As a beginner, you might be thinking, how can you make patches with your embroidery machine? What are the types of patches that you can make with your embroidery machine? Or, how to sew patches onto fabric. I have listed up every single step for you to learn about the process to make patches, types of patches, trimming patches and attaching patches onto the fabric.
Custom embroidery patches are an effective tool for advertising or showing someone’s art of embroidery. These patches typically consist of a company logo and can be ironed or sewn to a variety of garments. They are often worn by employees who represent the company in public spaces such as conventions, expos, and tradeshows. They are a simple and effective way to spread the word about a business.
Patches can be made by either heat-applying or sewing them on clothing. The main difference between the two methods is that patches sewn on clothing have a better appearance than those applied with heat, which has a tendency to cause stitches to pucker, stretch and become uneven. Sewing patches involves attaching them to material with an embroidery machine before cutting out the patch and sewing it onto clothing.
Types of Custom Patches
Embroidered patches
Embroidery patches are a popular type of patch that is often used to advertise or show off one’s talent in embroidery. They can be used in many contexts such as customizing a shirt, bag, or hat with your own design. When you choose to make your own design for an embroidered patch, you can use many different methods to create different textures and colors. There are different kinds of embroidery threads that you can choose from such as floss, satin, pearl cotton, linen, and wool. These patches are the perfect combination of affordability, durability, and beauty.
PVC patches
PVC ( Polyvinyl chloride ) patches are very durable and are a popular choice for making embroidered clothing accessories. When done correctly, the PVC patch will be solid, waterproof, and ready to withstand abuse. This material is ideal for those who enjoy embroidery but have never sewn clothing before.
There are many different things that you can do with PVC patches. This material can be used to make applique designs, too-cool wallets and bags, glitter denim jackets, shirts, and tank tops, tattoos, superhero capes for kids and so much more. There is no limit to the fun that you can have with this medium if you know what to do with it.
Chenille patches
Varsity jackets are often adorned with chenille patches to write and display symbols. Chenille patches have a warm, classic look and feel. Patches made of Chenille will result in vibrant, energetic motifs with a vivid and whimsical appearance.
Chenille embroidery patches are popular for home décor projects as well as for clothing accessories. The fabric used to create this type of patch is a thick, soft, and fluffy pile that looks similar to the fur that is found on the bottom of a chenille sweater. The look of this patch can be changed by using different colors and textures in your design.
It offers a unique feel and looks when compared to other types of patches.
Woven patches
Woven patches are an excellent choice for those who want to wear a piece of embroidery on their clothing. These patches are made with a lightweight fabric and can be sewn onto different types of garments. The fabric used to make these patches is highly durable, making it perfect for rugged fabrics such as denim, canvas, and cotton.
As with embroidered patches, woven patches use thread to add detail, however, the thread is thinner. Because the bespoke patch does not have a twill background, its texture doesn’t rise to the level of the original.
Leather patches
Leather patches are one of the most popular types of patches for those who sew. These patches are made with soft, authentic leather and can be used on any type of clothing. Leather patches have a more casual feel than other embroidered patches and usually look better when they are used on shirts or jackets.
Leather patches are also used to make custom designs that are a little more upscale and look like their top-grade counterparts. When choosing patterns for leather embroidery, it is important to choose styles that compliment your clothing design while also not drawing too much attention away from it. Patches like the ones pictured above only draw attention to themselves, but you can minimize the effect by using these in conjunction with other designs or colors.
Name patches
Custom name patches are the perfect way to make personalized gifts for friends and family. People who get these patches typically wear them on their clothing items when going out in public. These are small, lightweight, and waterproof so they can be moved between different articles of clothing if you change your mind about where you want to keep them.
Printed patches
Patches with printed designs are more complicated to produce, but they can be made to fit any design. The patches are printed directly on twill bases using the sublimation dyeing method, using a blank twill base. Printed patches are a great way to advertise your business. These custom patches look professional and are often seen on shirts, hats, backpacks, and jackets. Not only are these patches easy to make, but they make an excellent impression on people visiting you at conventions, expos, or trade shows. You can also use them to make personalized gifts for someone or just as a casual way to show off your embroidery skills.
