Sometimes we just can’t find what we really want in stores or online. This means that we have to get creative and do things our way because the world isn’t going to cater to our needs and wants. The same goes for patches and like anything else, they can also be made at home.
If you want to make patches by yourself then be prepared for some trial and error kind of learning curve, because it can get quite difficult. But in the end, it’s very worth it.
Inkjet Technique
This one needs some special equipment, but it’s the simplest and fastest method to make patches.
What you need:
- Scanner or an iPhone
- Inkjet printer
- Heat n Bond Inkjet transfer sheets
- Heavyweight fabric
How to make the patch
You begin with creating the artwork you want as a patch. If you prefer drawing on paper then you will need the scanner, but if you like to do digital art then it won’t be needed. Once you’ve got the design on your computer it’s time to resize it. Make sure that you have a picture that is the right size because it’s not fun to waste materials just because you didn’t pay attention.
Once you’ve got those ready it’s time to plug the Inkjet printer into your computer. It makes the process pretty easy, you just have to put the transfer sheets into the machine, then press a button. Once the image is printed you need to place the transfer sheet on the heavyweight fabric with the inked side facing downwards. Simply iron it on and leave it to dry for 2 minutes.
Then you can just peel off the paper and cut the fabric so there’s no excess. And you’ve got your very own patch!
Faux Machine Embroidery
This is one that doesn’t need special equipment. But instead, needs a little bit of skill and a desire to learn this craft, so only go with this method if you are prepared to spend a lot of time on it. Also, it’s not for beginners.
What you need:
- Sewing machine
- Coordinating thread
- Universal point sewing needle
- Heavyweight fabric
How to make the patch
You need some hand drawn artwork for this one. Or you can just print your digital art, that works fine too. All that matters is that you need a physical representation of it that you can trace.
If you want your embroidery to have nice and thick lines then there are a few things you should change on your sewing machine’s settings. First, choose the zigzag pattern. Then change the stitch length to 0 and the stitch width to 2. This will make sure that you don’t end up with some thin fabric that has a few lines on it. It’s really just the core of embroidery art.
After that all you need to do is trace your image with the correct colors. And make sure you pivot while finishing up.
Once you’re done you can just cut away the excess fabric and the patch is all ready to be sewn or glued up on something!
Hand Embroidery
In all honesty, this is the one we prefer. It requires a ton of work, patience and dedication. But it’s the one that will end up looking the prettiest and most detailed. It’s the traditional way of embroidery art, so really, what could be better?
What you need:
- Embroidery hoop
- Embroidery floss or thread
- Embroidery needle
- Heavyweight fabric
How to make the patch
Once again, you need a physical representation of your art. Place it under the fabric and trace it with a pencil, so that you can clearly see the outlines and will be able to use it as a guide. You can do this by sticking 2 needles in the fabric and the paper, then holding it up against a window. As the line shines through, it should be easier to tell where the lines are.
Then you need to secure the fabric in the embroidery hoop. Make sure that the material is stretching a tiny bit and that it won’t move. Test it out a little bit by pulling at the part where the fabric comes out of the hoop. If you are absolutely sure that it’s fine then you can start threading.
First you will need to learn how to stitch in a way so it does actually look like embroidery art. You can do this by looking at tutorials and practicing a lot, but for the sake of this post, we will just go with the regular straight and simple lines. All you need to do is fill out your design with thick threads and by making sure that the lines you make are very close together. You can create “edges” for the picture by using a black thread that traces the sides.
Once you’re done you can get the picture out of the hoop and cut around it. Just make sure you don’t accidentally cut into your artwork, because it will quickly unravel. Then the final step is to apply it to a piece of clothing or a bag!
For a Quick Application…
Some of you might have had enough of sewing and embroidering by this point, which we completely understand. But because of this, we want to ensure that the experience doesn’t end with a “finally done”, but an “I’m glad I did this”. And how could we reach that?
The simple answer is by making the finish easier.
If you don’t want to sew your patch onto anything because your hands hurt already or you have had enough then there are other options. Make sure that you consider them all and choose one if they feel better for you.
The first one is gluing. Simply buy some fabric glue at your local craft store and dab a little bit on your patch. Attach it to the clothing or bag, then let dry for at least an hour. Once the time is up your patch is ready!
The second is a bit pricier, but can work a lot better if used correctly. Sticky papers. Brands like Peel n Stick make sheets that can be placed on the backside of your patch, then be applied straight to onto what you want it to be on after removing the white layer that protects the glue. It works great on denim, cotton and even polyester.
Conclusion
Knowing how to make patches is an awesome and cool skill, especially if you have children who are very imaginative and would love to see their art come to life. But of course, patches are also a great way to improve your own style, so don’t be afraid to make your own either.
All in all, patches are to be enjoyed by everyone. Don’t be left out of the fun. Have you ever made patches before? What technique did you use? Tell us down in the comments below.
