Embroidery patches have always provided a means to infuse a personal touch into your possessions, whether it’s your backpack or your cherished denim jacket. They offer a convenient all-in-one solution for customizing everything to your liking.
However, if you happen to be a DIY enthusiast, crafting your very own patches from scratch and then adorning your belongings with them adds an extra level of satisfaction. Moreover, since working with patches regularly might not be the most budget-friendly option, creating your appliques can be a cost-effective alternative.
Thankfully, the process of designing your embroidered patches doesn’t demand professional expertise; it’s surprisingly simple! In this article, we will walk you through the process of creating your personalized embroidered patches!
Learn How to Create Your Own Embroidery Patches Like a Pro
First, you will need a lot of supplies to create an emblem of your own. The quantity may vary according to the method you choose. If you’re working with an embroidery machine, you might need to spend extra.
But don’t worry, you can get everything else at a reasonable price without emptying your wallet. Here’s a list of things you should buy for designing these fabric decorations using your hand or a simple sewing machine:
Embroidery Hoop:
You can stop at most nearby stores that sell threads and crafting supplies to buy an embroidery hoop. These hoops are available in various sizes, but we recommend selecting one that’s just slightly larger than the dimensions of the patch you plan to craft. With the embroidery hoop, you can effortlessly secure the fabric in place while you work the magic with your fingers and an array of colorful threads!
Embroidery Floss:
These threads are specifically designed for embroidery purposes. Just like the hoop, you can easily find embroidery flosses at sewing stores. They offer a wide range of colors, giving you the flexibility to choose the ones that perfectly match the design of your custom patch.
Stiff Stabilizer:
Stiff stabilizers are essential in this process as they provide much-needed support to the felt from behind while you work on your stitching. Keeping the fabric firm and steady ensures that your embroidery process goes smoothly and results in a professionally crafted patch.
Sewing Needle and Scissors:
The last two indispensable tools you’ll require are a hand-sewing needle and a pair of scissors. When selecting the needle, bear in mind that embroidery flosses are thicker than regular threads. Hence, opt for a needle with an eye large enough to accommodate the floss easily.
Sewing Machine (Optional):
If you want to make things easier and faster, a sewing machine can help with creating the patches. But if you’re only making a few for yourself, buying a new one might not be necessary. You could consider borrowing or renting one instead.
Once you have gathered all the necessary supplies, it’s time to move on to the fun part of the project, i.e., stitching!
Using a Sewing Machine to Design an Embroidered Badge
- Turn your fabric around and apply the stabilizer or a layer of fusible interfacing on it. This gives the patch a better form and also simplifies the stitching process.
- Now it’s time to transfer the design onto the cloth, and there are two methods you can use for this. The first method involves using a washable fabric pen to trace the design directly onto the fabric.
Or, you can opt for the second method, which entails printing the design on water-soluble paper. Once you have the printed design, apply the paper onto the fabric and stitch through the pattern. Afterwards, you can easily remove the paper by soaking the fabric. - To get started, load both the bobbin and thread spool with embroidery thread.
P.S: Embroidery flosses are only used for working with hands. So, if you are using a sewing machine to design an embroidered patch, you will have to buy an embroidery thread compatible with sewing machines! - Next, insert the needle to begin stitching. We recommend using a size-13 needle for the best results if you have chosen a dense or woven fabric to make your embroidery patch.
- Begin by placing the fabric under the presser foot of your sewing machine. Adjust the machine settings to a zigzag stitch, making it very narrow, almost similar to rows of straight lines.
- Now, try free-motion sewing as you slowly zigzag above every line of the design. If you wish to add various colors to the patch, stop, take out the fabric, and replace the thread as needed.
- Ensure you sew a line of zigzag stitches by sticking as close to the emblem’s border as possible. This will give the badge a clear shape and prevent tattering in the future.
- Take sharp scissors and carefully cut around the patch’s border. This will give your badge a neat and tidy finish.
Using Hand Embroidery to Design an Embroidered Badge
- Repeat the same process as described in step one to make embroidery patches using a sewing machine.
- Place the material between the embroidery loop, enclosing it between the smaller and the larger circle.
- Draw your design on the fabric using a pen or pencil. Or you can also use water-soluble paper to transfer the design.
- If your design is complex, you can trace it onto a tracing or parchment paper. Pin this to your fabric and stitch through both. You can carefully tear the paper away once you have perfectly replicated the design.
- Start stitching once your design has been transferred to the felt. While you have endless options when it comes to choosing stitches, we recommend opting for the satin and running stitches only.
- After you’ve completed the design, detach the felt from the embroidery loop and cut the extra fabric around the patch.
- Using a whipstitch, enclose all the edges for a neat finish.
- Attach an interfacing layer at the back using a hot iron. This protects the stitching’s underside and keeps it from unraveling.
So, Is Designing Your Own Patches a Good Idea?
If you have the time, supplies, and enthusiasm for DIY – why not? Creating your own embroidered emblems can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. And the best part about DIY custom patches is that you can create whatever you want and you will never come across someone with the same patch as you!
So, why wait? Head to your nearest sewing store and get all the required supplies to set out on this creative journey. We promise you are going to love every minute of it!