Sewing Patches

**ravenmaniac** · 03-08-2008, 08:35 AM

Help! My husband is a police officer. It is so expensive to get the patches sewn on his shirts. Any of you sewing experts have any advice for me? I have a sewing machine, I'm just not very good. Any help is greatly appreciated.

**suki** · 03-08-2008, 08:40 AM

Raven, I'm not very good at sewing either. Here's what I've done in the past. First I iron on the patch with some wonder-under. This allows me to properly place it and not worry about it slipping around as I sew. Then, I use a heavy duty needle and matching thread and sew as close to the edge (before the embroidery edge thing) as I can all the way around, back stitch to secure the stitching and it's done!

**ravenmaniac** · 03-08-2008, 08:50 AM

Thank you. A seamstress charges $3.00 to sew a patch. Of course his patches are on his sleeves. I guess I should have made that clear. I will try the wonder-under. He took 5 shirts that needed patches sewn on and removed. It was $10.00 a shirt. Ouch! I can remove the patches and sew them on while watching TV.

**M55FF** · 03-08-2008, 08:55 AM

if your not patient and feel confident on your machine ( sewing machine) you can pay someone to put them on professionally.
I've put on patches before but it does take patience on your home sewing machine.
I have used wonder under and a hot iron to secure before sewing the patch on and it came out great but it did take a long time and lots of stopping and reposotioning of the patch to make it look good.

**suki** · 03-08-2008, 09:06 AM

If you intend to hand stitch them (which may be best for sleeves). Then invest in some leather thimbles (they are inexpensive) and save your fingers! Still use the iron on stuff to stick them in the proper place so they don't wiggle around on you, though!

**Pemberleyan** · 03-21-2008, 08:10 PM

I sew my husband's on for him, also on his sleeves. I wish I could demonstrate for you. Just take it slow.

**sunshine** · 03-21-2008, 09:08 PM

Don't use the wonder under if you have to remove the patches. . .

**wanderinggrandma** · 03-22-2008, 12:31 AM

Look for clear nylon thread at the fabric store. I use it lots to sew on cub scout patches and mend patches on DH's uniform shirts. You can use it on your sewing machine and it won't show "wobble" stitches. Use it on the top thread and match the bobbin thread to the patch. Slow and easy is the secret. I gave up hand stitching--even with the leather thimbles I had very sore fingers.

**Jeanna** · 03-22-2008, 08:05 AM

I agree with the Robin. I have sewed on many a patch between girl and boy scouts. Nylon thread and a zig-zag or over stitch will do the trick. Lengthen the stitch to about a 3 and just go around the patch's edge. Works like a charm. If you are not comfortable at first get a piece of material and cut a circle and practice a few minutes before starting. You can do this.