Bullion patches
Bullion embroidery patches are a fun way to personalize your clothing, bags, and accessories. Bullion embroidery is all about texture, motion, and 3D designs. Some of these patches resemble a felt patch, while others have a unique shape that is created by an unusual arrangement of stitches. These patches are ideal for those who love textures and designs that stand out from the crowd.
Bullion crests are frequently used by elite clubs, military outfits, golf clubs, fraternal societies, and other institutions that want to distinguish their logo from the crowd. Wire beads add dimension to gold and silver bullion crests. Moreover, the gold and silver metal threads give these patches weight, texture, and a pleasing appearance.
Important Supplies Needed for Embroidery Patches
In order to make embroidery patches look professional, stabilizers, backings, and patch fabrics are crucial.
Stabilizers are materials that are used to provide stiffening and integrity while embroidering fabric. Some kinds of stabilizers can be cut out of existing material; other kinds require special materials that must be purchased separately.
These backing materials are used in many different embroidery machines. They can either be cut out directly from the roll, or they can come in pre-cut shapes and sizes that fit into templates in your sewing machine. Using the correct backing will help you stay on track while stitching. These patterns are designed so that they line up with the holes on your machine’s embroidery disc or hoop and make it easier to stitch designs without losing track of where you started stitching.
Stabilizers Options for Embroidery Patches
Stabilizers can be used on almost any type of fabric and are available at a variety of prices. They are typically used on thicker materials, so they will offer more stability when stitching.
Tear-Away
Tear-away stabilizers are generally found in embroidery stores and craft stores. They are very easy to use, but they provide little support or stiffness to the fabric. The easiest way to use these is to cut them out of material prior to embroidery or directly from the roll.
You may spray either the mesh backing or the tacky patch fusible backing with spray adhesive and stick it in the running stitch outline of the tear-away stabilizer inside the hoop.
Prep-Patch
You can also go with a prep patch. Although it only offers support, it’s still an option if you’re not sure what type of stabilizer to use. These patches are pre-cut and written directly on the fabric before embroidery, so all you have to do is stitch over them.
Patches can be applied on top of this foundation very easily, and it provides a very strong and firm foundation. Put your fabric with fused backing on top of a running stitch outline embroidered on the film, as you would for your other stabilizers. Always put the smooth side up and the dimpled side down. This is the best stabilizer for use and works great with poly materials.
Soluble in water
Water-soluble stabilizers can be used with most fabrics, but they dissolve when immersed in water and must be taken off after stitching is complete. The advantage here is that they don’t need to be removed while stitching, so you can easily stitch large areas without having to worry about removing them later on.
To “melt away” the excess stabilizer, dip your finger in some water and run it along the edge of the patch. When compared to tear-away, this method typically removes unwanted stabilizers more quickly and efficiently.
Patch Backing Options
Lining up embroidery patches can be difficult, especially on a hemmed edge or along curved seams. This difficulty is often overcome by using the correct backing for the job. Backings provide both structure and support for your patch when stitching.
Fusible mesh backing with no show
Fusible mesh backing without a show is the most popular choice for applying patches with most types of machines. It’s very convenient and easy to use, but it can be difficult to remove from the fabric unless it is cut out and prepared before embroidery.
Heat press grids on the cut-away backing provide a strong foundation for your patch stitch-out. While it is extremely strong, it’s also very soft. Ironing is required to fuse the stabilizer into your fabric.
Fusible patch backing with tacky patch(best choice)
Fusible backing with the tacky patch is another option. In fact, it’s commonly used for stretch fabric, open weave fabrics, and for applying patches on the curved edges of jeans or too curved seams.
It works very well over the fusible web or fusible fleece. It is also very easy to cut from the roll and use to mark your running stitch outlines before stitching. To remove this backing after stitching, simply pull it off of the outside of your fabric.
