| How to Sew a Patch on a Uniform Jan 21st 2013, 00:00 Whether for military, public service, a job, or a scout troop, many people wear uniforms with patches as insignia. This article describes how to sew a patch onto a uniform by hand using a a needle and thread. - Wash, dry, and iron before you begin. If it's a new uniform, make sure to wash and dry it at least one time before sewing on the patch, otherwise the material will bunch unevenly after the first wash and dry cycle. It is also a good idea to iron the area where the patch is to be placed before starting to sew.
- Get a sewing needle and thread. Choose thread that is either the color of the uniform or the color of the edge of the patch.
- Position the patch where you want to it go.
- Try on the uniform with the patch held on with a safety pin. This is to check it is positioned correctly. it can help to have someone else confirm this with you.
- Use a safety pin or straight pin to hold the patch on where you want it to go.
- Cut a piece of thread. If you're not very familiar with sewing, start with a piece of thread no longer than 18 inches (45cm). Longer pieces tend to get tangled and are harder to work with than shorter ones.
- Thread the needle and tie a knot in the end of the thread.
- Put the needle through the uniform under the patch to start the first stitch. It should be positioned so that the ends of the thread that are beyond the knot will be hidden under the patch and won't stick out.
- Stick the needle back up through the uniform and catch the edge of the patch with the needle. Put the needle back through the uniform about 1/4" (6mm) away. You have made your first stitch; it gets easier from here!
- Continue stitching the patch to the uniform all the way around the edge of the patch. Remove the pins.
- When you have sewn all the way around the edge of the patch, knot the thread and pull the needle through between the patch and the uniform. Cut the ends of the thread beyond the knot to about 1/2" (1cm) long. Tuck them under the patch.
- All done!
- Patches that are sewn on may last longer than patches that are ironed on, especially if the uniform is washed frequently or sees heavy wear.
- If it is hard to press the needle through the entire thickness of the patch and the uniform, use a thimble to protect your fingers.
- Look for an inexpensive needle threader. They may be available with the needle or in the same section at the store. If you cannot see the eye in needle well, a needle threader can be a big help.
- Teach your boy scout or girl scout or junior sports person (such as martial arts) to sew his or her own patches when they're old enough. It is a useful skill to know and similar to sewing on a button. Plus, it gives them a chance to learn the details of their uniforms and take pride in the badges they have earned.
- A glovers/leather needle is an excellent needle to use for sewing on a patch.
- It may be easier to use iron-on fusing tape to attach the patch instead of sewing it on (see How to attach a patch using iron-on fusing tape for details.
Edit Warnings - Many organizations are now producing patches that are made to be ironed on, so you may want to check for this feature before sewing the patch on by hand.
Edit Things You'll Need - Thread in color or uniform or edge of patch
- Scissors
- Sewing needle
- 1 or 2 straight pins or safety pins
- Optional: needle threader and/or thimble
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