and cut worn portion away, then catch stitch to patch. Remove basting stitches.
You can keep the felt patch on the underside also. The advantage in using felt is that the cut edges does not fray.
6. Darning Patch (Machine sewn)
Use your sewing switch as soon as you reach down , go up, come back – stitch all over the place.
Use an exact match coloured thread on top and bobbin. Do not choose a light colored one at any cost ( this will make stitches visible unless you want that effect); if you cannot get an exact match choose a darker one.
