Custom Embroidered Patches

123StitchesThe back of the embroidery, no film or glueEdgeMerrowed border to sew throughFabricPlain twill back, nothing to wear off

Sew-on: The most permanent option, and the one that holds up to heavy daily wear.

1. 1

   Position the patch

   Lay it where you want it and check the placement from a step back before you commit.

   
2. 2

   Hold it in place

   Secure it with pins or a few temporary basting stitches so it cannot shift while you sew.

   
3. 3

   Stitch around the edge

   Use a needle and thread that matches the patch border, and sew all the way around the edge, passing through the garment fabric.

   
4. 4

   Finish the thread

   Knot the thread on the inside, trim the ends, and remove the pins.

   

123Glue filmHeat-activated film over the whole backCoverageReaches right up to the borderBondMelts into the fabric under the iron

Iron-on: Heat-activated adhesive, pressed on with a household iron. No sewing needed.

Only for fabrics that can take heat. Check the garment's care label first, and skip this method on anything marked do-not-iron.

1. 1

   Check the garment

   Read the care label. Only use heat on fabric that is safe to iron, and iron the spot flat first so the patch sits smoothly.

   
2. 2

   Position the patch

   Place it adhesive side down exactly where you want it. Check the position before any heat touches it.

   
3. 3

   Press with heat

   Cover the patch with a thin cloth and press with a household iron, using the temperature and time on the instructions supplied with your patch. Use firm, even pressure.

   
4. 4

   Let it cool

   Leave it undisturbed until the patch and fabric have cooled so the adhesive can set.

   
5. 5

   Check the edges

   If an edge lifts, re-press with the cloth barrier for a few seconds. Turn the garment inside out before washing.

   

123Hook sideStiff hooks grip a loop panelEdgeSewn on all the way roundReusePull off and press on again

Velcro (hook and loop): Hook-and-loop backing lets you swap a patch between bags, jackets and gear.

Velcro only holds on a loop surface. A plain fabric garment needs a loop panel first.

1. 1

   Check the receiving surface

   The patch carries the hook side. It needs a matching loop surface, such as the loop panel on tactical gear or a loop panel attached to your garment or bag.

   
2. 2

   Attach the loop panel

   If your item has no loop surface, sew a loop panel in the position you want the patch to sit.

   
3. 3

   Press the patch on

   Line the patch up with the loop surface and press firmly so the hooks grip.

   
4. 4

   Swap or remove

   Peel it off whenever you like and move it to another item. Keep the hook side free of lint and thread buildup.

   

123LinerPaper liner keeps the glue cleanGlueSticky layer under the linerPeelPeel the liner, then press on

Adhesive: A peel-and-press backing for quick, no-tool attachment.

For anything that will be washed or worn hard, sew-on is the most permanent option.

1. 1

   Prepare the surface

   Make sure the spot is clean and dry, with no dust, lint or oil.

   
2. 2

   Position the patch

   Hold the patch over the spot and check where it will sit before you peel anything.

   
3. 3

   Peel and press

   Remove the backing paper and press the patch down firmly, working from the centre to the edges.

   
4. 4

   Hold it in place

   Keep pressure on it for a few moments so it sits flat, then check that the edges are down.

   

Pin: A removable pin back: wear it, move it, take it off before washing.

1. 1

   Pick the spot

   Choose a firm fabric such as denim, canvas or a cap panel. Very thin fabric can pucker under the weight.

2. 2

   Open the pin

   Open the pin on the back of the patch.

3. 3

   Push it through

   Push the point through the fabric from the inside and back out a little further along.

4. 4

   Close and check

   Close the pin until it locks, then give the patch a gentle tug to check it holds.

Magnetic: Two magnets hold the patch through the fabric with no holes.

1. 1

   Separate the parts

   Pull the backing plate away from the patch.

2. 2

   Plate inside

   Hold the plate inside the garment, right behind the spot you want.

3. 3

   Patch outside

   Line the patch up on the outside; it snaps onto the plate through the fabric.

4. 4

   Before washing

   Take the patch off before washing. Thick fabric weakens the hold, and magnets must be kept away from pacemakers.

Butterfly Clutch: A post and butterfly clutch, the same fastening used on lapel pins.

1. 1

   Position the patch

   Hold the patch in place and check it from a step back.

2. 2

   Remove the clutch

   Squeeze the two wings of the clutch and pull it off the post.

3. 3

   Post through the fabric

   Push the post straight through the fabric from the front.

4. 4

   Lock it on

   Press the clutch back onto the post on the inside until it clicks, then check the patch does not spin.