This tutorial will walk you through four methods for making and attaching your handmade patches. For each of these, choose patterns based on how large you want the patches to be. There’s no rule for this, but smaller designs, such as the elements in a fruit pattern, work well. While there are four distinct methods for making patches, you’ll find that you can mix and match some of the techniques. For example, you can make a felt patch with adhesive, or a pin with different edge stitching. Have fun experimenting with these four DIY patch making processes. For iron-on patches you will need a pattern, two pieces of fabric, and two pieces of a paper-backed fusible web.
Instructions for Iron-On Patches
The fusible web helps prevent fraying, but you can also stitch a line of running stitch near the edge to add extra insurance against fraying. To make your patch look more like a commercially made patch, use whip stitch around the edge as shown in the pin patch tutorial below. If you are attaching this to an item that is washed regularly, you may want to wait to add the line of stitching after it’s ironed in place for extra security. When you’re ready to attach your iron-on patch, hold it in place and iron the patch from the back of the item you’re attaching it to. Make sure your iron is set on a high enough heat setting to get through the layers. To make felt patches, you need only the felt to embroider on, a marking method, and thread to attach it with.
Instructions for Felt Sew-on Patches
If you are using wool or wool blend felt (which hold up the best), it is very important that you use cool or room temperature water when you soak the embroidery. Warm water will cause your patch to shrink. The sample has nearly 1/4 inch of the felt showing so there is plenty of space for sewing the patch onto something. But you can cut much closer. Just be sure that you don’t cut the stitches or trim the felt so close that the stitches fall out. Stitch around the edge with regular embroidery floss. You can use blanket stitch or whip stitch, as you would with appliqué. Felt patches shouldn’t be washed frequently. When they do need to go through the laundry, use the gentle cycle or place the patched item in a delicates bag or pillowcase. To make self-adhesive patches, you will need the fabric you are stitching on, a piece of heavy stabilizer, and permanent peel-and-stick fabric adhesvie.
Instructions for Self-Adhesive Patches
Transfer your pattern to any fabric that you like stitching on. Placing the design on the bias of the fabric prevents excess fraying later. Cut a piece of stiff, heavy stabilizer and layer it behind the fabric as you place it in your embroidery hoop. Stitch the pattern through both layers. Getting through the stabilizer can take effort, so be sure to use a strong needle. Stitch around the edges of the patch with a whip stitch or a blanket stitch. To attach the patch, peel off the self-adhesive backing and press the patch onto your backpack or even a notebook. Just remember that this type of adhesive is permanent, so removing your patch could prove quite tricky. To make pin patches, you will need your embroidery fabric, a piece of felt, and a bar-style pinback.
