Sew a Patch onto a Garment

What you will learn

• Positioning a patch
• Whipstitch
• Blanket stitch

Materials and tools

• The garment
• The patch
• Hand-sewing needle (sharps, size 7), or an embroidery needle for blanket stitch
• Thread matched to the patch edge, 18 in (45 cm)
• Pins or fabric glue stick
• Thimble
• Chalk
• Iron

Before you start

• Press the garment and the patch flat.
• If the patch is fusible (iron-on), follow the packet instructions, then still sew round the edge so it survives washing.

1. Decide where the patch goes. Try the garment on and mark the position with chalk, or lay the patch down and look from a distance.
2. Pin the patch in place with the pins pointing towards the edge, or hold it with a dab of fabric glue stick or tape that washes out.
3. If the garment is a sleeve or a leg, slide your hand inside so that the stitches only go through the front layer. Keep the back layer out of the way.
4. Thread the needle with 18 in (45 cm) of thread and knot the end. Bring the needle up from the underside of the patch edge, so the knot hides under the patch.
5. Sew round the edge with whipstitch. Take the needle down through the garment next to the patch edge, and up through the patch 1/8 in (3 mm) from the edge. Space stitches 1/8 in (3 mm) apart.

6. For a decorative edge, use blanket stitch instead. Loop the thread under the needle on each stitch so that the bars sit against the patch edge.

7. At the corners, take two stitches into the same spot to keep the corner flat. Keep the thread snug but do not pull so tight that the patch puckers.
8. When you reach the start, finish with two stitches and a knot. Bury the tail under the patch.
9. Press the patch from the wrong side with a press cloth, matching the heat to the care label. Skip pressing if the patch has raised embroidery.

Tips for a neat result

• Use thread that matches the patch border.
• Use a thimble on denim and canvas.
• Check the patch lies flat before sewing the last side.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• The patch lies flat and every edge is secure.
• Stitches are evenly spaced and the garment has no puckers.