Do you have a favorite shirt that has a hole in it? Or maybe you want to add a personal touch to your clothes with a patch.
The Patchworks software makes it easy to create patches for your clothing or bags by cutting them out of fabrics or vinyl with your embroidery machine.
It’s easy to get lost in the details of making something – I was once, anyway. I’ve decided to share my step-by-step process on how to make patches with embroidery machine, from choosing the design, stitching the fabric, ironing it out, and finishing the edges. This post will be a bit of a crash course, so grab a coffee, sit back, and enjoy!
Tips on How to Make Patches with Embroidery Machine
Find and Use High-Quality Products
When you choose a product to use for your patches, the first thing to consider is the quality of the product. I’ve found that embroidery floss is the best product for making patches. It is available in different weights and colors, so you can easily match it to your design.
Pick the Right Size
If you are unsure of the size, you can use patchwork software to calculate the size of the patch. The software will calculate the area of the patch and then tell you the size of the patch that you should use.
Choose the Correct Embroidery Thread Color
You can choose from a wide variety of colors when choosing the thread for your patches. I’ve found that the colors that match the fabric you are using for the patch are the best. If you are using a vinyl fabric, you can choose the thread color that matches the vinyl color.
Create Your Embroidery Pattern
I recommend that you use a simple design with a lot of detail. This will allow you to see the detail of the design and make sure that you are not getting the size of the patch wrong.
You can create your embroidery pattern using free embroidery software. I use Patchworks software for this.
There are many options to choose from, so you can easily customize the size, color, and other features of your patch.
Cut the Fabric
Once you have your design, you can cut out the fabric using a cutting mat and scissors. I recommend using a cutting mat that is large enough to hold the fabric.
Apply Stitches to Your Fabric
You can choose to use a pre-threaded needle or a needle with a sewing thread. The choice is up to you. I prefer to use a pre-threaded needle.
It makes the stitching process a lot easier, and you don’t have to worry about the sewing thread getting tangled in the needle.
Iron Out the Fabric
Once you have stitched the fabric, you will need to iron out the stitches. If you don’t iron out the stitches, they will show through the fabric and make the patch look uneven.
How to Make a Basic Patch with an Embroidery Machine?
Choose your design: The first step is to choose the design of your patch. You can either create your design or find a design online. If you’re creating your design, make sure that it’s simple enough to be embroidered. If you’re choosing a design online, save it as a .png file.
Upload your design: Once you have your design, the next step is to upload it to your embroidery machine. You can do this by using a USB drive or connecting your machine to your computer with a cable. If you’re using a USB drive, insert the USB drive into your machine and select the file you want to embroider. If you’re connecting your machine to your computer, open the software that came with your machine and import your design.
Choose your thread: The next step is to choose the thread for your patch. You can use any color of thread that you like, but we recommend using a contrasting color so that your design stands out.
Choose your fabric: The next step is to choose the fabric for your patch. We recommend using a sturdy fabric such as denim or canvas.
Prepare your fabric: Once you have chosen your fabric, the next step is to prepare it for embroidering. If you’re using a woven fabric, you’ll need to stabilize it with a piece of stabilizer. If you’re using a knit fabric, you’ll need to use a tear-away stabilizer.
Start embroidering: The next step is to embroider your design onto the fabric. We recommend starting in the design center and working your way out.
When you’re finished embroidering, the next step is to cut away the excess fabric around the patch. We recommend using a sharp pair of scissors for this.
How to Design Your Patches?
If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are some ideas for designing your patches:
- Use your initials or a short phrase to create a monogram patch.
- Use an image of your favorite animal or object.
- Create a patch with the colors of your favorite team.
- Use a stencil to create a patch with a geometric design.
- Use a template to create a patch with a specific shape.
- Get creative and design your unique patch!
Different Types of Stitches and How to Use Them
When you’re embroidering your patch, you’ll choose to use different types of stitches. Each stitch type has its unique properties, so choosing the right one for your design is important.
The two most common types of stitches are running stitches and satin stitches. Running stitches are best used for outlines and simple designs, while satin stitches are best used for filled-in areas.
If you’re not sure which type of stitch to use, we recommend starting with a running stitch and then switching to a satin stitch if needed.
There are also several other types of stitches that you can use, such as chain stitches, French knots, and seed stitches. These stitches can be used to add texture and interest to your design. Experiment with different stitches to see what looks best on your patch.