Materials and Kits
Patch Backed Poly Twill
It’s a polyester twill with a grid design that allows you to mark both running and straight stitch outlines. It’s very strong and transfers heat very well. You can sew directly on the grid without any worry of your stitch lines “popping off” when you fuse your backing to the fabric.
The polyester twill is great for large areas and long runs, but it is also available in 100% polyester stretch woven fabrics if you prefer something lighter weight.
Post-Patch Iron On Seal
It is a very cost-effective way to stabilize any fabric. It’s a very durable general purpose patch backing with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that bonds to the back of your fabric.
Iron-on patches can be made from any patch using this product. Also, the back of your patch looks shiny and finished, without trimmings or roughness – a great addition for patches with more than one color.
Ready-Made Embroidery Patches
There are many ready-made embroidered patches available in stores. There are many ready-made embroidered patches available in shops. Because they are usually very strong and high quality, you can expect a good result every time. In many cases, you can count on good results since they are safe and strong. These patches are available in different shapes like circles, squares, ovals, triangles, etc.
Spray Adhesive
Spray adhesive is widely used to attach patches, especially when the fabric is not to be washed or if it is not chosen for a washing machine. The advantage of using spray adhesive is that it is versatile and easy to apply on all kinds of fabrics.
Knife
Hot knives are also an option. To attach the backing, iron the fabric onto the card.
A hot knife can be used to trim edges and clean them up. To me, this method is less effective than using scissors (before the border stitch) or pre-cut shapes.
How to sew Patches to Fabrics?
There are many different ways to attach your patches to fabrics. You can also make use of a sewing machine, overlock machine, or a serger depending on your preference.
Iron-On Patches
To attach an iron to a patch, start by preheating your iron to the highest setting you have. We recommend using a steam setting if possible. Make sure you use a dry ironing surface and that you’re not touching the item at all as you iron it with the highest heat setting available.
Applique Embroidery Sewing
Applique embroidery sewing is a very popular, time-saving, and frequently used method for all types of embroidered patch attachments. but it is quite expensive compared to other methods. It is ideal for sportswear. You can use this method if you own a sewing machine with embroidery attachments.
Sewing
Sewing on a patch is another popular method for attaching embroidered patches. With this method, you can use a variety of different stitches including running stitch, satin stitch, back stitch, and appliqué. Because you can use different types of stitches to create beautiful borders, the appearance of the patch changes significantly. The more decorative the border is, the better result you will get.
By Hand
There are many different ways to sew on patches by hand. For example, you can stitch by using a hand sewing machine, needle, thread, or even a string for stitching. There are times when you don’t have access to a sewing machine, so it might be good to remember that some of these methods can still be used for stitching on patches when needed.
By Sewing Machine
You can sew on your embroidered patch on a sewing machine. The advantage of using a sewing machine is that you will achieve an even stitching quality. This also makes it very easy to match the stitches with the color of the fabric where your patch is going to be placed and you can choose from different types of embroidery stitches as well.
By embroidery Machine
A patch can also be attached using an embroidery machine, which is the best method when you are working on a lot of patches.
Although there are different types of embroidery machines, most work in the same way. Patterns, shapes, and paths are generated with special software. You can also make your own embroidery design with such software.
Gluing
There are many different ways of gluing on patches. You can use Velcro, Scissors, Glue, or even double-sided tape for patching. The most important thing when gluing on patches is to follow the instructions included in the patch or make sure the adhesive is suited for your fabric.
This is the last resort for preserving embroidered patches. You might be disappointed by the end result if you attach patches using fabric glue.
Sticky Adhesives
Add a fusible adhesive to the back of the patch so that it behaves like a sticker. This is the easiest way to attach your patch to fabric.
Hook and Loop Fastener System
For attaching embroidered patches to fabric, you can use a hook and loop fastener system ideal for men’s and women’s garments. The first part of the attachment is a fabric adhesive patch that features two kinds of fabrics. There is an upper fabric with a sticky surface and a lower one with hooks for sewing this piece to the upper fabric. This system makes it easy to attach op patches on satin pin-tuck backings or glue them directly on the backing or garment.
How to trim patches for fabric?
