How to Sew Patches
Save money and repairing your clothes when they have holes, especially the items you like and fit well. Clothes can easily be repaired when they develop a small hole or a tear that you wish to hide. You can do this by applying a patch to them. You can also apply patches to your clothes as a way to decorate them and update their look. Here is how easy it can be done. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Decide on what type of patch you wish to use. You can buy a store-bought patch. These come in a range of colors, sizes and materials. Or you can be really creative and save money by making your own patch. If you wish to make your own, look at some of your material or some of your old clothes you plan on throwing away anyway. Do you see a piece with a nice style, color, or made from a nice fabric that will look nice on the piece of clothing you wish to patch? Of course, the fabric should match your piece of clothing at least a little. You should make sure the fabric is clean, too so wash if necessary. Now cut the fabric in any shape you like. You can cut it into such shapes as a star, oval, circle, square or a diamond shape ( if you are really talented, cut out the shape of an animal). Just remember, the patch needs to be a little bigger than the hole or tear it is covering. A good rule of thumb is to make it about 1/2 to 3/4 inches bigger than the hole, all the way around it.
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2
Pin your patch in place over the hole or tear. Make sure it is secure and that is covering the hole or tear completely. Pin around the corners. Make sure the pins go through both the patch and the fabric underneath it. This will allow your hands to have freer movement for sewing.
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Cut the thread about 18 inches. If you make it too long, it will become tangled. Thread the needle with a piece of thread that matches your material and tie a knot at the end of one of the strings.
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Now begin slowly sewing the patch onto the fabric. Stick the needle into fabric underneath the patch and gently pull the needle on through the patch. Stick the needle back down through the fabric (you have just made your first stitch). Keep your stitches close and work your way around the patch. Once you come upon a pin, pull it out before sewing in that area.
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When you come to the last stitch, stop at the right of the first step and double stitch it. This will help keep all the stitches tight and in place.
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Tie a knot in the thread. Pull your needle through the patch and fabric. Now carefully use the scissors and cut the thread past the knot.
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Tips & Warnings
Save money by making your own patches out of pieces of clothing. Just make sure the patches you cut are bigger than the hole or tear they are covering.
Make sure the patch you use will completely cover the hole or tear.
