Do you have a pile of patches that need to be sewn on, but you’re unsure how? Maybe you’re tired of paying someone else to sew them on for you. Especially when you get it back, many of them are crooked or have messy stitch lines. This post and video will walk you through how to sew on your patches even if you are not a confident sewer. You don’t need a fancy machine or a ton of supplies.
Supplies
-Leather needles for sewing machine https://amzn.to/2MHtCnt
-505 Spray and Fix Temporary Fabric Adhesive https://amzn.to/2MIcCgV
-Ruler
-A sewing machine. A good option for sewing on patches if you don’t plan to do a lot of other sewing is the Singer Heavy Duty. https://amzn.to/2WInkIX
-Thread
-Setting up the Machine
-Thread your sewing machine and wind a bobbin with thread that matches the outer edge of the patch.
-Refer to your owner's manual for threading your machine, or if you don’t have it, this video shows you how. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghJMlLBngYM&t=3s
Stitch Length
The stitch length on the machine will need to be increased to at least 3.0. If the leather is very thick or you will be sewing over a seam/several layers increase the length to 3.5-4.5.
Preparing The Surface
Before placing the patch on the leather, the leather needs to be cleaned. Always use a cleaner that is designed for leather. If you don’t have anything for leather, you can take a slightly damp cloth and wipe the area. Do not get it overly wet.
Placing The Patch
Before you sew the patch on, you need to decide where you want to place it and make sure it will fit. Use a ruler, if necessary, to make sure the area around the patch is even.
If the patch has text, stand back and make sure the text is lined up. Once you have the patch in a location you like, spray the back of the patch lightly with an adhesive spray made for fabrics. Press the patch down and wait about a minute. The patch should now be temporarily held in place.
Sewing The Patch Down
Make sure your machine has a needle designed for leather, and the stitch length has been increased as described above. Raise the presser foot and place the garment under the foot. Line the outer edge of the patch up with where the needle will go down. You can check this by slowly turning the handwheel of the sewing machine towards you.
If your machine has the option for the needle to be down when you stop sewing, engage or turn it on. Slowly take a couple of stitches and then backstitch. Maneuver the garment around so that you stay lined up with the edge of the patch as you sew. Take your time and reposition as needed. When you get back to where you started, take another couple of stitches and then backstitch to lock the stitches in place.
Finishing Up
Clip any thread tails that may remain. If you use your sewing machine for other projects, remove the leather needle and return the stitch length to the regular setting.
Now that you have learned how to sew a patch onto a leather article of clothing, you will be amazed at how easy and fun it is. The key to success is using the correct tools and taking your time.
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