How to Sew a Decorative Patch on to Anything

[This article is not going to cover how to patch a hole or rip in your clothes. That will be covered in another article.]

If you have someone who either loves decorative patches or needs them on a uniform, this article will show you different ways to stitch on a patch. This article will explain how to put decorative, embroidered patches of any shape (square, round, etc…) on different articles, such as clothing, uniforms, pillows, etc.  

There are different methods of attaching patches and all are quite easy and take very little time and effort.  The first part of this article will show you how to attach a patch by hand. The second part will show how to do it with a sewing machine.  Last will cover iron on patches.

NOTE:  If you are putting a patch on a new garment, be sure to launder it first.  That way, if there is any shrinkage of the item, it won’t affect the patch.  Also, if the item is wrinkled, be sure to iron the area where you are going to apply the patch.

By Hand:

Materials needed:

• Garment or other project
• Desired patch
• Thread that matches the finished edge of patch
• Needle – strong but not too thick
• Straight or safety pins (opt: glue stick)
• Scissors
• Tape measure or ruler (if patch needs to be precise – such as on a uniform)
• Thimble – (opt) will be useful if sewing patch on to a heavy fabric
• Iron

1. Make sure you have washed the fabric first, as explained above. 

2. Iron fabric:

• IF the fabric is wrinkled, you will want to iron the fabric where the patch will be placed. 
• Otherwise, you risk permanent wrinkles under the patch, and it makes it more difficult to sew the patch on properly.

3.  Identify where you want to apply the patch:

• The first thing you need to do is decide where you want to put the patch. 
• Different types of clothing, such as uniforms, are discussed later in this article.

4. Anchor the patch to the fabric with pins:

• The pins should be in the middle of the patch, so you can easily sew around the edge without the pins getting in the way.
• Typically ,you will use anywhere from one to five pins – depending on the size of the patch.
• For a large patch you will need more pins – 5+.  
• You can use straight pins or safety pins.
• I find safety pins are better because they hold better, and you are less likely to poke yourself when sewing.
• If you use straight pins, make sure the point of the pins face the center of the patch.
• As an option, you can use a glue stick instead of pins to hold the patch in place; just put some glue on the back of the patch and place the patch where you want it.  This works okay on small patches.
• With some articles of clothing, you may want to try the garment on to make sure the patch is just where you want it.

5. Thread needle:

• Cut a length of thread long enough to go all the way around the patch.  From end of hand to elbow is a good length – approx. 18”. I prefer to use a slightly heavier thread, or instead of doubling regular thread you could use 3 strands; you could also use the invisible plastic thread.*
• If the patch is really big, be sure to keep the thread no longer than 18 inches (1½  feet), because otherwise it will get tangled as you are sewing.
• Some people prefer to leave the thread on the spool, but not something I recommend unless the patch is small.
• Next, thread the needle.
• I prefer the thread to be doubled rather than a single strand as it is stronger.  For example, if your single thread was 18 inches long, then to double it, you would make it 36 inches (3 feet) long with the needle in the middle. Knot the ends together.
• Knot the thread.  You can read the “How to Thread a Needle” article to learn more if needed.
• Also, remember that the thread color should match the color of the finished edge of the patch.

6. Sew the patch:   

• Start sewing from the underside of the patch preferably (not from the back of the fabric). This way the knot will be entirely hidden. 
• You do not need to grab any of the garment fabric with this first stitch.  It is just to anchor the knot.
• As you sew around the patch, try to stitch close to the finished edge of the patch.  Take small stitches about 1/16th of an inch apart.  
• Stitch around the entire edge of the patch, poking your needle down through the project’s fabric and back up grabbing both a small piece of fabric as well as the patch; pull your needle all the way through.  Again, these stitches should also be about 1/16th inch apart. I have found that a good rule of thumb is every 1” – 2” take 2 or 3 stitches on top of each other. This anchors your stitching and prevents it from totally unraveling if the thread gets broken somewhere, sometime while garment/project is being used.
• NOTE:  If the patch you are sewing on is on the large side, you may want to sew a couple stitches in the middle area of the patch before you begin sewing around the edge – using thread to match that area.  This will keep that area of the patch neatly close to the garment/project so it doesn’t bulge out, but lays flat.

