Transforming T-Shirts Into Patches: A Creative Guide

There are many ways to make a patch from a T-shirt. One way is to cut out the design you want from your T-shirt, making sure to leave extra room around the edges. Then, get some adhesive backing for the T-shirt to prevent it from moving while you sew. You can also use iron-on or sew-on interfacing to stick the patch onto your desired fabric. Some people prefer to use fabric glue or a sewing machine to attach the patch.

Choosing an image

• Personal Preference: Choose an image that you like and that reflects your personality or interests. It could be a design, logo, or artwork that resonates with you.
• Simplicity: If you're new to making patches, consider selecting a simple image with minimal details and colours. Complex designs with intricate details can be more challenging to work with.
• Size: Consider the size of the image in proportion to the T-shirt you'll be using. You'll need to ensure that the image is large enough to be clearly visible and that it fits within the dimensions of the T-shirt.
• Colour: Think about the colours of the image and how they will contrast with the T-shirt fabric. Select colours that will stand out and be visually appealing.
• Cutting Precision: Keep in mind that you'll need to cut out the image from the T-shirt. Choose an image with clean, defined lines that will be easier to cut accurately.
• Fabric Type: Different types of fabric can impact the overall appearance of the patch. Thicker fabrics like canvas are often recommended for creating durable and attractive patches.
• Intended Use: Consider how you plan to use the patch. If it's for a jacket or bag, you might want a larger image, while a smaller, more discrete image might be better for a shirt or hat.
• Image Quality: Ensure that the image you choose is of high quality and has a high resolution. This will ensure that the details are clear and crisp when transferred to the patch.
• Copyright: Be mindful of copyright restrictions when selecting an image. Avoid using copyrighted images without permission, and consider creating your own designs or using royalty-free images.

Once you've chosen your image, you can move on to the next steps of creating your patch, such as cutting out the image from the T-shirt and applying an adhesive backing to stabilize the fabric for sewing. Remember to take your time and enjoy the creative process of transforming a T-shirt into a unique patch.

Cutting the fabric

The first step to making a patch from a T-shirt is to acquire a T-shirt. You can use any colour T-shirt you want for your patch. However, it is important to ensure that the T-shirt is larger than needed, as you will be cutting out a section to create the patch.

Once you have your T-shirt, the next step is to cut out the part of the shirt you want to make into a patch. This can be done by cutting out the design on the T-shirt, ensuring that you leave plenty of extra room around the edges. It is important to cut cleanly and avoid frayed ends. You can always trim the edges later, but it is better to have extra fabric to work with than not enough.

After cutting out the desired section of the T-shirt, you will need to get some adhesive backing to keep the fabric from moving while you sew. Any fabric store should have adhesive backing, and you can ask for the "craft" kind as it is the thickest. Make sure to get a piece that is large enough for your patch, including the extra room around the edges.

At this point, you can choose to attach the adhesive backing to your patch by either sewing or ironing it on. If you decide to iron it on, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as the settings and process may vary depending on the type of adhesive backing you are using.

Once the adhesive backing is attached, you can then decide on the border size for your patch. If your design is large, you may want a smaller border, and vice versa. You can use an iron to create a stronger crease for your border.

To create a thicker edge that will make sewing easier, you can use a product like "Stitch Witchery". Simply cut a piece of Stitch Witchery the length of the side of your patch, place it in the crease, and hold an iron over it for about ten seconds. Again, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Now, you are ready for the final trimming. Pull the edges of the fabric up and trim off any excess material. Be careful not to trim too close to the design, as you want to ensure a strong hem. And that's it! You now have a T-shirt patch ready to be sewn onto your desired item.

Using interfacing

Step 1: Choose Your Image and Cut Out the Patch

First, choose the image or design you want to use for your patch. Cut out the image from your T-shirt, leaving a little extra fabric around the edges. You can use scissors to cut out your patch, and try to cut it as precisely as possible.

Step 2: Prepare Your Materials

You will need iron-on (non)woven interfacing, an electric iron and ironing board, and a dish towel. The interfacing should be stiff but not too hard, and make sure you cut it slightly larger than your image.

