Many uniforms are made out of cotton. Cotton will usually shrink somewhat after the first wash. If you sew a patch onto your uniform before it has been washed then the fabric under the patch will shrink and pull your patch, bunching it. It is also a good idea to iron the area where the patch is to be placed before starting to sew. Ironing the area will remove any wrinkles. If you sew your patch over wrinkles then your uniform will be permanently wrinkled.
If you can’t find a thread that’s the same color as either, look for a darker color that’s as close as possible. Darker rather than lighter thread will blend better and not show up as blatantly. You can also get a clear thread to make it less visible.
For example, if you need to sew on an American flag patch you need to place it on the shoulder/bicep area of the sleeve. The flag also needs to be placed so it’s facing the right direction. The American flag should always be positioned so that when the wearer is moving forward, it gives the flag the effect of waving in the wind, moving forward. [1] X Research source Check with your superiors to make sure you are placing patches in the correct places.
Be careful when wearing your uniform with pins holding the patch. Carefully put the uniform on so the pins don’t poke you. The reason you may want to check how it fits is that when wearing your uniform your body will fill out the garment. This could affect how the patch looks.
Even if you don’t have an iron-on patch, you might want to get some adhesive ironing tape. The adhesive tape is usually better than pins because it sticks the patch in place while you sew. You won’t have to worry about sewing around pins and poking yourself. Cut and place the tape. Place the patch on the tape and iron. If you don’t iron the patch, you’ll have to pin the patch in place.
Alternatively, you can try not cutting the thread and leaving it on the spool. This will help prevent the thread from getting tangled as well. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about running out of thread and re-threading your needle.
If you don’t have a threading tool, it can help to twist and wet the thread in your mouth. The saliva will serve as a temporary adhesive to hold the tiny strands of thread together. This allows you to better thread the eye of the needle.
You’ll want to start on the inside of your fabric, so the knot you create to hold the thread in place isn’t showing on the outside. Start inside and poke the needle out. If the patch is circular, try an overcast stitch so that it has a guide when it is sewn. This will help you sew it with more precision.
For patches, a straight stitch is not only the easiest but the quickest way to sew the patch on. You don’t need a complicated stitching pattern, especially if you ironed on your patch. A straight stitch will also be the least visible.
When hand sewing a patch onto a uniform it’s important to take your time and do your best to make sure that your weaves and the length of your stitches are as even to one another as possible. Keeping an even pattern will make your patch look much better.
To complete sewing your patch, thread your needle through so that you create a small loop on the inside of your uniform. Bring the needle through the loop and pull the thread tight. This will create a tight knot.
You should leave a little thread about 1/2” (1cm) long. Leaving just a bit ensures that you don’t accidentally cut the knots. Tuck the thread under the patch.
Ironing your garment before sewing will prevent you from sewing over any wrinkles and leaving permanent wrinkles in your clothes.
If you sew your patch onto your uniform and realize you have put it in the wrong place you’ll have to remove the patch and start all over again.
Cut and place the tape. Place the patch on the tape and iron. If you don’t iron the patch, you’ll have to pin the patch in place. Pinning your patch will create more work for you when using your machine.
different sewing machines will have different features and capabilities. It’s best to refer to your manual to get the best results. Make sure that you are only sewing the patch onto one piece of fabric. If you have to sew your patch onto a sleeve this can be tricky. Pull back the other side of the sleeve without the patch so you don’t sew your sleeve shut.
Once the bobbin is filled you’ll have to place the bobbin in the correct location depending on your machine. Then run the thread through the proper parts of your machine to attach it to the needle. Each machine has a different process for this. Refer to your manual. [5] X Research source Make sure you have the correct color thread in place. You should either use thread that’s the color of the patch or clear thread.
Your sewing machine will most likely have different speed settings. The speed dictates how quickly the needle moves. You’ll want to keep it low so that you have good control when sewing.
To rotate the garment and patch, move both as one. Make sure that the foot of the sewing machine is up, but the needle is in place. When you need to rotate, you need to lift the foot up so that you can move the garment. But keep the needle in place so that you get a consistent pattern. Once you’ve made it all the way around your patch, seal the stitch. Take your scissors and cut away any loose threads. You should leave a little bit of thread about 1/2” (1cm) long. Leaving just a bit ensures that you don’t accidentally cut the knots.
Pop every stitch out around your patch. Remove any loose thread with the tweezer end of your seam ripper. Don’t use a razor as you may cut yourself or your garment.
Ironing can also help to smooth out any leftover marks and punctures from a previous patch. Ironing your garment before sewing will prevent you from sewing over any wrinkles and, therefore, leaving permanent wrinkles in your clothes.
For example, a Navy striped patch must end 2 inches (51 mm) above the cuff on the sleeve. Refer to any instructions you were given to correctly place patches. You can either pin the patch on or use glue tape to iron your patch in place. Ironing the patch on isn’t a permanent solution. It is only to hold the patch in place while you sew. The lack of pins will allow you to sew the patch on without running into any pins. If you ironed the patch on, let it cool before sewing.
Use a thread that’s the appropriate color. Match the color of the patch’s edges or use clear thread. If using a machine, make sure you pull the part of the sleeve back that isn’t attached to your patch.
Depending on where your patch is, sewing may be more difficult. If the patch is higher on the arm, you can use your neck opening to separate the layers of fabric. If it’s lower near the cuff, you will have to pay attention to make sure you aren’t sewing through both sides of the sleeves. Set your machine on a slow setting. If you need to rotate your uniform and patch, raise the foot with the needle still in place. Rotate your garment, then lower the foot. If hand sewing, take your time so that you can create even spaces between each pass and sew in a straight line. Use a straight stitch on patches.
Take your scissors and cut away any loose threads. You should leave a little thread about 1/2” (1cm) long. Leaving just a bit ensures that you don’t accidentally cut the knots.