7.  Tie off thread:

• Once you have finished sewing all the way around your patch, you will need to knot the Cut thread.  First, sew ¼” – ½” past the starting point.
• Again, tie the thread off on the underside of the patch (not the wrong side of the fabric).  This can be done one of two ways. 

 a.  Cut the remaining thread leaving plenty to tie a knot.  Cut off excess thread.

 b.  Take 4-5 stitches on the underside of the patch – one on top of the other.  As you take each stitch, just before you pull it through, leave a small loop.  Take the point of the needle, put it through the loop, and pull tight. Cut off excess thread.

Note:  To sew a patch on a pocket it is useful to put something (such as a credit card) inside the pocket to use as a shield.   As you are sewing, the needle will hit the shield instead of going through the fabric. This way you are less likely to sew the pocket closed.  This is my prefered method

 VOILA!  And now you’re done.

By Sewing Machine:

If you have a sewing machine, this article will explain how to sew on a decorative patch

 using a sewing machine.  

A free-arm sewing machine is easier to use than a non-free arm one; but either type is fine.  The free-arm machine will give more maneuverability when sewing a patch on the fabric, especially if the patch is on a sleeve or leg.  

Also, if the patch is being applied on a narrow sleeve or leg of a garment, or some other narrow area, you may need to open the seam to sew on the patch and then re-close the seam.  With some projects you may want to try on the article of clothing to make sure the patch is where you want it before you stitch it in place.

Note:  You cannot sew a patch on a pocket by machine or you will sew the pocket shut.  This has to be done by hand.

Materials needed:

• Garment or other project
• Desired patch
• Sewing machine – free-arm if you have one
• Thread that matches the finished edge of patch. 
• Sewing machine needle – strong (about a #16 – 18)
• Straight or safety pins (opt: glue stick)
• Scissors
• Tape measure or ruler (if patch needs to be precise – such as on a uniform)
• Iron

1.  First of all, if you are putting a patch on a new garment/fabric, you will need to launder it first.  If it is wrinkled, you will then need to iron at least the area where the patch is to be applied. That way you aren’t sewing on a wrinkled area and the patch will be sewn on properly.

2.  Next, attach the patch on your article where you want it.  To do this use either straight pins, safety pins or by using a glue stick.

3.  Wind sewing machine bobbin with the matching thread.  Thread machine with same matching thread.

4.  Set the machine stitch to a narrow zigzag stitch.

5.  NOTE:  If you are sewing on a large patch, you may want to take a few small hand stitches in the center of your patch with thread that matches that area.  This will help the patch lay flat. Then start sewing anywhere on the edge of the patch. Keep the stitching on the finished edge of the patch – not going on to the fabric, otherwise the stitching will show.  Also, if you have anchored the patch on with straight pins, be sure the point of the pins face the center of the patch. Remove each pin as you approach the pin. Do not sew over them as you are likely to break the sewing machine needle.  

6.  When you have sewn all the way around the patch, in order to tie off the threads sew approximately ¼” – ½” over where you started sewing.

7.  Cut remaining excess thread.  

And you are finished. 

Iron on vs. sewing:

Iron on patches are not going to stay on nearly as long as a sewn on patch.  The adhesive will tend to deteriorate with time. Also, the items need to be hand washed in cold water and hung to dry in order to maintain the integrity of the iron on adhesive.  If you need to remove an iron on patch it may leave a residue on the item. It is much more difficult to remove to remove an iron on than a patch that has been sewn on. If you do choose to use an iron on and want to remove it, see the article on WikiHow.  I suggest you read the article before you actually iron on your patch. Even if it’s an iron one, you can still use a sew on method.

Which is Faster?

True, an iron on patch will only take a few minutes, but considering the short life span of adhering, it’s probably worth the extra time to sew it on.  It doesn’t take that much longer. If you choose iron on, I suggest to anchor it with a few hand or machine sewn stitches around the patch.

Thread Choices:

I suggest that the best thread to use for sewing on a patch is regular, ordinary thread.  Some people might be tempted to use a heavier thread, such as buttonhole thread.*  

• A type of buttonhole thread is called metrosene, but it is likely to be difficult or impossible to use for sewing patches as it is so much thicker.  Another type of buttonhole thread is Kevlar thread, but that is probably overkill. I have even heard of some people using dental floss or monofilament fishing line, but this is something I would not recommend.  There is an invisible sewing thread that is sold which could work. I prefer to use regular thread.

