How to Sew a Patch on Leather

Do you a pile of patches that need sewn on but you’re not sure how? Maybe you’re tired of paying
someone else to sew them on for you. Especially, when you get it back and many of them are crooked
or have messy stitch lines. 

This post and video will walk you through how to sew on your own patches even if you are not a
confident sewer. You don’t need a fancy machine or a ton of supplies. 

Supplies

• leather needles for sewing machine https://amzn.to/2MHtCnt
• 505 Spray and Fix Temporary Fabric Adhesive https://amzn.to/2MIcCgV

• Ruler

• A sewing machine. A good option for sewing on patches if you don’t plan to do a lot of other

sewing is the Singer Heavy Duty. https://amzn.to/2WInkIX

• Thread 

Setting up the Machine

Thread your sewing machine and wind a bobbin with thread that matches the outer edge of the patch.
Refer to your owners manual for threading your machine or if you don’t have it this video shows you
how. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghJMlLBngYM&t=3s 

Stitch Length- The stitch length on the machine will need to be increased to at least 3.0. If the leather

is very thick or you will be sewing over a seam/several layers increase the length to 3.5-4.5. 

Preparing the surface

Before placing the patch on the leather the leather needs to be cleaned. Always use a cleaner that is
designed for leather. If you don’t have anything for leather you can take a slightly damp cloth and
wipe the area. Do not get it overly wet.

Placing the Patch

Before you sew the patch on you need to decide where you want to place it and make sure it will fit.
Use a ruler, if necessary, to make sure the area around the patch is even. 

If the patch has text stand back and make sure the text is lined up. Once you have the patch in a l
ocation you like spray the back of the pacth lightly with an adhesive spray made for fabrics.
Press the patch down and wait about a minute. The patch should now be temporarily held in place. 

Sewing the Patch Down

Make sure you machine has a needle designed for leather and the stitch length has been increased as
described above. Raise the presser foot up and place the garment under the foot. Line the outer edge
of the patch up with where the needle will go down. You can check this by slowly turning the
handwheel of the sewing machine towards you. 

If you machine has the option for the needle to be down when you stop sewing, engae or turn it on.
Slowly take a couple of stitches and then backstitch. Maneuver the garment around so that as you
sew you are staying lined up with the edge of the patch. Take your time and reposition as needed.
When you get back to where you started take another couple of stitches and then back stitch to lock
the stitches in place. 

Finishing up

Clip any thread tails that may remain. If you use your sewing machine for other projects make sure
you remove the leather needle and return the stitch length to the regular setting. 

Now that you have learned how to sew on a patch onto a leather article of clothing, you will be
amazed how easy and fun it is to do it. The key to success is using the correct tools and taking your
time to.