Is It Better to Sew or Glue Patches on a Karate Uniform?

Many dojos attach patches to their uniforms.

Many karate schools, or dojos, give patches to their students. The patches represent information about the dojo, achievements that the student has mastered and, occasionally, tournament information or awards from competitions. The two most well-known methods for attaching patches to karate uniforms are sewing and gluing. Which attachment method is best depends on the dojo, the intended use of the uniform and the equipment you have on hand.

Sewing

One accepted method of attaching patches to karate uniforms is attachment by sewing. Sewing provides a firm bond between patch and garment, especially if you machine-sew the patch. However, it has a few drawbacks. The thread can clash with the patch and disrupt the patch image. If the threads break, the patch will fall off quickly. Sometimes sewing the patch can interfere with the flexibility of the uniform.

Gluing

Gluing is another accepted attachment method for patches. This method uses fabric glue to attach the patches to the uniform. Fabric glue stays flexible, and does not alter the appearance of the top of the patch. However, it can cause problems. Over time, the patch can peel away from the garment, leaving an ugly clump of glue. Drying the uniform in the dryer may also cause the glue to melt, which will cause patches to fall off and may transfer the glue to other items in the dryer.

Which to Use

Most karate dojos have a preferred method of attachment for patches. Some may prefer sewing instead of gluing, and some may prefer a different attachment method altogether. In general, both gluing and sewing provide nearly the same level of comfort and durability to a karate uniform. If you must change patches frequently, sewing is a better option. If you do not have a sewing machine, then gluing is a better option.

Alternatives

There are at least two other methods to attach patches to karate uniforms. Some patches come with an iron-on backing. This backing is attached to the uniform using the heat from an iron to melt the backing and glue the patch to the uniform. Other dojos prefer a Velcro attachment for patches. This allows flexibility on the garment, and also allows students to switch out patches as they progress.

References

• All Karate: Karate Uniform Care -- Washing Tips
• West Windsor Tae Kwon Do Kickboxing Academy: 5 Tenets of Tae Kwon Do