There are many ways to trim patches for fabric. There are some options that will make it easier for you, like pre-made shapes that can be attached to the patch backing with a sewing machine. Here are some easy methods for trimming a patch:
Cutting Machine
If you want to use a cutting machine to trim patches for fabric, it is very important that you are aware of the stitches to use. The shape of the patch should be cut using a straight stitch or a satin stitch. When embroidering intricate badge shapes or when the embroiderer’s hands are unsteady, this method is particularly helpful. Brother ScanNCut could be a good choice when you go for this method.
Ready-made patch shape
Markets offer a variety of shapes and sizes. You will find all kinds of shapes like circles, hearts, ovals, squares, triangles, etc. It’s a good idea to go with pre-made shapes to save time and effort.
Stitch And Cut
You can use a hand-stitching method or a hand-cutting method for trimming patches for fabric. The stitches and cuts must be placed correctly.
Lasers
You can use a laser cutter to cut patches for fabric and then attach them using adhesive tapes or a sewing machine. This is an extremely cost-effective and simple method.
Scissors
You can also use scissors, but it’s usually easier to just go with a pre-made shape that is already designed for sewing on patchwork fabrics. There are many different shapes and sizes, so you can choose according to your needs and the pattern of your patchwork fabric.
Die-Cutting Machines
If cutting patterns with a sewing machine is not your cup of tea, then you might want to consider investing in a die-cutting machine. You can sew on patches for fabric with this machine and create intricate designs. AccuQuilt is a great option and I will recommend you to use this machine to save your time and add creativity to your projects. It has 2”, 3”, and 5” die circle cutting patches. It saves your time for digitizing the design.
FAQ about Patches Making With Embroidery Machine
How to make patches with an embroidery machine?
Embroidery machines have special needle and thread attachments for embroidery. You can use the same tool when embroidering patches with an embroidery machine. The only thing that you need is to put the stitching clip in the needle and thread attachment of your machine so you can stitch onto the patch after you attach it to the fabric with a sewing machine.
- Place a piece of fabric on an embroidery hoop
- In an embroidery machine, trim the edges where you want to place the patch
- Cut out the shape of the patch and lay it on top of the fabric piece that is on your embroidery hoop
How to sew patches on jackets?
In most cases, patchwork patches can be sewn on the jacket by using pre-made shapes. You just need to cut them into pieces. These shapes usually have a base layer of fabric with backing paper. They are easy to sew because they have already been pre-made. If you want to make them from your own design, make sure that it is going to fit well in the shape. You can make it according to the size or pattern of your jacket and then trim off any excess fabric before sewing on the patch.
How to sew applique patches?
Appliques are patches that are sewn directly on the fabric instead of the usage of an under-base layer. Appliques are generally done by machine. You will also need to use special fusible interfacing and after that, you can place your design on a piece of vinyl. This will make it easy for you to sew it on the fabric. It is very important to have adequate cutting time before you start sewing applique patches on fabric. This will prevent fraying and gives your project a professional look because there will be no mistakes in the sewing and trimming process.
What is the best embroidery machine for making patches?
You can choose any of the embroidery machines that are available in the market. Every machine that comes with embroidery software is able to make patches of different designs. I will suggest Brother SE1900 if you want to use an embroidery machine for trimming the patch. Brother SE1900 is a very popular and versatile machine that can be used for many different purposes like embroidering, sewing, cutting, and more. It has an easy-to-use interface and it’s equipped with a scanning feature that allows you to create digital designs with custom stitching patterns in minutes.
Conclusion
I hope that this article helped you to understand the importance of using patches while decorating your garments and how to sew patches on fabric. There are many different types of patches available in the market. You can use pre-made shapes or you can use a sewing machine to create your own designs for patchwork clothing.
It is always best to stitch your own patchwork as it gets reflected in the final look of your item. You can also create custom patches and embroideries with an embroidery machine. There are many different designs available in the market and you can choose one that fits well with your requirements and the size of your patchwork.
With all these methods, you can find a patch that perfectly matches your clothing style!