It is best to stick to your basic thread choices.  Another alternative is to use embroidery thread if you have it.  Again, just use a double strand. 

Which is Better or Easier –  Using a Sewing Machine or Sewing the Patch by Hand?

Personally, I prefer to sew a patch on by hand – mostly because I enjoy sewing by hand.  It just takes a little patience. If you have never used a sewing machine before, it could take you an hour just learning how to set up and learn how to use the sewing machine.

• Of course, if you don’t have a sewing machine, the answer is obvious.  If the fabric or patch is thick, then it might be more difficult to sew by hand, but still possible.  This is where a thimble becomes a valuable tool. But if you sew very close to the edge of the patch, catching just a small piece of the edge and sew stitches really close together, it is not difficult.
• Also, if you are putting a patch on a pocket, or perhaps on some other difficult place, doing it by hand is absolutely necessary.

What are Ways to Attach a Patch Without Sewing?

There are a couple options available on the market that you can purchase to put on a patch without sewing.  I have used Stitch Witchery for other projects – not patches. But I have not used any of the rest of them, so I am not familiar with how well any of these products actually perform. These items, listed below, can be purchased either at fabric stores or at online sites. 

The products I have found are:

• Fusible Webbing
• Patch Attach (which is a glue)
• Fabric Fusion Peel & Stick Sheets
• Singer Sew No More (glue)
• Badge Magic (peel and stick)
• Stitch Witchery

You may want to try one of the above methods.

How to Remove a Patch

The best method to remove a patch that has been sewn on is to use a seam ripper.  If you do not have a seam ripper, you will need a pair of very small, sharp pointed scissors such as cuticle scissors or embroidery scissors.  As a very last resort you could use an x-acto knife; this I really do not recommend.

1. Find a thread where the patch is sewn on, preferably where it is tied off, but anywhere is fine. 

2. Put the long end of the seam ripper or one edge of your scissors under it and cut the thread.  

3. Start pulling the patch away from the item.  

4. Continue around the patch in the same manner until the patch is removed.  

5. Pull out any stray threads left behind. 

If you are removing an iron on patch, you will need to use an iron to heat the patch (preferably from the fabric side).  Slowly peel the patch off and hopefully it will not leave a residue. 

How Much Can You Save by Sewing on a Patch Instead of Hiring a Tailor?

Prices can vary depending on where you live, as well as patch size. For example, if you live in an urban area, the rates might be higher, but typical rates might range from $3 for small, $5 for medium, and $7 for large patches, although this may not include more difficult garments such as a leather jacket. 

There will be instructions for other types of material covered in a separate article:  fabrics such as leather, vinyl, stretchy fabrics, crocheted, net, etc.

If you have someone who either loves decorative patches or needs them on a uniform, this article will show you different ways to stitch on a patch. This article will explain how to put decorative, embroidered patches of any shape (square, round, etc…) on different articles, such as clothing, backpacks, uniforms, pillows, etc.  

There are different methods of attaching patches and all are quite easy and take very little time and effort.  The first part of this article will show you how to attach a patch by hand. The second part will show how to do it with a sewing machine.

NOTE:  If you are putting a patch on a new garment or washable item, be sure to launder it first.  That way, if there is any shrinkage of the item, it won’t affect the patch.  Also, if the item is wrinkled, be sure to iron the area where you are going to apply the patch.

By Hand:

Materials needed:

• Garment or other project
• Desired patch
• Thread that matches the finished edge of patch
• Needle – strong but not too thick
• Straight or safety pins (opt: glue stick)
• Scissors
• Tape measure or ruler (if patch needs to be precise – such as on a uniform
• Thimble – (opt) will be useful if sewing patch on to a heavy fabric
• Iron

1. Make sure you have washed the fabric first, as explained above.

2. Iron fabric:

• IF the fabric is wrinkled, you will want to iron the fabric where the patch will be placed.
• Otherwise, you risk permanent wrinkles under the patch, and it makes it more difficult to sew the patch on properly.

3.  Identify where you want /need to apply the patch:

• The first thing you need to do is decide where you want or need to put the patch.
• Different types of clothing, such as uniforms, are discussed later in this article.

