How to Sew a Patch on a Vest

Many methods for attaching a patch to a vest involve glue or iron-on backing. However, none of these methods withstand regular washings and wear and tear like sewing does. To sew a patch on a vest, you can either use a sewing machine or sew it on by hand. A machine is easier to use, but it is harder to hide the stitches. Hand sewing tends to be harder and take longer, but you can blend the stitches in much better.

Things You'll Need

• Thread Heavy-duty sewing machine needle Heavy-duty eye needle Tape Straight pins Fabric glue Scissors Thimble

Instructions

Sewing a Patch on a Vest by Machine

1. Place a needle in the sewing machine that is meant for heavy fabrics, canvas or light leather. Set the machine on the strongest setting.

2. Thread the sewing machine with thread that matches the patch as closely as possible.

3. Pin the patch securely where you want it on the vest. If the backing of the patch is too stiff for straight pins, you can use Scotch tape or fabric glue on the back of it to keep it in place.

4. Sew carefully around the patch, keeping as close to the edge as you can.

5. Clip off any hanging or extra thread.

Sewing a Patch on a Vest by Hand

1. Pin, tape or glue the patch securely where you want it on the vest.

2. Thread a heavy-duty needle (meant for canvas or denim) with thread that matches the patch.

3. Use a whip stitch (where the thread comes up through the patch, around the edge, down through the outside material and back up through the patch) all the way around the edge of the patch. Keep your stitches as close the edge of the patch as possible.

4. Clip off any hanging or extra thread.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a thimble if you are hand-stitching your patch and the backing on it is plastic coated or particularly stiff.