How to Make Patches for Clothes

Fabric patches are typically used to extend the life of clothing that has been torn or worn. If you choose a sturdy fabric, you can patch the knees or elbows of a well-worn garment and save yourself some money.

Fabric patches can be made more interesting if you make them yourself out of fabric that is colorful or has patterns. Instead of just sewing a patch onto a worn knee on some jeans, sew a patch with pizzazz and give your old jeans a new life.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric Tape measure Scissors Serger (optional) Pinking shears

Instructions

1. Select the fabric for your patches. Try to match the fabric weight of the patch with the weight of the clothing that will be patched as closely as possible. Also try to match fibers if you can. Do not use fabric that has never been washed for making patches.

2. Cut the fabric into the patches. You can use standard squares or rectangles or you can use other shapes that are unusual. Be sure that your patch is large enough to cover the area that needs patching by at least 1 inch on all sides.

3. Serge around the edges of the patches to finish them if you have a serger. If you don't have a serger, use a pinking shears to cut around all the edges to finish the edges.

4. Sew the patches to the clothing that needs to be patched.