- 1). Pick the fabric for your patch. Choose fabric that is the same weight as your shirt so the garment does not sag. You can trace and cut an image of your choice, or use a traditional rectangle or oblong. Cut out the patch, leaving a small border around it. Iron interfacing on the back of the patch, placing the shiny side of the interfacing against the fabric. Trim away excess interfacing and apply fray check to the edges, carefully avoiding the front of the patch.
- 2). Trim any frayed edges around the hole you are patching, since these can make the patch lumpy and interfere with your sewing. Tape the patch to the garment with biodegradable, double-sided sewing tape that will dissolve with the first washing -- the tape keeps the patch stable while you sew. Keep the patch taped throughout your sewing. If you are unable to find biodegradable tape, use regular masking and leave it in place until you sew at least part of the patch.
- 3). Use an embroidery hoop to keep the patch area taut and straight while you sew the garment.
- 4). Hand-sew the patch to the garment using thread that either matches the patch or creats a deliberate contrast. Sew from the inside of the shirt, pushing the needle through the patch as well. Use small, even blind stitches or whip stitches. Cut back the damaged area close to the edges of the patch, turn the edges under and whip stitch these to the patch if you want a flat-felled seam. Remove the double-backed tape before you make the final stitch on the damaged garment.
- 5). Use a sewing machine if you have a large or thick patch. Make sure the shirt is straight, not folded under, so you are not accidentally sewing parts of the shirt together. Tape the patch in place as if you were hand-sewing the shirt. Sew the garment with any type of stitch, but be certain that the stitches are even and close together. Remove the tape before you finish the last stitches.
- 6). Wash and dry the shirt according to the instructions on the tag. This will remove sewing tape.
Making a Shirt Patch
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