Step 3: Iron on the Interfacing

Place your T-shirt patch face down on the ironing board. Then, place the interfacing with the rough or prickly side down onto the back of the patch. Make sure the soft side of the interfacing is facing up. Dampen a dish towel or a piece of scrap fabric and place it over the layers. Now, press the iron onto the fabric for 12 seconds or as instructed by the manufacturer. Move the iron around to cover all areas until the entire patch has been covered.

Step 4: Cut Out the Image

Once the interfacing is attached, cut out the image more precisely, leaving a small edge around the patch. This will ensure that the T-shirt fabric is sturdy enough to hold its shape and will prevent it from fraying.

Step 5: Sew the Edges (Optional)

If you want to add extra durability, you can sew around the edges of the patch to secure the T-shirt fabric to the interfacing. This step is optional but recommended, especially if you plan to sew the patch onto a jacket or bag.

Step 6: Prepare for Sewing

Now, your patch is almost ready to be sewn onto your desired surface. Place the patch onto your chosen fabric and pin it in place. You can use straight pins or safety pins for this step. Make sure you only pin through the T-shirt patch and the back layer of the fabric, not through to the front.

Step 7: Sew On Your Patch

Finally, you can sew your patch onto your desired fabric. You can hand-sew or use a sewing machine for this step. Sew securely all around the edges of the patch to attach it permanently.

Sewing the edges

Choosing a Stitch Type:

You can choose between a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch for sewing the edges of your patch. A zigzag stitch is recommended as it adds a decorative element and helps prevent the edges from curling.

Gathering Supplies:

Before you start sewing, make sure you have the necessary supplies. You will need a sewing kit or a sewing machine, scissors, an electric iron and ironing board, and a dish towel.

Preparing the Patch:

• Cut out the design for your patch, ensuring that you leave a little extra fabric around the edges. This will give you some wiggle room in case you need to make any adjustments.
• It is important to cut the fabric as cleanly as possible to avoid frayed edges. You can use a rotary cutter or fabric scissors to get straight and precise cuts.

Securing the Patch:

• After cutting out your design, it is a good idea to secure it in place before sewing. You can use safety pins to attach the patch to the desired location on your garment. This will help you find the right spot and keep the patch anchored while sewing.
• Now it's time to sew around the edges of the patch. Start sewing at a corner of the patch and work your way around. Use small, tight stitches to secure the patch firmly in place. Go slowly and carefully, especially if you are sewing by hand.
• For extra durability, consider sewing the patch twice. This will help prevent the edges from fraying and ensure that your patch lasts longer.

Finishing Touches:

• Once you have finished sewing, check your work and make sure that all the edges are securely sewn. If you notice any loose threads, tie them off to prevent unraveling.
• You can now iron your patch to smooth out any wrinkles and give it a neat appearance. Place a dish towel over the patch before ironing to protect your work.

Remember to take your time and be careful while sewing the edges of your patch. Sewing the edges properly will ensure that your patch looks neat and stays attached to your garment for a long time.

Attaching the patch

Now that you have your patch ready, it's time to attach it to your desired fabric. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do that:

Pin the Patch

Use safety pins to attach the patch to your desired location on the fabric. This will help you find the right spot and anchor the patch in place while sewing. If you are happy with how it looks, you can proceed to the next step.

Sew the Patch

You can sew the patch by hand or using a sewing machine. Sewing by hand will give you more control, but it can be time-consuming and tedious. If you have a sewing machine, it will be faster and more efficient. Sew around the edges of the patch to secure it to the fabric. Go over the edges a few times to make it sturdy and prevent fraying.

Iron-on Adhesive

If you prefer a quicker method, you can use iron-on adhesive to attach your patch. First, cut a piece of adhesive backing slightly larger than your patch. Place the adhesive, sticky-side down, on the back of the patch. Then, following the manufacturer's instructions, iron the adhesive onto the patch. Make sure to set your iron to the correct temperature and use a gentle back-and-forth motion.

Apply Heat 'n Bond

Once the adhesive is in place, you can use Heat 'n Bond or a similar product to create a stronger bond and prevent fraying. Cut a piece of Heat 'n Bond the length of the edge of your patch. Place it in the crease where the patch meets the fabric and iron it for about ten seconds. This will create a thicker edge that will make sewing easier.

Finalize the Patch

Now, trim off any excess fabric or adhesive close to the stitches. Be careful not to cut too close, or you might undo your hard work. And that's it! Your patch is now securely attached to your fabric.

Frequently asked questions