Tutorial For Sewing Patches To Denim Jackets

I have some motorcycle patches to add to my denim jacket. Before I had a sewing machine, I used to wait unitl I was at a bike event (typically there is at least one vendor who will sew patches on for a fee). Usually vendors use embroidery machines . . . is that necessary?

I would like to do them myself now; but I can't seem to find any online tutorials or advice. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

I actually used to work in a jacket/embroidery shop and we did this kind of thing all the time!  Specialty embroidery machines are able to sew patches further down on a finished sleeve than it's usually possible to wrangle on a home machine but, if you're just sewing a couple patches near the shoulder seam, it should be pretty straightforward.

Here's my two cents . . .

1. For sewing patches, we always used monofiliment/clear thread and cotton bobbin.  (You probably want to test sewing through a couple layers of scrap denim first to check your tension.)  The monofiliment was mainly just to make the stitches as "invisible" as possible.  There's no reason you couldn't use your standard thread.  Your stitches would just be a little more visible.

2.  I always found that it was easier to sew patches onto sleeves when I turned the sleeve inside out.  This means that you have to hold a bunch of sleeve and jacket out of the way, but it will allow you to place the part of the sleeve that you're sewing flat on your machine, without any parts catching underneath.  This should make it easier to sew around round or curvy patches without a lot of awkward stops.

3.  Before you sew anything on, try on the jacket and have someone pin or tape the patch in place.  If you use the seam as your guide, you'll probably end up with crooked patches!

4.  Use a denim/heavyweight needle.

5.  I'm assuming that your denim jacket is unlined but, if it is, you'll want to smooth and pin the lining in place first and be aware of it while you're sewing.


Good luck!  

Wow I think Elizabeth has it all covered. I watched them sew my sons Air Force patches on when he became a staff sargent. They just used a regular machine & they used the nylon thread on top.They charged him like $2 a patch & did 3 patches in about 2 minutes.

Thanks so much for the advice, Elizabeth . . . you rock!

These patches will be on front of my jacket -- so luckily I won't have to work in such tight spots.

I bought some clear thread for a handsewing project at Christmas -- so I already have that on hand (yay!). I do need to go buy a denim needle (I was planning on that part).

Thanks, also, for cautioning me to practice on some scrap denim -- makes complete sense, and saves me from diving right in and screwing up my patches and/or jacket.

Oh Wow, I just realized who Elizabeth is! I'm a big fan of the "Oh, Fransson" Blog!!

Elizabeth is very talented & I think we have all used her beautiful patterns!!

I have not had the best of luck with clear thread - any recommendations?

I came across this website that contained a lot of good information about patches.

If you're aren't already, I recommend trying it with regular (cotton or poly) thread in the bobbin. 

(And thank you all for your nice words about my blog and patterns!)