4. Anchor the patch to the fabric with pins:

• The pins should be in the middle of the patch, so you can easily sew around the edge without the pins getting in the way.
• Typically ,you will use anywhere from one to five pins – depending on the size of the patch.
• For a large patch you are will need more pins (5+).  
• You can use straight pins or safety pins.
• I find safety pins are the best because they hold more securely, and you are less likely to poke yourself when sewing.
• If you use straight pins, make sure the point of the pins face the center of the patch.
• As an option, you can use a glue stick instead of pins to hold the patch in place; just put some glue on the back of the patch and place the patch where you want it.  This works fine on small patches.
• With some articles of clothing, you may want to try the garment on to make sure the patch is just where you want it.

5. Thread needle:

• Cut a length of thread long enough to go all the way around the patch.  From end of hand to elbow is a good length – approx. 18”.
• If the patch is really big, be sure to keep the thread no longer than 18 to 20 inches ( approx. 1½  feet), otherwise it will get tangled as you are sewing.
• Some people prefer to leave the thread on the spool, but not something I recommend unless the patch is very small.
• Next, thread the needle.
• I prefer the thread to be doubled rather than a single strand, as it is stronger.  For example, if your single thread was 18 inches long, then to double it, you would make it 36 inches (3 feet) long with the needle in the middle.
• Knot the thread.  You can read the “How to Thread a Needle” article to learn more if needed.
• Also, remember that the thread color should match the color of the finished edge of the patch.

6. Sew the patch:   

• Start sewing from the underside of the patch preferably (not from the back of the fabric). This way the knot will be entirely hidden.
• You do not need to grab any of the garment/article fabric with this first stitch.  It is just to anchor the knot.
• As you sew around the patch, try to stitch close to the finished edge of the patch.  Take small stitches about 1/16th of an inch apart.
• Stitch around the entire edge of the patch, poking your needle  down through the project’s fabric and back up – taking both a small piece of fabric and back up through the edge of the patch. Pull your needle all the way through.  Keep your stitches small and close together.
• I have found that a good rule of thumb is anywhere from 1.5” – 2” apart take 2 or 3 stitches on top of each other.  This anchors your stitching and prevents it from totally unraveling if the thread gets broken at anytime while garment/project is being used.
• NOTE:  If the patch you are sewing on is on the large side, you may want to sew a couple stitches in the middle area of the patch before you begin sewing around the edge – using thread to match that area.  This will keep that area of the patch neatly close to the garment/project.

7.  Tie off thread:

• Once you have finished sewing all the way around your patch, you will need to tie off the thread.  First, sew ¼” – ½” past the starting point.
• Again, tie the thread off on the underside of the patch (not the wrong side of the fabric).  This can be done one of two ways.

a.  Cut the remaining thread leaving plenty to tie a knot.  Cut off excess thread.

b.  Take 4-5 stitches on underside of patch – one of top of the other.  As you take each stitch, just before you pull it through, leave a small loop.  Take the point of the needle, put it through the loop, and pull tight. Cut off excess thread.

HINT:  To sew a patch on a pocket it is useful to put something (such as a credit card) inside the pocket to use as a shield.   As you are sewing, the needle will hit the shield instead of going through the fabric. This way you are less likely to sew the pocket closed.

VOILA!  You’re done.

How to Sew a Patch Using a Sewing Machine:

If you have a sewing machine, this article will explain how to sew on a decorative patch using a sewing machine.  

A free-arm sewing machine is easier to use than a non-free arm one; but either type is fine.  The free-arm machine will give more maneuverability when sewing a patch on the fabric, especially if the patch is on a sleeve or leg.  

Also, if the patch is being applied on a narrow sleeve or leg of a garment, or some other narrow area, you may need to open the seam to sew on the patch and then re-close the seam.  With some projects you may want to try on the article of clothing to make sure the patch is where you want it before you stitch it in place.

Note:  You cannot sew a patch on a pocket by machine or you will sew the pocket shut.

Materials needed:

• Garment or other project
• Desired patch
• Sewing machine – free-arm if you have one
• Thread that matches the finished edge of patch.
• Sewing machine needle – strong (about a #14 – 18)
• Straight or safety pins (opt: glue stick)
• Scissors
• Tape measure or ruler (if patch needs to be precise – such as on a uniform)
• Iron

1.  First of all, if you are putting a patch on a new garment/fabric, you will need to launder it first.  If it is wrinkled, you will then need to iron at least the area where the patch is to be applied. That way you aren’t sewing on a wrinkled area and the patch will be sewn on properly.

