How to use and sew a patch - Sewing technical tutorial

What is a Patch?

Also called a badge, emblem, insignia, or appliqué, a patch is a versatile tool ideal for decorating, repairing, hiding, or personalizing fabric. It is a valuable ally for sewers and seamstresses facing small daily challenges. Whether it is to add a personal touch to a garment, repair a hole, or conceal an imperfection, a patch offers both a practical and aesthetic solution. Easy to apply, it can transform any garment or accessory into a unique piece.

 

 

How to Choose Your Patch

To choose the right patch, start by determining what you want to do with it: decorate, repair, or personalize. Your choice will depend on the use of your patch and its placement.

  • Sew-on patches are perfect for hiding imperfections and are suitable for frequently used items over the long term. Although they take more time to apply, they offer better durability.

  • Iron-on patches are perfect for quick and easy application. Equipped with a thin layer of adhesive that reacts to heat, they are particularly useful if you want to apply a large number of patches at once. However, they are less durable than sew-on patches, especially if not applied correctly.

To avoid any issues, here is our practical guide to applying patches durably:

How to Attach a Sew-on Patch

As the name suggests, these patches are sewn onto the fabric by hand or machine.

To apply them, you will need:

  • 1 sew-on patch,
  • 1 needle and matching thread (for a discreet seam) or contrasting thread for a fun look,
  • 1 pair of scissors,
  • 1 stick of temporary glue or pins (optional, but recommended).

The application is done in five steps:

  1. Prepare your fabric: Wash and iron your fabric before applying the patch.
  2. Position your patch: Place the patch at the desired location on the fabric and temporarily secure it with pins or temporary glue to prevent it from slipping.
  3. Prepare the thread: Thread a needle with a thread matching the edge of the patch.
  4. Sew the patch: Start sewing around the patch, leaving 2 mm between your stitches and the edge of the patch. Use a straight, tight, and regular stitch to ensure a solid attachment. Take your time to ensure the final result. The more precise the sewing, the better the application will be.

How to Apply an Iron-On Patch

Here is the necessary material to attach an iron-on patch:

  • 1 iron-on patch
  • 1 iron
  • 1 thin cloth or parchment paper

The application is done in four steps:

  1. Prepare your fabric: Wash and iron your fabric to avoid wrinkles under the patch.
  2. Position your patch: Place the patch with the adhesive side (the smooth, shiny side) against your fabric at the desired location.
  3. Cover the patch: Cover the patch with a thin cloth (wet or dry depending on the fabric underneath) or parchment paper to avoid damaging the fabric or the patch with the iron.
  4. Iron the patch: Press your iron on the patch, applying strong pressure. Set it to a high temperature (about 150 °C) without steam and hold it on the patch for 30 seconds.
  5. Turn your fabric inside out: Repeat the process on the inside of your fabric for better adhesion. If your garment will be washed frequently, we recommend adding a few stitches by hand or machine to secure your patch in place.

Great! You’ve successfully applied your patch, but the question remains: how do you care for it?

How to Care for a Garment with a Sewn Patch

  1. Can patches be machine washed? To protect your patch as much as possible, we recommend turning your item inside out before washing it.

  2. At what temperature should I wash my patch? For a sewn patch, you can machine wash it at the temperature you usually use. For an iron-on patch, it is not recommended to exceed 30 °C.

  3. Can I iron over a patch? Yes and no. For a sewn patch, no problem. For an iron-on patch, it’s not necessary and could even damage the adhesive. In any case, protect your patch with a cotton cloth when ironing.

  4. What if my iron-on patch peels off? Don’t panic; it’s normal for an iron-on patch, even perfectly applied, to have edges that peel over time. To fix this, just add a few stitches in the corners.

What is the best needle size to use for sewing a patch?

The needle size depends on the fabric you are applying your patch to. You need to consider that your needle will have to sew through two layers (the patch and the fabric). Generally, choose universal needles, size 90.

Can I sew my patch onto thick fabrics?

Yes, of course. We recommend using extra-strong thread to prevent your thread from breaking during sewing. It is easier to sew a patch by machine than by hand for thick fabrics. Also, choose an area with the least fabric thickness possible.

For denim, for example, you will need needle sizes 100 or 110 (jeans needles) and a stitch length of about 4 mm.

  I Still Have Questions!

If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact us directly by email at contact@ikatee.fr and our team will be happy to answer all your inquiries! We are interested in your comments, feedback, and ideas!