How To Sew On Custom Patches By Machine
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How To Sew On Custom Patches By Machine

Custom patches are used by everyone from the military to law enforcement agencies, businesses, and brands. They are great for identification purposes, but they are also ideal for marketing and...

Custom patches are used by everyone from the military to law enforcement agencies, businesses, and brands. They are great for identification purposes, but they are also ideal for marketing and promotion. Here at Patches4Less.com, we specialize in custom embroidered patches. One of the most common styles is the sew-on patches. What started as an art form valued by kings and queens has become a popular way for everyone to stand out. While we've spoken in-depth about applying sew-on patches, today, we take a closer look at how to sew on patches by machine. 

This is one of the quickest and most secure ways to attach a patch. However, it can be more limiting than others, as you can only sew patches on areas that you can access with a machine. Below we take you through a step-by-step process to sew on your patches with a machine. 

The first step is to choose a thread for each patch. There are two ways to go about this; you can either match the patch border so that the stitches can't be seen. Or, you can choose a thread that contrasts your design and stands out. It's all a matter of your personal choice. 

Once you have determined the thread you want to use, decide where the patch should be attached to your garment. Placement near the seam or in an area that is hard to reach will make it much more difficult to sew the patch into place. Keep that in mind when choosing your location. 

Now that you have determined the placement of your patch use safety pins to hold the patch in place. This will ensure that the patch stays put while you are sewing. It also lets you place your patch exactly where you want it. Be sure that you can get the garment under the machine's presser foot where the needle is located. Some items, including bags or backpacks, maybe too thick to fit. Also, make sure that you have only a single layer of the garment because the last thing you want to do is sew the garment together. 

Next, thread the sewing machine with your thread of choice, including the color, and select a straight stitch on the machine. Align the needle with the inside border of the patch and lower the presser foot on the machine. Back-stitch for 2-3 seconds to secure the thread and then sew along the inner edge of the border on your patch. 

If your patch is circular in shape, turn the garment and patch as you sew. Again, be sure to follow the border of your patch. If the patch has straight edges, such as a square or rectangle, sew straight towards your first corner and make your needle go through the patch and the bag. Lift the presser foot and swivel the bag 90 degrees on the corner using the needle as an anchor. Place the presser foot in the down position and start sewing along the next straight edge. Repeat this process for each corner. 

When you reach the spot where you began sewing, back-stitch again for 2-3 stitches to make sure it holds. Then, with your needle in the highest position, lift the presser foot and remove the bag from the sewing machine. Trim the excess thread and remove your safety pins. Now, admire a job well done and pat yourself on the back. 

For those who do not have access to a sewing machine or are overwhelmed by the idea of sewing a patch into place, you can always opt to take your garment to a tailor. This method is the easiest if you do not have time or interest in attaching patches yourself. Once you have found a tailor shop, ask if they will be hand sewing or machine sewing your patches. You may then work with the tailor on the "style" of stitching, though we'd suggest leaving those details to the professionals. 

Here at Patches4Less.com, we know custom patches; it’s what we do. We have created custom embroidered patches of all sorts and for many uses. We understand what a well-designed patch should look like, from police and fire department patches to military patches, morale patches, and patches simply for style. We offer top-quality products at unbeatable prices, which is combined with our unrivaled customer service. If you need custom embroidered patches, we’ve got you covered. 

Find out more about our custom patches, call us toll-free at 866-847-2824 or email us. If you are ready to start your order, you can fill out our free quote form today. Designing and ordering custom patches has never been this easy!


Jesse Daugherty

Jesse Daugherty

Blogger

Hello, I'm Jesse Daugherty, a music enthusiast, sports aficionado, and an avid supporter of the arts. I'm a writer and content creator. For the past 5 years, I've shared my knowledge of custom patches and other promotional products, exploring their designs, meaning, and purpose.