Table of Contents
Watch the video: “How To Hand Sew A Patch” by Sew Anastasia
Hand-sewn patches are the tiny rebellions that personalize our clothes—no machine required. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll follow the exact steps from Sew Anastasia’s tutorial to place, pin, stitch, and secure a patch with confidence.
What you’ll learn
- How to place and pin a patch so it stays put
- A simple way to thread your needle and tie a secure knot
- How to sew a clean running stitch around the patch edge
- How to tie off invisibly and trim for a tidy finish
- Practical troubleshooting tips from viewer comments
Why Hand Sew Your Patches? Hand sewing gives you control, customizability, and the option to reposition a patch later. In the video, the patch goes on a well-loved denim jacket—exactly the kind of canvas that looks even better with personalization.
- Durability vs. Iron-On
Hand sewing is a durable choice for patches that will face regular wear. The video notes that many patches have glue on the back, but sewing around the perimeter offers a secure hold without permanently fusing it. Some commenters asked if you can iron a patch first, then sew—yes, that’s confirmed in the comments by the creator. This guide focuses on the hand stitch technique shown in the video, not on adhesives. If you prefer searching machine options for a different project, people often mention terms like magnetic embroidery hoops even though those aren’t covered here.
- Personal Touch
Hand stitching lets you match (or deliberately contrast) your thread. The video demonstrates a neat finish where the stitches are barely visible from the front because the thread blends into the patch border. You control every stitch, so you can hug the edge and shape—ears, corners, and curves—with precision.
- Versatility for Different Fabrics
The technique is shown on denim, a tough but forgiving fabric. For thicker outerwear or lined garments, commenters asked about keeping stitches on the outer layer only; one reply suggested a curved needle for tricky, padded jackets. If you later dive into machine embroidery, that’s a different path entirely—topics like magnetic hoop come up, but they’re outside this hand-sewing tutorial.
Gather Your Essential Sewing Tools The video uses a simple kit: a needle, thread, straight pins or safety pins for positioning, scissors, and a thimble for protection. Keep everything on a clear, flat, well-lit surface.
- The Right Needle and Thread
Choose an all-purpose thread and aim to match your thread color to the patch edge so stitches fade away. The video uses black thread to blend into a black border. The video does not specify the exact needle size for denim; a sharp, sturdy hand-sewing needle works well. Several commenters asked for exact sizes—those specifics aren’t provided in the video.
- Thimble for Protection
A thimble makes it easier to push through thick fabric without hurting your fingers. The video creator uses one when stitching through the denim and patch layers.
- Securing with Pins
Use straight pins or safety pins—whatever you have—to anchor the patch where you want it. Place pins so they stabilize the patch without blocking the stitch path. If a pin is in your way, move it before the needle gets there.
Pro tip If the patch feels rigid or gummy on the back (many have heat-set adhesive), expect extra resistance when you stitch. A thimble will be your best friend, and keeping your stitches close to the edge helps reduce bulk.
Quick check Lay the garment flat and examine the patch placement. Is it straight? Is the fabric underneath smooth and unbunched? Adjust pins before you start sewing for a professional finish.
Step-by-Step: Preparing Your Needle and Thread
- Cutting the Right Length
Cut a manageable length of thread so it won’t tangle easily. The video doesn’t specify an exact length—use a comfortable amount you can control without knotting.
- Threading with Ease
Thread one end through the eye of the needle, then pull until both ends are even. You now have two thread tails of equal length. This double thread increases strength, which is helpful for thick fabric and sturdy patches.
- The Perfect Knot
Hold the two thread tails toward the back of the needle with your thumb to form a small loop. Wrap the thread around the needle about four times. Hold the wraps under your thumb, then pull the needle through the wrapped thread so a knot forms at the end. Trim the excess tail beyond the knot. The video highlights this as an easy, reliable way to get a strong stopper knot.
From the comments A number of viewers loved this knotting technique; others found it fast and replayed the moment to master the motion. If you’re struggling, slow the video playback and mirror the hand positions. Some commenters mentioned alternative methods (like looping around a finger); use whatever gives you a secure end knot.
Watch out Be careful with sharp tools—needles, pins, and scissors can cause injury if mishandled. Keep your workspace tidy and your non-sewing hand out of the needle’s path.
Mastering the Running Stitch for Patch Attachment The video uses a running stitch, sewing down and up along the patch edge to secure it all the way around.
- Strategic Placement
Start by inserting the needle from the inside of the garment, coming up through the garment and patch to the front. Pull until your knot catches on the inside. Aim to emerge right along the patch’s border—following this edge keeps your stitch line tidy and discreet.
- Even and Consistent Stitches
Push the needle back down through the patch a short distance away, then bring it back up again along the edge. Continue this down-and-up rhythm around the entire perimeter. Small, even stitches look clean and hold well. If you realize a stitch landed too far from the edge, bring the needle back up where you want it and keep going. Consistency is the goal, not perfection on the first try.
Quick check Periodically flip the garment over to make sure your stitches are consistent on the inside too. If you have a lot of pins, remove a few as you progress so your path stays clear.
