Patches are pieces of embroidered designs made on clothes making use of thread, fabric backing, and needle. They are also known as cloth badges or appliqué patches.
Primarily done to cover up damaged, torn or unattractive areas of a fabric, patches are nowadays used to give a fancy look to clothes.
Embroidered patches have been a part of the old tradition for many decades. For years, they have been stitched by hand.
Nowadays, to make the process easier and faster, you can purchase pre-stitched patches to fix on to your clothing. They are produced in large quantities using high-tech, speedy machines that are controlled by computers.
There are various ways in which patches can be used on fabrics. Some of them are:
- They are attached with a pin.
- They can be sewed onto the fabric.
- Patches can be ironed and fixed on the cloth. Such patches are made with adhesives that are activated on receiving heat.
- They can have Velcro backing to them, which attaches itself to the fabric.
Embroidered patches are used for various reasons as well. They not only function as fashion statements but also work to serve as recognizable signs for people belonging to a particular organization.
For instance, uniforms of military forces have patches sewed on them. Other special services and emergency services also use patches on them.
Sports teams have their personalized patches embroidered on their jerseys. Patches are used to denote rank in an organization like scout clubs, clubs, and youth groups. Moreover, space agencies also use patches on the astronaut’s uniforms.
However, if one wants to go ahead with the age-old techniques of sewing patches on a fabric, proper knowledge of the procedure is required. This is so because it is an intricate process that involves learning. It is all the more tricky if you have to sew a patch on a nylon jacket.
Reasons For Sewing Patches On Nylon Jackets
There can be several reasons why you would want to sew patches on nylon jackets. More than a question of want, you could sew a patch on the fabric if they intend to make use of the piece of clothing in the future.
Patches can be sewn to upgrade the piece of clothing from a regular, boring jacket to a funky, fresh piece of clothing. Patches will add a sense of statement and a coolness factor to your old clothes.
In most cases, people sew patches on clothes to cover up damaged or torn parts of the material. Nylon is subject to wear and tear. Thus, they can easily suffer damage. In order to make up for it and continue using the jacket for a few more years, owners can stitch patches on to them. This makes the jacket look different and also serves its purpose.
How To Sew A Patch On A Nylon Jacket
As mentioned earlier, patches can be sewn on to fabric using various methods.
1. Appliqué Patches
Appliqué patches are either hand sewn or machine-made. They can be sewn on to the fabric using the age-old method of sewing by hand, or you can make use of the sewing machine as well. The appliqué patch can be turned under the edge and sewn using blanket stitching methods.
Otherwise, closely sewn zig-zag stitches around the edges of the appliqué patch can also be used. The zig-zag stitches can be made using a machine as well.
Pros: Store-bought appliqué patches offer a wide variety of designs. You can select the one you want without much effort.
2. Reverse Applique Patches
This technique requires keeping the appliqué patch on the backside of the hole on the nylon jacket.
The hole needs to be cut according to the shape of the patch. Finally, stitches are made around the edges of the hole, keeping the patch intact in its place.
Usually, people opt for closely placed zig-zag stitches, but straight and straightforward blanket stitches can also be used.
Pros: The stitch work is present underneath the jacket. This makes the patch look clean from the outside.
3. Set-in Patch That Is Hand-Sewn
Set-in patches are patches that are placed underneath the hole and sewn from the underside. It is placed on the underside of the garment. These patches can either be made using the same fabric or with a fabric of a contrasting color. The step-by-step method of sewing a set-in patch is given as follows:
- Firstly, the hole needs to be prepared. A square shape should be cut out of the hole, and a small slit of 1/4th of an inch should be made on the four corners of the square. Ravelled thread should be gotten rid of while the hole is widened and shaped.
- Cutting the slits provides for an edge for the square-shaped hole. The sides, thus, are 1/4th of an inch as well. It is necessary to turn the edges and press on them to make folds.
- A square patch of measurement of around 1/2th inches on all sides should be cut. Again, 1/4th of an inch should be turned underneath from all sides and pressed on.
- Keep the patch on the square-shaped hole making sure the right side is faced upwards.
- Make sure to align the patch in the right direction.
- Hem the patch onto the fabric from the opposite side of the jacket.
- Next, turn the nylon jacket over to stitch the hole-edges to the patch.
Pros: Patches applied, using this technique, hold fast to the material for a more extended period as it remains hidden from the outside. The exterior of the jacket looks better as only the design of the patch gets highlighted.
4. Overhand Patch Made Using Handmade Techniques
Overhand patches are sewn from the right side of the piece of fabric. This procedure can be tricky to perform, and it is necessary to patch a thinner material on to a thick one. Care should be taken that the patchwork does not become too evident. The steps to perform this are mentioned below:
- A square-shaped hole needs to be cut with slits on all four sides measuring 1/4th of an inch.
- A piece of fabric bigger than 1/4th of an inch should be cut for the patch. This too should have edges measuring 1/4th of an inch.
- Fold the edges inwards for the patch and outwards for the hole. Press on to them.
- Placing the patch on the hole, the sides should be stitched.
- Turning the jacket inside out, the fabric patch and the edges of the hole should be stitched again.
Stitchwork for this patch is comparatively easier but being exposed on the outer area, it suffers more wear and tear.
Related Questions
Can I use sticky patches on a nylon jacket?
One of the fastest methods to use embroidered patches with minimal stitching is store-bought patches that require to be ironed. These patches come with a back that has adhesives on it. On the application of heat, they stick to the material.
However, to keep it in its place, it is recommended to sew around the edges for better results.
It is essential to know that this is not one of the most efficient ways of sewing a patch onto a nylon jacket as nylon, as a fabric, tends to be less tolerant to heat. You might end up damaging the fabric.
What kinds of patches are available in the market?
If you are looking for a wide variety of patches, you will not be disappointed. Apart from embroidered patches, one will find patches made of special fabrics.
They have exciting textures and interesting patterns to suit your nylon jacket well. Some of the patches available in the market are sequined. Some make use of beads as well.
If you are fond of cute animated cartoon characters, you might find them on patches. Some patches might have references to your favorite TV show as well. All you need to look for is the right retail store.
How do I take care of my nylon jacket after having patches stitched on it?
As you may understand from this article, patches are extremely delicate additions to your jacket. They utilize intricate threadwork and are stitched on to your fabric using stitches only on the sides. Thus, it is essential to clean it with care.
Use brushes with soft bristles to clean them. Do not use harsh soaps, and they may release color. Avoid rubbing and resort to hand washing methods.
Dry-cleaning is also a good option. Avoid machine-washing at home or outside and always turn the jacket inside out for dry-cleaning purposes.
Patch Your Nylon Jacket For A Quick, Trendy Look
It is always not necessary to resort to store-bought appliqué patches or quick online solutions for patches. It is fascinating to make your own patchwork. However, it is not one of the easiest methods. It can be fun to customize and wear your patch on your jacket.
Choosing the right colors, material, design, and shape are totally up to you, but you need a good knowledge of the right kind of needles and fabric for patches. It is better to select soft yet firm fabrics that are easy to work upon.
You can draw inspiration from DIY videos online and stitch them on to your nylon jacket one by one. The credit is all yours!
