When it comes to sewing on patches, using a sewing machine is a fast and effective method, especially if you’re working with multiple patches or need a durable finish. Whether you’re attaching custom embroidered patches, custom leather patches, or any other type of custom patches to jackets, hats, or bags, a sewing machine offers precision and speed that’s hard to achieve by hand.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to sew on patches using a sewing machine, including tips for working with various patch materials and garment types. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and skills to sew on patches like a pro, ensuring that they stay secure and look fantastic.
Why Use a Sewing Machine?
Sewing patches by hand can be time-consuming, especially if you’re dealing with thick materials like denim or leather. A sewing machine speeds up the process and ensures uniform stitching, providing a clean, professional appearance. Additionally, the tight, consistent stitches from a machine are more durable, especially for garments that will undergo frequent washing or heavy use.
If you’re working with bulk orders of patches or want to apply a patch to a tough fabric, such as a work jacket or backpack, using a sewing machine is your best option.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the necessary materials:
Patch: Your custom patch (embroidered, leather, PVC, etc.).
Sewing Machine: A standard sewing machine is fine for most fabrics, but for heavy-duty materials like leather, you may need an industrial machine or a heavy-duty needle.
Thread: Choose a color that matches the border of your patch or the garment for a seamless look.
Pins or Fabric Glue: To hold the patch in place while you sew.
Scissors: For trimming thread.
Heavy-Duty Needle (if applicable): Necessary for tougher materials like leather or denim.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Patches by Sewing Machine
1. Prepare Your Patch and Garment
The first step is to prepare your patch and the garment. Position the patch in the desired location on your garment—common spots include the chest, back, sleeves, or even the pocket areas. To ensure it doesn’t move during sewing, use pins to secure it in place. Alternatively, a small dab of fabric glue can help hold the patch while you work.
Be sure the patch is straight and properly aligned with the garment before starting. If you’re working with multiple patches, decide the layout beforehand, ensuring even spacing and a balanced design.
2. Set Up Your Sewing Machine
Next, prepare your sewing machine for the job. If you’re working with thick fabrics or patches (like custom leather patches or custom PVC patches), switch to a heavy-duty needle. For regular fabrics like cotton or denim, a standard needle will suffice.
Choose your thread color carefully. For a seamless look, match the thread to the patch’s border or the garment’s fabric. If you prefer a decorative look, opt for a contrasting thread color.
Adjust the stitch settings on your machine to a straight or zigzag stitch, depending on the look you’re going for. A straight stitch will give you a clean, simple edge, while a zigzag stitch provides more texture and security around the edges of the patch.
3. Begin Sewing
Place the garment with the patch under the presser foot of the sewing machine. Align the needle with the edge of the patch, starting at a corner or edge. Lower the presser foot to hold the fabric and patch in place.
Start sewing slowly along the edge of the patch, keeping your stitches as close to the border as possible. Use the presser foot as a guide to maintain even stitching, and keep the patch flat to avoid puckering. If you’re using a zigzag stitch, ensure the needle catches both the fabric and the edge of the patch for extra security.
If your patch has curved edges, take your time when sewing around the corners. Pause occasionally to lift the presser foot, rotate the fabric slightly, and then continue sewing to follow the curve smoothly.
4. Secure the Patch
Once you’ve sewn around the entire patch, backstitch a few stitches to secure the thread. This prevents the stitches from unraveling. Carefully lift the presser foot and remove the garment from the machine. Trim any loose threads with scissors for a neat finish.
For additional reinforcement, especially on high-stress areas like sleeves or bags, consider sewing another line of stitches just inside the first row.
Tips for Sewing Different Patch Types by Machine
Different patch materials require different techniques and care. Here’s how to handle some common types of patches when using a sewing machine:
Custom Embroidered Patches: Embroidered patches are often thicker, but a regular sewing machine can handle them. Use a matching or contrasting thread and sew around the border for a clean finish. A zigzag stitch is recommended for extra security.
Custom Leather Patches: Leather is tough, so use a heavy-duty needle and strong thread. Pre-punch holes in the leather using an awl to make the sewing process smoother. Slow your machine speed when sewing through leather to avoid breaking the needle.
Custom PVC Patches: PVC patches are thick and stiff. Use a strong needle and slow down the sewing process. PVC patches may need two rows of stitches for extra security, especially if applied to heavy-duty garments or gear.
Custom Woven Patches: These patches are generally thinner and easier to sew. Use a straight stitch close to the border for a seamless finish, or opt for a zigzag stitch for a more decorative touch.
Sewing on Patches: When to Use a Sewing Machine vs. Sewing by Hand
Sewing on patches by machine is ideal for larger garments or tough fabrics that need a durable finish. Jackets, bags, and jeans, for example, benefit from machine stitching as it provides strong, uniform stitches that can withstand wear and tear. Sewing by machine is also the best choice if you have multiple patches to apply or if you’re working with heavy-duty patches like custom velcro patches or chenille patches wholesale.
Hand-sewing, on the other hand, allows for more control and precision, especially for delicate garments or smaller patches. If the patch is in an awkward position (like the inner part of a sleeve), hand-sewing may be easier. Hand-stitching is also great for adding a personal, decorative touch to smaller patches.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Here are some common problems you might encounter when sewing patches by machine and how to solve them:
Puckering Fabric: This can happen if the patch or garment isn’t flat. Use pins to secure the patch and go slow to avoid bunching the fabric.
Skipped Stitches: If your machine skips stitches, you may be using the wrong needle or thread for the material. Make sure you’re using a heavy-duty needle for thicker fabrics like denim or leather.
Uneven Stitching: Uneven stitching can occur if you’re rushing. Take your time and guide the fabric gently, allowing the machine to stitch at a steady pace.
Conclusion
Sewing on patches by machine is a quick and efficient way to add custom patches to your garments, especially when working with bulk orders or heavy-duty fabrics. Whether you’re attaching custom embroidered patches, custom leather patches, or any other style, the precision and durability of machine stitching ensure your patches look professional and last for years.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to confidently sew on patches, transforming your garments into personalized pieces that reflect your unique style. The next time you want to add a patch to a jacket, bag, or pair of jeans, you’ll know exactly how to achieve a flawless finish with your sewing machine.
