How to Sew a Patch onto a Military Uniform

Without patches, a military uniform would be little more than an outfit made out of tactical fabric. There are rules and regulations for every patch that belongs on a uniform. With practice, you can sew them on at home in minutes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Military uniform
• Tape or straight pins
• Scissors
• Military patches

1. Collect all of the patches that need to be attached as well as the shirt, jacket or hat the patches belong to.

2. Lay out the patches. This is where details matter. The patches need to be in exactly right place or your soldier will hear about it at work. The regulations are online, but it's usually easier to ask your soldier to help you place them on the uniform.

3. Stick the patches to the uniform with tape or a straight pin. Be careful not to move the patches out of their place.

4. Using either thread the color of the area you will be sewing or clear thread, use your sewing machine to sew the patches to the uniform. Sew just along the inside edge of the patches. Backstitch the beginning and end of the stitch to keep the thread in place.

5. Make sure they are right-side up, that they aren't crooked and that they haven't moved from their original placement. Snip any loose threads.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a sewing machine, take the uniform and patches to a seamstress.