The perfect approach to spice up your look and show off your individual sense of style is with embroidered patches. They can also serve as a marketing tool for a significant company, cause, or group. For a good representation, it’s important to know how to applying embroidered patches the right way.
Among other things, patches can be found on coats, uniforms, backpacks, and bags. They assist in showcasing your accomplishments, personality, and areas of interest.
In order to put your embroidered patches to good use, this guide will explain nine different methods of clothing attachment!
What to Take into Account Before Applying Embroidered Patches
Not every patch is made equally. Some require more adhesive since they are larger. Others include materials that can only be hand-stitched, while yet others have iron-on options for simpler application.
There are a number of things to take into account before applying a patch if you want your embroidered projects to turn out perfectly:
- The patch is made of what material? The most popular materials for embroidery patches are denim, cotton, nylon, and polyester. Knowing the material will assist you choose the best method of attachment and the type of garment to attach it to.
- Where should the patch go? The patch can be worn anyplace, like on a jacket, dress, pair of trousers, hat, etc. The chest, shoulder, back, midway down the front of a jacket, or the back pocket of pants are the parts that catch the most attention.
- What style is it? The most attractive patches are typically those that are small to medium in size and catch the eye. Make certain that the color stands out and that the patch’s design corresponds to the message or aesthetic you wish to convey.
- When should you select a custom patch? You can think about selecting a customized patch if the stitched patches aren’t effectively communicating the message you’re wanting to get across.
How Are Embroidered Patches Applied to Clothing?
Specific methods work better for attaching patches than others depending on your resources and the cloth material. Let’s go through each one in more detail so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Iron On
The quickest and simplest method for securing embroidery patches is to iron them on. An iron-on patch with a sticky back that activates when heated is necessary for this technique. Some will have a backing sheet that must be taken off before adhering.
If you want to sew them on cotton or denim, an iron-on patch is ideal. Because embroidered patches are made of thick, strong material, it is better to iron or glue them rather than use needles.
Additionally, be sure the fabric you’re using can endure the heat of the iron and is wrinkle-free. Avoid using an iron on delicate fabrics like silk, polyester, and other materials because it might burn or color them.
Place the item of clothes on an ironing board to begin. Next, apply the patch’s adhesive side at the desired location. Since you won’t be able to change the place afterwards, be sure to mark the exact location where you’d like to patch.
Set the iron’s temperature to 350 Fahrenheit. Find a hard, flat surface and pre-heat the iron without using any steam. To shield your cloth from the intense heat, cover the patch and the surrounding fabric with a towel.
By pressing it, pre-heat the area where you intend to apply your new patch. For your embroidery patch to melt onto the fabric, press firmly for 20 seconds to warm the region.
On the embroidered patch, place the heated iron over the towel and slowly make circular motions. After doing this for about a minute, make sure the patch is still there. There shouldn’t be any loose ends on the patch, and it should adhere to the cloth. If not, reposition the towel and carry on for another minute.
After it has adhered to your clothing, let it to cool. Check the fabric’s ability to hold when it is at room temperature.
Glue On or Fusile Web
Gluing embroidered patches is a practical method, however it depends on the glue you use. You ought to only use glue as a last option. Fusible web or fabric glue are unreliable when it comes to long-term adhesion.
Put a small amount of fabric glue on the patch’s back before pressing it firmly to your clothes. Give the adhesive an hour to settle so it can harden. After then, lift the edges to check them. You didn’t put enough adhesive on, so you’ll need to reapply it and wait another hour if the glue comes off. You can wear, wash, and dry the cloth after 24 hours because the glue has cured and solidified its bond.
Since some kinds of glue may degrade over time, make sure you purchase high-quality glue from the craft store. Try an alternative application technique if you need to add adhesive every few weeks to keep it from dropping.
Velcro®, also Known as Hook and Loop Fasteners
Another useful method for fastening your embroidery patches is Velcro®. Velcro® has the benefit of making it simple to switch out the patches whenever you want.
Velcro® patches need to be sewed or bonded to the reverse of your patch or garment. Make sure the Velcro® patch is firmly fastened on all sides.
Once the patch is on, you can reapply and remove it as frequently as you like without sewing.
