How to Sew a Patch: 5 Easy Steps & 3 Tips

A carefully sewn patch can extend the life of a favorite garment.  Whether you need to rescue a garment from an unfortunate snag or reinforce a weak point, patches are not difficult to sew by hand or by machine. Here is your quick guide on how to sew a patch.

The Quick and Easy Steps to Sew a Patch

1. Start by gathering the materials you will need, including a patch, thread, a needle, scissors, and a piece of fabric or clothing that you want to attach the patch to. You will also need a sewing machine or hand-sewing supplies, depending on which method you prefer.
2. If you are using a sewing machine, begin by threading the machine and choosing the appropriate stitch for your project. A straight stitch or zigzag stitch will work well for most patches. Place the fabric under the presser foot and lower it to hold the fabric in place.
3. Position the patch on the fabric where you want to attach it, making sure that it is straight and centered. If you are using a sewing machine, use the handwheel or the foot pedal to start sewing, and guide the fabric through the machine as you sew around the edge of the patch. If you are sewing by hand, insert the needle into the fabric on one side of the patch and pull it through, making small, even stitches around the edge of the patch. Be sure to keep the stitches tight and close together to ensure a strong and secure attachment.
4. When you reach the end of the patch, stop sewing and cut the thread, leaving a few inches of thread on the underside of the fabric. Tie a knot in the end of the thread to secure it, or use a backstitch to reinforce the seam. If you are using a sewing machine, raise the presser foot and carefully remove the fabric from the machine.
5. Once the patch is attached, you can add any additional embellishments or details that you like. You can use different colors of thread to create decorative stitching, or add buttons, beads, or other decorations to the patch. Be creative and have fun with your design, and you will end up with a unique and personal item that you can be proud of.

Tip: Nearly Invisible Patches

The first step to neatly patching a hole is to neaten the hole by cutting it into a square or rectangle lined up with the grain of the fabric.  Using a short stitch length, reinforce the hole by stitching ¼ inch from the edges all around, carefully turning square corners.  Carefully clip the corners to the stitching so you can turn under the edges along the stitching lines and press, producing a neat “window” under which to place your patch material. A drop of liquid fray preventer (e.g. Fray Check) at each corner is a wise precaution.

Cut a patch of matching fabric or of fabric similar in color, weight, and texture. Be sure the patch is larger than the window (it will be trimmed later.)  If the fabric is a plaid or stripe, move the patch under the window until the pattern is aligned properly.  Hand baste 1/4 inch from fold through all layers with large stitches to hold the patch in place until you do the permanent machine stitching. 

Edge stitch near the fold through all layers around the hole. Remove hand-basting stitches. Finish patch by:

1. Topstitching ¼ inch from edge stitching on the right side, then trimming patch edges on wrong side of garment close to stitching or
2. Finishing patch edges on the wrong side with pinking shears or zigzag stitching.

Tip: Decorative Patches

A decorative patch is meant to show and is simply applied on top of a hole or worn area like we did in our sequin jeans here or even applied in a place where there is no hole, such as a club patch or merit badge.  If the patch is a ready-made applique with a finished edge to prevent fraying, simply pin the patch in place (or use washable glue stick or and basting) and topstitch close to the edge. Use a shorter stitch length if you are sewing a curved patch; this enables smoother curves.

For a homemade patch, first cut your patch from fabric in the desired shape then finish around the edges with satin stitching, serging, or a narrow hem. Once done, the homemade patch is treated like a ready-made patch.

Tip: Lace Patches

Lace is easy to repair.  Simply add more lace.  Be sure to take the garment to the fabric store to match with lace trim, since there are many shades of white and ivory.  Netting or tulle can be repaired by adding a lace applique.

In Conclusion

Garments can last longer when you know how to patch them.  Master this simple sewing skill and you could be a hero to friends who tear their favorite jeans or snag their wedding veil.