A hole in your jeans creates an opportunity to express your style with a decorative patch. You can also preserve your pants with a plain fabric patch if you wish. You don’t have to wait for a hole to develop though to dress up your favorite jeans with a custom created patch. Regardless of the direction that you take, the steps for how to sew a patch on jeans are easy to follow.

Items You’ll Need

• Scissors
• Pins
• Heavy-duty sewing needle
• Thimble (optional)
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Iron, if using iron-on patch

Directions for How to Sew a Patch on Jeans

1. Select a fabric to use as a patch or choose a decorative embroidered patch.
2. If repairing a hole in your jeans, trim away frayed edges.
   1. If no hole is present, decide where you would like to place your decorative patch.
3. Cut a piece of patch fabric 1/2 inch larger than the hole on all sides.
   1. A somewhat softer fabric than denim will reduce strain on the repair and last longer.
4. If using a decorative patch to cover a hole, find one that is about 1/2 larger on all sides than the hole.
5. Spread your jeans smooth and flat and pin the patch in place.
   1. A plain fabric patch may be placed on the outside or inside of the jeans.
   2. A decorative patch will be placed on the outside.
6. For an iron-on patch, heat your iron to the highest setting but do NOT use steam function.
7. Press the iron down firmly on the patch without shifting the fabric.
   1. Apply pressure for the amount of time indicated on the iron-on patch’s directions.
   2. This will seal the patch edges around the hole.
8. For a plain fabric patch placed on the outside, fold under a slender hem around the edges of the patch.
   1. This step is not necessary for a decorative patch.
9. Prepare to sew your patch in place.
   1. Whether hand sewing or using a machine, use a heavy-duty needle that can pierce both the denim and patch.
10. If you have a free-arm sewing machine, slide out the exterior portion of the flat work area beneath the presser foot.
11. Slide the jeans onto the narrower flat bed and position the patch edge under the needle.
12. Sew around the entire edge of the patch.
    1. Pull out pins as you go before the needle hits them.
13. If sewing by hand, secure the edges with about 8 to 10 stitches on each side.
    1. A thimble is helpful for hand sewing a patch because you will need to push the needle hard to make it go through the patch.
    2. If you placed an exterior fabric patch, be sure to stitch through the folded under hem.
14. Trim off excess threads.

We Make Custom Patches

After learning how to sew a patch on jeans, you can imagine even more uses for patches. American Patch specializes in the production of custom patches for all types of occasions. We can transform your original design into premium-quality patches in embroidered, woven, PVC, dye sublimation, felt, and leather styles.

Ask us for a free quote to produce bulk patch orders in most shapes and sizes. We present our customers with a free physical patch sample so that you can approve production with confidence. Trust us for fast turnaround times and free U.S. shipping.