How To Make Embroidery Patches – Easiest Guide In 2023

As a sewing enthusiast or expert, you might be wanting to make some customized stuff for yourself since you make craft anything out of your creative idea. Embroidered patches on a dress are great and having them on a regular dress is fun. It is not only an advance shot for the sewing experts to do it but also a popular way to create unique designs, logos, etc. for their bags, jackets, dress, and other items. There’s also a huge commercial demand for embroidery patches as well.

So how to make embroidery patches? Well, if you have the proper expertise, tools, and materials for the project then all you need is an expert guideline to follow without skipping any steps mentioned and discussed onward. From choosing the fabric to sewing, and finishing each step is crucial to make the best end result.

Key Takeaways

• Select the best material for the project as there are a lot of fabrics to choose for your embroidery patch.
• There are three major ways you can effectively use to make patches whether you do it by hand or an embroidery machine.
• Take notes of some additional tips along with it.
• You can go commercial with your very own custom patches that you have made through social media presence.

Best Material for Making Embroidery Patches

There are various kinds of fabric materials out there but not all of them are suitable for making patches. But when it comes to the question of which one you should choose for making embroidery patches it is always felt fabric.

Felt Fabric

Felt is made by condensing and pressing textile fibers into a substrate, traditionally from wool, but now it can also be made from acrylic and other synthetic fibers. This textile is extremely flame-retardant, self-extinguishing, moisture-wicking, and absorbent. Felt is one of the only fabrics made without weaving or knitting technology. A felt manufacturer permanently interlocks natural or synthetic fibers using heat, water, and pressure to produce matted felt fabric, which can then be cut or shaped into apparel items such as hats and boots.

Cotton

Machine embroidery patches are most commonly made from cotton, polyester, and rayon. Cotton is popular because it’s lightweight, soft, and easy to work with. People also appreciate cotton fabrics’ natural fibers. If the wrong care instructions are followed, cotton shrinks a lot when washed.

Acetate

Fabric made from acetate is lightweight and easy to cut and sew, as well as durable and resistant to mildew and mold. Depending on how the fabric is dyed, printed, or embroidered, it can be used in a variety of ways, which makes it ideal for machine embroidery patches.

Polyester

Polyester fabric is a great choice for machine embroidery patches because it is easily cut and sewn. It comes in many colors and patterns, and it’s not too bulky making it perfect for creating a small patch. It has a unique, soft, and flexible feel that makes it ideal for machine embroidery. It’s also durable and stain-resistant. The fabric is pre-shrunk and easy to work with. It is a great choice for creating custom patches for the outdoors!

3 Ways to Make Embroidery Patches

There are two methods to follow for making custom embroidery patches using hand or machine. We’ve discussed this in detailed steps in both procedures.

Tools and Materials

Method 1: By Hand

Rather it is the simplest and most convenient way to make your custom embroidery patches. You can do it at your home just but follow these steps-

1. Outline of pattern in embroidery hoop if you’re not using felt fabric as this fabric doesn’t pucker you can work on it without a hoop. Transfer the pattern to the piece of felt and prepare the instruments and materials.
2. Outline the image or pattern body in stitches. You can use split stitch, split back stitch, or any other one according to the design.
3. For most sewing parts you can use chain stitch. It is a sewing and embroidery technique in which a series of looped stitches form a chain-like pattern. To do so, bring the needle up through the fabric, and insert it at the same point, then bring it up again a stitch length away. Tuck the thread under the needle and pull it through.
4. Continue doing this until the section is filled. The texture will slowly appear and you’d love it for sure.
5. Using one strand of thread, stitch the body with a mix of short and long stitches. Inspect carefully to ensure the direction of all the sewing is correct. Keep your stitches short and close to each other in this part so that there are no gaps between them. You must make sure of it to get the best result out of this whole procedure.
6. After you complete it, take the darker thread and add decorative stitches. You can use dots, seeds, or any other pattern just make sure the stitches are spreading evenly across the body of the artwork.
7. It is time to cut out the embroidery patch. Take the scissors and carefully cut them out leaving around a moderately safe distance of 0.1 inches (~3mm) or 0.5 – 1cm from your stitching or from the felt around the edge. Use the transfer paper which will help keep it stiff and prevent the backing fabric from fraying too much.
8. You can leave the patch as it is (you can even cut it closer to the edge if you like) now. The Felt does not fray so you can use it for decorative purposes. In the case of frying use backstitching. Sewing experts and embroidery enthusiasts recommend stitching a buttonhole stitch around the Now stitch around the edges. Start your thread at the front of the patch, at the point where the stitching ends, and insert the needle at the same point. For stitching embroidery patches you’d need a special kind of needle like 90/14 will perform longer than other ones. Keeping the thread under the needle, pull the needle through.
9. With every next stitch, insert the needle at the edge of the stitching and tuck the thread under the needle before pulling through. Place your stitches very densely and avoid having any gaps in between.
10. When your patch is finished, pick up the dress you’d want to place the patch on. It could be a jacket, pants, or any other dress you prefer. Now you can remove it whenever you want and switch it to that place.