2.  Next, attach the patch on to your article where you want it.  To do this use either straight pins, safety pins or a little bit of glue using a glue stick for a small patch.

3.  Wind the sewing machine bobbin with matching thread.  Thread machine with same matching thread.

4.  Set the machine stitch to a narrow zigzag stitch.

5.  NOTE:  If you are sewing on a large patch, you may want to take a few small hand stitches in the center of your patch with thread that matches that area.  This will help it remain lying flat on finished product.

6. Start sewing anywhere on the patch. Keep the stitching on the finished edge of the patch – not going on to the fabric, otherwise the stitching will show.  Also, if you have anchored the patch on with straight pins, be sure the point of the pins face the center of the patch. Remove each pin as you approach the pin. Do not sew over them as you are likely to break the sewing machine needle.  

7.  When you have sewn all the way around the patch, in order to tie it off the threads, sew approximately ¼” – ½” over where you started sewing.

8.  Cut excess thread.  

And you are finished.

Benefits of Iron-On vs Sewing on Patches

Iron on patches are not going to stay on nearly as long as a sewn on patch. The adhesive will tend to deteriorate with time. Also, the items need to be hand washed in cold water and hung to dry in order to maintain the integrity of the iron on adhesive.

Which is Faster? and Iron-On Patch or a Patch that is Sewn On?

True, an iron on patch will only take a few minutes, but considering the short life span of adhering, it’s probably worth the extra time to sew it on.  It doesn’t take that much longer.

Which is Faster? Hand Sewing or a Sewing Machine?

A sewing machine is going to be much faster, if you have experience with a sewing machine. Otherwise, it could take some time to learn how to use the machine and set it up properly.

Thread Choices

I suggest that the best thread to use for sewing on a patch is regular, ordinary thread.  Some people might be tempted to use a heavier thread, such as buttonhole thread.

A type of buttonhole thread is called metrosene, but it is likely to be difficult or impossible to use for sewing patches.  Another type of buttonhole thread is Kevlar thread, but that is probably overkill. I have even heard of some people using dental floss or monofilament fishing line, but this is something I would not recommend.

It is best to stick to your basic thread choices.  Another alternative is to use embroidery thread if you have it.  Again, just use a double strand.

Which is Better or Easier –  Using a Sewing Machine or Sewing the Patch by Hand?

Personally, I prefer to sew a patch on by hand – mostly because I enjoy sewing by hand.  It just takes a little patience. If you have never used a sewing machine before, it could take you an hour just learning how to setup and use the sewing machine.

• Of course, if you don’t have a sewing machine, the answer is obvious.  If the fabric or patch is thick, then it might be more difficult to sew by hand, but still possible.  This is where a thimble becomes a valuable tool.
• Also, if you are putting a patch on a pocket, or perhaps on some other difficult place, doing it by hand may be necessary.

What are Ways to Attach a Patch Without Sewing?

There are a couple options available on the market that you can purchase to put on a patch without sewing.  I have used Stitch Witchery for other projects – not patches. But I have not used any of the rest of them, so I am not familiar with how well any of these products actually perform. These items can be purchased at fabric stores and at online sites.

The products I have found are:

• Fusible Webbing
• Patch Attach (which is a glue)
• Fabric Fusion Peel & Stick Sheets
• Singer Sew No More (glue)
• Badge Magic (peel and stick)
• Dritz Stitch Witchery

How to Remove a Patch

The best method to remove a sewn on patch is to use a seam ripper.  If you do not have a seam ripper, you will need a pair of small, sharp pointed scissors, cuticle scissors, or embroidery scissors.

1. Find a thread where the patch is sewn on, preferably where it is tied off, but anywhere is fine.

2. Put the long end of the seam ripper or one edge of your scissors under it and cut the thread.  

3. Start pulling the patch away from the item.  

4. Continue around the patch in the same manner until the patch is removed.  

5. Pull out any stray threads left behind.

6. As a last resort you could use an X-acto knife.  

How Much Can You Save by Sewing on a Patch Instead of Hiring a Tailor?

Prices can vary depending on where you live, as well as patch size. For example, if you live in an urban area, the rates might be higher, but typical rates might range from $3 for small, $5 for medium, and $7 for large patches, although this may not include more difficult garments like a leather jacket.

Instructions By Fabric / Material

Below are some guidelines for sewing a patch on to various fabric types by hand or with a sewing machine, as not all fabrics will work.