Over the past year, we have seen the rise of Y2K fashion, from trucker hats to tiny, tiny shoulder bags, thanks to the influence of TikTok and social media in general. We see people all over social media jumping on the trend – even the millennials. Even though Y2K gets a bad industry rep due to some rather elaborate fashion choices, you cannot deny the nostalgia it brings.
One of the most loved and well-received styles is rocking distressed denim with cute patches that add a pop of fun and color to an otherwise boring outfit.
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Custom Patches Are Back In Style.
Back in the day, people used to sew and iron patches onto their best-loved clothing items to show support for their favorite bands, TV-shows, movies, people, or causes. It was a fun way to style a denim item such as jeans, jacket, or bag and make it interesting.
With the trend back in style, you might be looking to customize and DIY your y2k apparel, and we are here to help you with that. This article will be looking at different ways you can make and attach your custom patches. Following a mix and match approach, you can combine different elements to create unique patches that stand out.
However, if you are not good with your hands, there’s no need to fret as you can try online custom patch services (Yes, they exist!) like Ultra Patches. Ultra patches are your go-to place for custom patches as they can manufacture your dream design with the highest care to quality. If you don’t have a design in mind, rest assured, as they are sure to design patches that represent your ideas.
Nine Ways You Can Design Custom Patches
Once you get the basics down, you can create multiple patches as possible in numerous designs. Know what you want as your design makes it easier. Use the internet to find your design inspiration. Below we have listed some ways you can go about making them.
Iron-On Patches
It is probably one of the easiest to create patches as they are fast and simple. To make these patches, all you need is a pattern, two pieces each of paper-backed fusible web, and regular fabric. Follow the steps outlined below once you have gathered all the materials:
Trace your pattern onto one piece of your fabric and stitch the design while leaving plenty of space around the edges.
Cut the other fabric piece and the two pieces of fusible web similar to the first piece of fabric.
Iron one piece of the fusible web to the non-stitched side of your fabric.
Peel the paper off and place this fabric web side down on the back of the design fabric.
Iron the non-embroidered fabric piece to fuse the materials; this prevents frayed edges and provides stability.
Iron the other piece of fusible web on the non-embroidered fabric and remove the paper.
Lastly, cut according to the shape, and that’s it!
To firmly apply and secure your iron-on patches, you need adequate heat and pressure.
Embroidered Patches
It’s slightly more complicated and time-consuming than any other mentioned methods. To create this, you need to:
Trace your pattern on cotton fabric and attach it to your embroidery hoop.
Thread your needle using three strands of the embroidery thread.
While keeping the material smooth, use either the long-short stitch or the satin stitch to fill in the design.
Use a black thread to outline the design via black stitches.
Carefully cut the design while keeping it close to the back stitches.
Lastly, use fabric glue on the back of the stitches to secure the embroidery.
Patches With Zig Zag Stitches
You can create this patch by using zigzag stitches that outline the design. You need a thick printed fabric onto which you can simply trace your pattern using a thread of contrasting color. This patch requires outlining the design border using tightly packed zig zag stitches. If you choose to use a thinner back fabric, we recommend sewing tight zigzag stitches along the edge with overcast stitches. Once you have done that, carefully cut the design and apply fabric glue to prevent frayed edges.
Fabric Paint Patches
Fabric paint patches are a great alternative to embroidered patches if you find it hard to embroider by hand. To make this, all you need to do is:
Get a thick fabric and hoop it to create a smooth work surface.
Trace your design and fill it in with the fabric paint.
Outline your design using black fabric paint.
You can also use glitter and puffy paint to highlight your design.
Apply fabric glue along the side to prevent frayed edges.
Sewed Felt Patches
Felt is great for patchwork since you don’t have to worry about fraying. Cut the felt according to the pattern outline. You can hand embroider the design or use a sewing machine to fill in details. Start by:
Trace the pattern onto felt using a tracing paper or a water-soluble stabilizer.
Embroider your chosen design.
Once done, remove the tracings according to your method.
Complete the patch by carefully cutting around the outline or whatever shape you feel like.
Place it where you want and sew around the edge with regular embroidery thread to attach the patch.
Self-Adhesive Patches
Self-adhesive patches are like stickers that you can permanently attach to your clothes. You’ll need a fabric of your choice, a heavy stabilizer, and a permanent fabric adhesive to create one. Follow these steps to create your favorite designs:
Mark your pattern onto the fabric of your choice and layer it in front of the heavy stabilizer.
Use a strong needle to stitch your pattern through the layers.
Trim around the edges while leaving room for edges.
Stitch the edges to secure the embroidery and provide an outline of your design.
Finally, use the fabric adhesive on the back of the patch, peel off a layer of the glue, and place it where you want.
Print Patches
If you own an inkjet printer, this is the patch for you. Stick an iron-on adhesive onto a cotton sheet and insert it into your printer to create one. Design a pattern on your computer and print it out on the cotton sheet by adjusting the printer settings to heavy paper. You can also lookup tutorials online to find easy guides that tell you how to use your inkjet printer on fabrics.
Patches With Removable Pins
If you are not into having a permanent patch on your bag, jeans, or jacket, then a pin patch might be right up to your alley. You’ll need fabric of your choice, a piece of felt, and a bar-style pin. To create one, follow the instructions given below:
Mark the design onto your fabric and stitch accordingly.
Cut around the outline while leaving appropriate space for the edges.
Cut the felt according to the size of the fabric.
Start sewing a bar-style pinback on the backside of the felt fabric. Make sure that you are stitching correctly so that the pieces of fabric layer up accurately.
Thread your needle using three strands of embroidery thread.
Hold the layers and fuse them with a whip stitch. Don’t forget to hide the first knot between the different stitching layers and complete the stitch at the back.
Move your needle in a front-to-back fashion, similar to a satin stitch.
Once you are out of the thread, finish it off with a knot and start exactly where you left off.
Finally, attach your pin patch to the item of your liking, and you’re good to go.
DIY Brooch-Like Patches
A brooch-like patch has a 3d feel to it. You can create it by stuffing a patch with your chosen material, such as fabric scraps, cotton stuffing, or felted wool stuffing. Follow these guidelines to make one:
Cut two pieces of your fabric according to your design pattern. Make sure that the right sides of both pieces are aligned together.
Outline the design and sew the pieces together while leaving a small one-inch hole behind.
Turn the fabric pieces inside-out and stuff the insides with your chosen stuffing.
Stitch the hole to close it with a slip stitch.
You can also choose to embellish the patch by attaching rhinestones, beads, and sequins.
After decorating, you can then stitch the 3D patch onto the place of your liking.
Final Words
Clothing patches are not only suitable for embellishing or styling your clothes but also have practical uses, such as mending tears or holes and displaying your support for a personal or political cause. If you are dexterous, designing your custom patches won’t be a biggie for you, but if you are not, you can always hire a service to do it for you. You can make your patches without the need for any complicated machinery – follow our guide to designing eye-catching and unique custom patches.
