How to Make Embroidery Patches
- 1). Sketch a detailed version of the design on the fabric used for the patch using a pencil. Highlight details such as areas of different colors or lines that will be highlighted in the embroidery.
- 2). Start with the color that has the smallest surface area coverage. Embroider everything in that color before proceeding to the next. To start, thread the needle with embroidery thread. Tie a small knot at the end of the thread and pull the needle through the fabric so the knot is hidden on the backside of the fabric.
- 3). Pull the needle through the fabric. Begin stitching using the Herringbone stitch, which is an "X" in a "V" shape (see References section for an illustration). Where the needle comes through the fabric is point 1. The needle then goes down, which is point 2, and then it resurface again, which is at point 3. The needle goes down again, which is at point 4, and then goes up again, which is at point 5. Continue with this stitch until the surface area of one color has been covered.
- 4). Secure the thread by pulling the needle through the fabric to the backside of the patch. Pull the needle through some of the stitch loops. Once you secure the thread in the loop holes, cut the excess thread with scissors. Begin a new color using the same technique as above.
- 5). Begin embroidering the patch, starting with the smaller areas. For example, if the embroidery is of a flower, start by embroidering the center of the flower and the lines that will be highlighted such as dents in the flower leafs or veins in the flower stem.
- 6). Embroider the larger surface areas last. Again using a flower as an example, this would include the flower's leaves and the background. Before starting on the larger areas, ensure that all small areas and lines have been embroidered.
- 7). Embroider the detailing of the patch and borders last. Detailing could include bents in a flower, cracks in the leafs or an outline of a word.
- 8). Trim the edges of the fabric patch so it suits the desired size.
- 9). Hem the edges of the patch by folding each edge backward so it lies flat with the fabric. Secure the folds with pins. Sew the edges on a sewing machine, removing the pins as it is sewn. The patch is now ready for use.
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