Instructions for Suede Elbow Patches

Adding suede patches to a jacket or sweater smartens it up immediately.

Suede elbow patches communicate a look that is classic and academic, evocative of tweed coats and university professors. However, suede patches don't just belong on tweed; you can sew them on to the elbow areas of nearly any coat or sweater, as long as the material is strong enough. It's a quick and easy way to smarten up nearly any piece of outerwear. It's also a modest investment to make in both time and money, as the entire project doesn't take long to complete, and you can use scrap leather.

Things You'll Need

• Suede
• Scissors
• Chalk
• Needle
• Matching thread

Instructions

1. Cut a suede elbow patch that is rectangular and 5 inches by 6 inches. Round off the corners. Place the patch on your remaining piece of suede fabric and trace it. Cut out the patch you've just traced with scissors. You now have two identical patches.

2. Fold one patch in half and then lightly in half again. The point in the middle where all the folds intersect is the center. Place the centerpoint against the center of the elbow area and chalk around it. Repeat this process with the other elbow patch.

3. Sew around the perimeter of the each suede patch onto the garment, using your chalk outline as a guide. Use a backstitch or buttonhole stitch and strong matching thread.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're sewing the patches onto a jacket with lining, you're going to have to first turn the jacket inside out, tear open the seams of the sleeves with a seam ripper, and then sew in the patch against the outer fabric, and repair the seams later.

References

• "Do it yourself and save money!" Consumer Guide; 1980
• "Alterations the Seams Easy Way"; Susan Martinek; 2011