Clothing patches can be a fun, simple, exciting, and inexpensive way to personalize your clothing. According to Printful, there are several tips to follow when creating clothing patches.
Decide on the Shape and Size of the Patch
Before you begin creating your patch, you want to decide where the patch will be located on the garment. This will help you determine the size and dimensions of the patch. There are patterns out there for patches, but creating your own will let you express yourself and show everyone your unique style.
Pick the Right Material for Your Patch
Patches can be made from several different kinds of fabric. However, most people use felt because it does not fray easily. You will not have to worry about snagging or loose threads when you use felt. Twill is also often used for making patches. Twill is similar to the material used in cloth pants. It can fray, but is lightweight and very durable.
Have All the Materials you Need
There is nothing more frustrating than deciding you will create your own patch and then realizing you have forgotten one of the materials you will need. If you want to create your own patch, you must have the following materials and equipment:
- Tracing board
- Felt or twill
- Embroidery needles
- Heating bond
- Scissors
- Pelon
- Iron
- Embroidery thread
The easiest way to create your patch is to attach a Pellon stabilizer to the back of your fabric and your design to the front of the fabric. You will do this with an iron, and the stabilizer will hold your fabric in place as you sew. You will not need to use an embroidery hoop if you do this. Simply thread your needle and start sewing. You can tear away the stabilizer when you are done sewing. You can then cut the patch out of the fabric.
Consider Using an Automated Sewing Machine
Sewing a patch by hand can be difficult because the area you are working on will normally be much smaller than it would be for a regular embroidery design. The needlework can be very intricate, but there are computerized embroidery machines that will allow you to upload a design using a USB port. The machine has an automatic threading component. All you have to do is put the cloth into the machine, push a button and allow it to create a perfectly stitched design.
The only drawback to automated embroidery machines is that they can be rather expensive. Fortunately, there are on-demand printing companies that have their own automated sewing machines. All you have to do is upload your design to an on-demand printer’s website, select a patch, and let their sewing machines do the work. The company will ship your patches out to you when you are ready to order.
Patch Placement
If you have a hole in your clothes or on a backpack, you would obviously want to place the patch over the hole. However, if you are using the patches for decorative purposes, you can put them anywhere you would like. Many people will have patches all over the back of their jean jackets, and some have them lining either side of the jacket’s front. The possibilities are endless.
