Guides

How to Sew On a Patch (By Hand)

1. 01

   Position the patch

   Place it exactly where you want it, then pin it in place or use a dab of fabric glue to hold it steady while you sew.

2. 02

   Thread your needle

   Use a strong thread, doubled up for extra hold. Match the thread to your patch, or go bold with a contrasting color.

3. 03

   Start from the inside

   Push the needle up through the fabric from the back, right at the patch edge, and pull through until the knot catches.

4. 04

   Stitch around the edge

   Use a simple whip stitch along the patch's border, keeping stitches close together (about 1/8 inch apart) for a clean, secure finish.

5. 05

   Work all the way around

   Keep going until you're back where you started.

6. 06

   Knot it off

   Finish on the inside of the garment, tie it off securely, and trim the extra thread.

7. 07

   Double-check

   Give the patch a gentle tug all around. Go over any loose spots again.

8. 08

   Trim loose threads

   Snip any stray threads and you're done!

How to Sew On a Patch (With a Sewing Machine)

1. 01

   Hold it in place

   Pin the patch, or use fabric glue / fusible web so it doesn't shift while you sew.

2. 02

   Set up your machine

   A straight stitch or narrow zigzag (preferable but both work). Medium stitch length.

3. 03

   Start stitching

   Begin at one edge and sew slowly around the patch, staying close to the border (1–2mm in).

4. 04

   Pivot at corners

   Needle down, lift the presser foot, turn the fabric, continue.

5. 05

   Close the loop

   Overlap your stitching where you started to lock it in.

6. 06

   Reinforce (optional)

   For patches that'll see heavy wear, go around a second time just inside the first line of stitching.

7. 07

   Trim loose threads

   Snip any stray threads and you're done!

Caring for Your Hand-Painted Patch

Hand-painted patches are one-of-a-kind — a little care keeps the paint looking as good as day one.

1. 01

   Wash inside out

   Turn the garment inside out before every wash to protect the design from direct friction.

2. 02

   Skip the bleach

   Bleach breaks down the pigment and will fade or discolor the paint over time.

3. 03

   Keep water cool to lukewarm

   Hot water is what causes paint to crack or bleed, so stick to cool or lukewarm.

4. 04

   Don't scrub

   Avoid rubbing directly over the design; wash gently by hand or on a delicate machine cycle.

5. 05

   Iron from the back only

   If it needs a press, iron from the reverse side, or lay a thin cloth over the front. Never let the iron touch the paint directly.

6. 06

   Skip the tumble dryer

   Air dry or lay flat instead. Dryer heat is one of the fastest ways a hand-painted design cracks.