How to attach a badge?

What is a crest?

Also known as a badge, patch, insignia, emblem, or applique, a patch is a versatile tool ideal for decorating, repairing, hiding, or personalizing fabric. It's a valuable ally for tailors and seamstresses facing everyday challenges. Whether adding a personal touch to a garment, repairing a hole, or covering up an imperfection, a patch offers a solution that's both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Easy to apply, it can transform any garment or accessory into a unique piece.

How to choose your badge?

Choosing the right badge starts with determining what you want to do with it: decorate, repair, or personalize. Your choice will depend on the purpose of your badge and its placement.

- Sew-on patches are perfect for covering imperfections and are suitable for items that will be used frequently over the long term. Although they take longer to apply, they offer greater durability.

- Iron-on patches are perfect for quick and hassle-free application. Equipped with a thin layer of glue that reacts to heat, their use is particularly interesting if you want to apply a large number of patches at once. However, they remain less resistant than sew-on patches, especially if poorly applied.

To avoid any problems, here is our practical guide to applying badges in a lasting way:

How to attach a sew-on patch?

As the name suggests, these badges are sewn, by hand or machine, onto the fabric they adorn.

To install them, here is what you will need:

• 1 sew-on patch,
• 1 needle and 1 matching thread (for discreet sewing) or contrasting for more fun,
• 1 pair of scissors,
• 1 temporary glue stick or pins (optional, but recommended).

The installation is carried out in four stages:

1. Prepare your fabric: wash and iron your fabric before applying the patch.
2. Position your patch: Place the patch in the desired location on the fabric and temporarily secure it with pins or temporary glue to prevent it from slipping.
3. Prepare the thread: Thread a needle with a thread that matches the edge of the patch.
4. Sew the patch: Start sewing around the patch, leaving 2 mm between your stitches and the edge of the patch. To do this, use a straight, tight, and even stitch to ensure a solid attachment. Take your time to ensure the final result is perfect. The more precise the stitching, the more successful the application will be.

How to attach an iron-on patch?

Here is the material needed to attach an iron-on patch:

• 1 iron-on patch
• 1 iron
• 1 thin cloth or parchment paper

The installation is carried out in four stages:

1. Prepare your fabric: wash and iron your textile to avoid creases under the badge.
2. Position your patch: place the patch with the sticky side (the smooth, shiny side) facing your fabric in the location you want.
3. Cover the patch: Cover the patch with a thin cloth (damp or not depending on the fabric underneath) or with parchment paper to avoid damaging the fabric or the patch with the iron.
4. Iron the patch: Place your iron on the patch, applying firm pressure. Set it to a high temperature (around 150°C) without steam, and hold your iron on the patch for 30 seconds.
5. Turn your fabric inside out: Repeat this process on the inside of your fabric for better adhesion. If your garment will be washed a lot, we recommend doing a few stitches by hand or machine to keep your patch in place.

Great! You've just installed your badge with flying colors, but the question remains: how do you maintain it?

How to care for a garment with a sewn-on badge?

To protect your badge as much as possible, we recommend turning your item inside out before putting it in the washing machine.

2. At what temperature should I wash my badge?

For a sew-on patch, you can machine wash it at your usual temperature. For an iron-on patch, it is not recommended to exceed 30°C.

3. Is it possible to iron on a badge?

Yes and no. For a sewn patch, no problem. For an iron-on patch, this isn't necessary; it could even damage the attachment. In any case, protect your patch when ironing with a cotton cloth.

4. My iron-on patch is peeling off, what should I do?

Don't panic, it's normal for an iron-on patch, even one that's perfectly installed, to have edges that peel off after a while. To fix this, simply add a few stitches to the corners.

What is the best needle size to use for sewing on a patch?

The size of your needle depends on the fabric you're applying your patch to. Keep in mind that your needle must sew through both layers (the patch and the fabric). As a general rule, choose size 90 universal needles.

Can I sew my patch on thick fabrics?

Yes, of course. We recommend choosing extra-strong thread to prevent it from breaking during sewing. It's easier to sew a patch by machine than by hand for thick fabrics. Also, choose an area with the least amount of fabric possible.

For denim, for example, you will need size 100 or 110 needles (jeans needles) and a stitch length of approximately 4 mm.

I still have questions!
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us directly by email at contact@ikatee.fr , or our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have! We welcome your comments, feedback, and ideas!

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