Method 2: With Embroidery Machine

Now if you are an advanced buddy or want more professional results out of your patches and you have properly prepared your materials and selected your design, it’s time to create your embroidery patch.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Begin by setting up your embroidery machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may involve attaching the embroidery hoop, threading the machine, and selecting the appropriate stitch settings, and much more.
2. Once your machine is set up, load the design into the. Your design has to be properly processed and high-quality vector images with the utmost resolution. Insert the picture using a USB drive or by connecting the machine to your computer or any other method preferred by the manufacturer.
3. The fabric needs to stick out enough on all sides of the hoop for you to grab and adjust it. Create a stabilizer that is the same size as your fabric. Make sure your stabilized fabric is completely taught and wrinkle-free, then hoop it and attach it to your embroidery machine.
4. Once your design is loaded, you can begin embroidering your patch. Start by stitching out the outline of the patch, then fill in the design with the appropriate colors. Be sure to monitor the embroidery machine closely to ensure proper stitch length, tension, thread colors, etc. are balanced perfectly so that the stitches are being made correctly.
5. Once the embroidery is complete, carefully remove the fabric from the hoop. Use sharp scissors to trim the excess fabric from around the edges of the patch. Be sure to leave enough fabric to fold under and finish the edges of the patch.
6. Once you have trimmed the excess fabric from around the edges of the patch, it’s time to finish the edges. You can do this by folding the edges under and sewing them down with a sewing machine or by hand. Alternatively, you can use fabric glue or iron-on adhesive to attach the patch to the desired item.

Method 3: With Sewing Machine

Lastly, if you don’t have the access to a machine or you are a sewing enthusiast trying to take the sewing practice to another level by trying advanced things this method is perfect for you.

1. Choose the right fabric and color for your thread. Outline the design and cut its outlines.
2. Lower the feed dog to allow for free movement while sewing and to prevent fabric pulls and movements as you sew your patch that’s a great tip as well.
3. For filling in the design, it’s best to set the stitch depth to the widest width for a professional creation. When it comes to adjusting the stitch width, it’s entirely based on what works best for your design. Keep the stitch length set between 2.0mm and 2.5mm
4. To ensure that you will not find a bobbin thread empty in the middle of stitching, make sure you have used a properly wound bobbin thread.
5. If you are wondering about the color to insert in the bobbin, well, you can put any shade of thread in the bobbin according to your design or personal preference.
6. You can add decorative stitching to the patch. It is better to use a zigzag stitch or another decorative stitch on your sewing machine. And lastly, when you are done sewing your patches on your sewing machine, press the patch with an iron to help it lay flat. That’s all.

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8 Additional Tips for Making Embroidery Patches

Here are some tips which would clear out the possible quarries throughout the process and make it smooth.

• After you’ve finished embroidering and trimming your patch, you may want to add backing to it. This can help give the patch more stability and prevent fraying around the edges.
• You can use a variety of materials for backing, including fusible interfacing, felt, or adhesive backing.
• If you are using fusible interfacing or adhesive backing, you will need to iron the patch to attach the backing to the fabric.
• Once you have finished creating your embroidery patch, it’s important to inspect it closely to ensure that it meets your standards for quality
• There are many different embroidery techniques that you can use to create unique and interesting patches. For example, you can use appliqué embroidery to create patches or various threads.
• One of the most important factors in creating high-quality embroidery patches is achieving the right thread tension. Too much tension can cause the thread to break or create puckering in the fabric, while too little tension can result in loose or uneven stitches.
• The needle you use can also have a significant impact on the quality of your embroidery patches. Different needles are designed for different fabrics and thread weights, so be sure to choose the right needle for your project.
• Check your designs and stitches regularly to ensure that they are accurate and consistent. Taking the time to fix any mistakes or imperfections as you go will result in a higher-quality finished product.

What to Do After Making Embroidery Patches?

Well, it depends on your purpose since there are many opportunities you can claim on your own after getting done with your custom patches. You can generate some side income and if it turns good with a better response you can make it a full-time shot, right? Here are some ideas you can try:

1.Creating an online store

One of the easiest ways to sell embroidery patches is through an online store. There are many different platforms available for setting up an online store, including Etsy, Shopify, and Big Cartel. You can use these platforms to showcase your patches, set prices, and handle transactions.

2.Participating in craft shows

Another great way to promote and sell your embroidery patches is by participating in craft shows. Craft shows are a great way to connect with potential customers in person and get feedback on your products. You can also network with other crafters and potentially find new opportunities for selling your patches.

3.Offering custom patches

Offering custom patches is a great way to attract new customers and provide a more personalized product. You can offer custom patches through your online store or by working with customers directly. Be sure to communicate clearly with customers about the design, size, and pricing of custom patches.

4.Using social media to promote your patches

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, etc. can be powerful tools for promoting your embroidery patches. You can use these platforms to showcase your patches, share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, and connect with potential customers.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to craft your embroidery patches from the concept to design and make it into an artwork by yourself. There’s no special precaution to take except to take a break and keep sharp observation throughout the whole process. Even though it depends on your personal preference which method you’d use but experts say, if you don’t want to take the hassle of another complex process of ironing which comes with cons more than pros then you are good to go with those discussed methods. Just make sure you have the proper tools, notes, and instructions to go through.

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