How to Hand Sew a Patch on Clothing

Hand sewing a patch on clothing is not a difficult task. Whether you are patching a hole or sewing a decorative or merit patch on a sash, you can do the job with very little effort or equipment. The key to hand sewing a patch is to use tiny stitches so that the patch will not only stay in place, but the sewing will not be noticeable without a close inspection.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patch
• Straight pins or safety pins
• Thread
• Needle
• Scissors

1. Position the patch to cover the hole on the garment. For most patches, turn the garment inside out and place the patch face down. For sashes, decorative patches or blue jean patches, position the patch over the desired area.

2. Use straight pins or a safety pin to secure the patch in the position desired.

3. Thread a needle with a long-length color-coordinated thread. You will need thread that matches either the patch color or the garment color. The thread should be cut long enough that you can double the thread to tie the two ends of the tread together to form a knot. Usually, a 2-foot length of thread will give you enough to start sewing the patch without the danger of the tread becoming tangled as you sew.

4. Position the needle on the outer edge of the patch on the underside of the garment.

5. Push the needle up through the garment and the patch, drawing the thread all the way through.

6. Push the needle back down through the patch and the fabric in a tiny stitch approximately the distance of a grain of rice.

7. Continue sewing until the patch is completely secured to the garment.

Tips & Warnings

• If the fabric and the patch are made of heavy material, you may need a thimble to push the needle through on each stitch. If you're sewing a decorative patch, you can also use a whipstitch to sew it in place. Bring your needle up through the material and patch at the inside edge of the border, and push the needle back through on the outside edge of the patch. Again, make your stitches close together for the best-secured position.