Navigating Tricky Fabrics
- Thick denim or rigid patch backing: Use a thimble to push and guide the needle. Take your time, and keep your stitches close to the edge where the stack is thinner.
- Jackets with filling or lining: A commenter asked about avoiding stitching through to the inside. The creator suggested a curved needle for more control on thick or layered pieces.
- Pockets and seams: If stitching over a pocket, take care not to sew it shut. Plan your path and keep checking what layers you’re catching.
From the comments Viewers used this technique on denim jackets, hats, backpacks, cosplay, club uniforms, and even a flannel repair. One viewer noted they stitched a large back patch; another tackled a pocket area and learned to plan around it. The running stitch scales well to different shapes—just stay close to the edge and take it corner by corner.
Note The tutorial demonstrates a running stitch specifically. Other hand stitches (like whip stitch) can also secure a patch, but they’re not covered in the video.
Finishing Strong: Securing Your Stitch Once you’ve stitched all the way around, it’s time to tie off on the inside of the garment.
- Tying a Durable Knot
Flip the garment to the inside so you can see the back of your stitch line. Catch a few fibers of the fabric with your needle to create a small loop. Pass the needle through that loop to form a knot, and repeat two or three times for security. A small, snug knot is the goal here.
- Trimming for a Clean Look
Trim the thread close to the knot without cutting through it. The inside might have a little loop or two—no worries. It won’t show on the outside.
Quick check Run your fingers along the patch edge on the outside. Everything should lie flat with no lifted corners. If any spot looks loose, add a couple of stitches right along the edge to snug it down.
Show Off Your Custom Creation! The finished patch in the video looks crisp on the jacket, with nearly invisible stitches thanks to matching thread. Try the jacket on and admire your work.
The Joy of DIY Fashion A hand-sewn patch is wearable memory—bands, clubs, causes, inside jokes. Viewers stitched judo club symbols, karate patches, cosplay insignias, and keepsakes from family uniforms. Your patch tells a story, stitch by stitch.
Care and Maintenance of Your Patch Laundering guidance came up in the comments. The creator suggested turning the jacket inside out and using a gentle cycle. This helps reduce abrasion on the patch edge and stitches.
Troubleshooting and Community Tips
- “My needle gets stuck.” Use a thimble for leverage and take shorter stitches. Clear dangling threads or pins that snag as you go. If hands get slippery, take a short break and reset.
- “I can’t get the knot technique.” Slow the video and mirror the movement. Try the same wraps-count (about four). If you still struggle, use any secure end-knot method you know.
- “What if my thread runs short?” Tie off where you are on the inside, trim, and rethread a fresh length. Restart by coming up near your last stitch along the edge.
- “Can I iron a patch first, then sew?” The creator answered yes; some people like to fuse first to help with stability, then stitch for long-term durability.
- “Can I sew patches on hats or bags?” Yes—several commenters successfully did. Just keep your stitches short and watch for hidden layers you don’t want to catch.
From the comments
- A viewer asked about lined coats and thick, filled jackets; the creator suggested a curved needle for better control.
- Another asked about washing after sewing; the creator recommended turning the jacket inside out and using a gentle cycle.
- Multiple beginners reported success on their first try—especially after replaying the knot sequence.
Safety reminder Needles, pins, and scissors are sharp. Work slowly, use a thimble, and keep your non-sewing hand out of the needle’s path.
A note on machines vs. hand sewing This guide covers hand sewing exactly as shown in the video. Some readers research machine embroidery for other projects. If you go that route later, you’ll encounter terms like machine embroidery hoops in general discussions, as well as products people discuss externally (for example, snap hoop monster or mighty hoop). Those tools aren’t part of this tutorial or the video; we’re sticking to needle, thread, and a running stitch here.
If you’re brand-new to machines A few commenters were sewing for the first time—bravo. If one day you explore entry-level gear, you’ll see broad topics like embroidery machine for beginners discussed in other places. For this project, though, hand sewing is more than enough to get a clean, durable result without any machine at all.
Global community vibes It’s fun to see how patches unite different scenes—bikers, punks, scouts, athletes, cosplayers, proud parents, and first-time sewists all chimed in. The method is the same: place, pin, stitch, secure. Keep your stitches small, hug the edge, and give your clothes a story.
Final checklist
- Patch pinned flat and straight
- Double-threaded needle with a secure knot
- Small, even running stitches along the patch edge
- Tie off on the inside with 2–3 knots
- Trim thread and test for any loose spots
If you still have questions Some questions—like exact needle sizes for specific fabrics—weren’t specified in the video. When in doubt, test on scrap fabric and adjust your needle or stitch length until it feels smooth and secure.
Parting encouragement Hand sewing a patch is a skill you can master in an evening. Start slow, take short stitches, and you’ll be surprised at how polished your results look. When you’re ready to experiment far beyond this project, you’ll see folks chatting about gear like magnetic embroidery hoop or supplies available in different regions (such as embroidery hoops uk). For now, you’ve got everything you need—right in your hands.