Need Assistance? Here is how to sew on your own new patches

Sew-on patches take ordinary garments to a whole new level, adding a look of distinction. These patches help us identify officers, employees, soldiers, club members, and more.

They've long been collectibles and durable embellishments for canvas bags, coats, vests, and virtually any garment. Although they’re easy for anyone to attach with needle and thread.

However, some people are anxious about the process. There is no reason to be nervous about patch application; even a novice needle worker can perform this simple task! I

f you're ready to learn, grab a needle and some thread and see how easy it is to sew on your custom patches!

1. Before you do anything, wash and dry your material. You might not think this is a crucial step, but it will eliminate shifting and bunching, which will occur when fabric shrinks.

2. Iron your material if necessary. You want to ensure the surface where your patch sits is smooth, clean, and dry.

3. Find a well-lighted area to perform your task. Even those with eagle eyes will have trouble threading a needle in a dimly lit room.

4. Play with the placement of your patch, moving it around and examining it until you find the perfect spot to attach it. For the sake of precision, use a straight pin or two to hold the patch until you can permanently attach it. Now that you've prepped your patch, its time to start sewing.

5. Choose your sewing needle and thread. For a professional look, find thread that closely matches your patch or fabric. Any basic cotton blend thread will do.

6. Pull approximately 18 inches of thread from your spool and cut it at a 45-degree angle. The longer your thread, the harder it will be to work with. Lengthy strands of thread are likely to get twisted, tangled, and knotted.

7. Hold your needle up to the light and pass the cut end of the thread through the eye of the needle. You can dampen the end of the thread to smooth any frayed edges, which will make things a bit easier. Pull the thread through and tie a knot near the end. If you continue to have trouble threading the needle, try using a needle threader.

8. Turn your fabric over and work from the back to the front. This will conceal the knotted end of your thread once your patch is attached. Poke the needle through the edge of the patch, using your hands to guide you. However, be careful not to prick your finger.

9. Pull the needle through the front of your fabric and repeat this action, leaving about a quarter of an inch of space between your entry points.

10. When you've completed the sewing, take your needle and slip it under the stitch to form a loop. Guide your needle through the loop and pull to tighten. Repeat at least once to ensure your knot stays secure.

Give yourself a hand; you're now the proud owner of a sewn-on patch!