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How to Make Custom Patches with the Patch Kit

Here are some simple instructions on how to make custom patches with an embroidery machine and the Patch Kit by Colman and Company. 

Everyone has different styles and techniques, but we have found these steps to land consistent quality patches over and over again. Some of our customers have been using these techniques for years, so we are sharing it with you. We wish you patch making success!

Step #1

 Create your patch design with three things in mind…

  • Have a satin running stitch as a border, wider is better than narrow. It is helpful to use our Patch Borders which are digitized specifically for this.
  • Keep border and shape of patch smooth for easier cutting.
  • Selected Patch Material will be your background color – no stitches needed.

Step #2

Hooping: You have two directions in which you can go. 

You can hoop Patch Material without any stabilizer/backing/topping.

However, this can sometimes lead to the material moving within the hoop. Or you can attach our newest patch product, called HeatSPUN, to the backside of the PatchMat with your heat-press, then hoop. 

Adding the HeatSPUN glue keeps the patch material from moving and sliding within the hoop. This HeatSPUN glue will become your stabilizer when you use the PatchMat material.

Step #3

Sew out patch/badge design.

ALWAYS sew out more than what you need for mistakes.

Step #4

Un-hoop and trim off excess patch material

Keeping all patches together if sewn out as a group.

Step 5

Attach Patch Material to the HeatSEAL

  • Place flat Teflon/parchment sheet down to protect your heat-press.
  • Place Patch Material face down on heat-press or table if using a hand iron.
  • Place HeatSEAL material face down on top of sewn out patches with the paper backing side up.
  • Place another Teflon sheet/parchment on top, making a Teflon Patch sandwich.
  • Heat @ 320-330 degrees for 10-12 seconds. Using 40 psi of pressure or significant hand pressure for hand iron – no steam.
  • Turn it over and heat it again, twice is nice.

Step 6

Roughly cut out the sealed patches

Removing excess patch/seal material, leaving a quarter to half an inch of material surrounding satin stitch border.

Step 7

Heat up Hot Knife

With the universal tip for 10-15 minutes – use safety stand.

Step 8

Cut out individual patch/badge with the Hot Knife…

  • – Place individual patch face-up on smooth GLASS surface, begin running hot Universal Tip along edge of patch directly next to satin stitch.
  • – Hand speed/pressure will cause patch to be cut & sealed, leaving a finished patch.
  • – Use dry paper towel/cloth as a “wipe-off” station for the hot tip when residue appears. Wipe tip often.
  • – Practice using hand pressure and speed of tool movement to guide you.

Finishing Touches

Heat the patch/badge briefly on top-side of the garment for proper placement than to turn garment inside-out and apply heat to the back-side of the patch so heat is directly applied to HeatSEAL side of patch/badge

PRO-TIP: Our Patch Borders CDs are not just simple satin stitched designs. These designs have all been specifically digitized to make cutting out patches easy. They are absolutely a time saver! 

Helpful Tips

Finished Patch/Badge can be applied directly to garment with heat-press, hand iron or sewn on. If you choose to sew-on, you could omit the step where you add the

HeatSEAL glue after the sew out. If using heat-press, use 320-330 degrees for 10-12 seconds, then turn garment over and press from the back-side for 15-20 seconds more.

If using a hand iron, use setting between Wool and Cotton, no steam. Use same dwell times. You’re done!

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