How to Sew Patches Onto Leather Letter Jackets

First, and most importantly, decide if you want to permanently attach that patch on your expensive leather jacket. Sewing on leather creates permanent holes in the material. Next, carefully consider where to place the patch. Holes in leather are easy to see and there are no do-overs if you don't like the placement of the patch.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 100 percent nylon or polyester thread. Because of how leather is tanned, cotton threads could rot and might damage the leather. Match the color of the thread to the color of the edge of the patch.
• Double-sided tape
• Tailor's chalk
• Spray-on adhesive
• Needle for leather, one appropriate for hand stitching, not for machine stitching
• Thimble
• A small very sharp awl
• Small block of wood

1. Placement: Place the patch exactly where you want it. Using double-sided tape, place the patch on the garment and check how it looks in a mirror. Once you are satisfied, mark the placement with tailor's chalk. Remove the double-sided tape. Make a small test hole within the marked area to see of you can easily push the needle through the leather. If not, proceed to step 2.
   If you can, spray the back of the patch with the adhesive, following the manufacture's instructions.
   Replace the patch in the marked area. The adhesive will hold the patch in place while sewing.

2. Remove the jacket lining: Carefully remove the lining where you intend to sew. You do not want to sew through the lining because your jacket will not hang properly.

3. Sewing on pliable leather: Thread the needle and knot the end of the thread. If the leather is pliable enough, you can push the needle through. Place your hand under the area where you plan to sew (make sure the lining is not in the way), push the needle up through the leather and through the edge of the patch using the thimble.
   From the top side, push the needle down through the edge of the patch and through the leather. Make small, even stitches to keep the patch firmly attached to the jacket.

4. Sewing on thicker leather: If the leather is too thick to push the needle through, use the awl to make small holes around the edge of the patch. Place the jacket on a firm surface like a table. Place the wood under the area where the patch is going. Using the awl with the tailor's chalk as a pattern, punch matching holes into the leather. Sew the patch on as directed in step 3.

5. Resew the lining.