Textile Adhesive
The easy way to attach thin patches to fragile textiles is with fabric glue. When working with synthetics that don’t respond well to heat application, it is practical. It’s permanent, unlike glue, and is ideal if you don’t have a heat or iron press.
Test the adhesive on a small piece of fabric before using it. Make sure the adhesive doesn’t cause the fabric to crease, disintegrate, or lose its color.
Follow the adhesive instructions and begin with a clean, dry garment. Before wearing it, let the glue rest for one night after application.
Glue Gun
Standard glue is less effective than glue from a glue gun. You’ll need to understand how to select the best one, though. Standard, low, and adjustable temperature glue guns are the three available varieties.
Low-temperature firearms operate at at 260 degrees Fahrenheit, while standard-temperature weapons operate at around 380 degrees.
Since high heat can burn through delicate textiles, we advise using a low or adjustable temperature glue gun. To avoid any potential risks, it is best to test glue guns before using them.
Apply glue to the patch first, then press the patch firmly into place for 20 seconds. Check to see if the patch is still attached to your garment after a few minutes.
Double-Sided Tape
An adhesive is on both sides of a sheet of double-sided tape. It is practical because you may shape or size-cut it to fit your patch.
Just adhere the patch on one side of the tape, then fasten the clothing to the other. Most fabrics can be used with double-sided tape, which is also non-toxic, safe to use, and machine washable. The main drawback is that it wears out more quickly than iron-ons, adhesive, or sewing.
Hair Straightener
You can use a hair straightener the same way you would a heat press or iron if you have one. The patch is perfectly adhered to your cloth, and there is minimal risk that it will come off.
Gather your patch, clothing, and hair straightener first. Make sure the patch’s adhesive side is facing up as you place it on a flat, smooth surface.
To begin, drape a towel over the item of clothing. Make sure the hair straightener is turned on and that the temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For around 10 seconds, gently push the hair straightener against the patch. Before removing the towel and lifting the hair straightener off, give it roughly two minutes.
Allow the patch to cool completely before putting it to the test by wearing your garment. You can wash it with cold water and detergent after waiting a day.
Hand-Sew
The most durable and long-lasting way to attach embroidered patches to your clothing is through sewing. If you know how to handle a straight pin, needle, thread, and scissors, hand-sewing patches can be simple.
If you want to attach something durable to your garment but don’t have an iron-on patch, using needles and pins is a terrific alternative. These portable, small items make it perfect for travel as well.
Place the patch exactly where you want it on the fabric using a pin. With the needle, pass a thin waxed thread through your jacket or shirt. Always select the proper thread color to prevent interference with your patch’s design.
To prevent your threads from showing on the outside, begin sewing from the inside of the garment.
For a firm grip, pass the needle through the patch and back again. Till you get to the starting place, work your way around the patch.
When you get to that place, knot the thread to keep the patch from coming off. After that, simply trim the extra thread to complete.
Machine Sew
If you have a sewing machine, you can stitch a lot more patches much more quickly, especially if you know how to use it.
Place the patch on your shirt or jacket where you want it using a pin. This typically appears a few inches below the shoulder on either sleeve.
Your needle and thread should be thicker the thicker the patch. Once more, be sure to match the thread color to the boundaries of your patch.
Lay your patch flat on the sewing machine, aligning everything exactly where you want it, and then sew.
Set the sewing machine to the zigzag stitch, which is intended for patch sewing. Since patches are small, use the thinnest zigzag you can to ensure that the stitches aren’t too noticeable.
Start sewing around the patch’s edges. To easily sew the patch, you will need to reposition your clothing.
When you arrive at the starting point, the task is finished. Check the area around the edge to make sure no loose ends have gotten away.
Want Personalized Patches for Your Clothing? Shop MakeMyPatch
Fashion-forward people are coming up with inventive ways to wear their embroidered patches as they are making a significant comeback. We hope you learned a few tricks in our applying embroidered patches guide.
MakeMyPatch is prepared to assist you with creating unique patches, whether you want to customize a jacket or shift, display a club insignia, or represent a particular company.
Send us your design, and we’ll collaborate with you to make it a reality!