Embroidered Patches

Reproduce digital artwork in embroidery.

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Reproducing digital artwork in embroidery isn't hard if you follow these simple steps. I'll show you how using the fffffatlab text.

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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Trace your artwork.  ¶ 

  • If you're using a light-colored fabric, you may be able to trace directly on the fabric. In this case, I'm using a very opaque canvas fabric, so I had to first trace the design on paper, directly from my computer screen.

  • Don't use a drawing implement that requires too much pressure or that will bleed through onto your monitor. A regular ballpoint pen works just fine.

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Add Note Edit Step 2 — Chalk it up.  ¶ 

  • If you traced your design directly onto your fabric, skip this step.

  • Turn your paper template over and apply chalk or conti crayon to the back (in a color that will be visible on your fabric).

  • Shake off the dust and place the paper template on your fabric.

  • Trace over the design with a dull pencil or ballpoint pen, transferring the lines of the design onto your fabric.

  • Be careful not to touch it too much after this, as the chalk will rub off with your touch.

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Add Note Edit Step 3 — Start embroidering.  ¶ 

  • Stretch your fabric in your embroidery hoop.

  • Select your floss color and get started.

    • Use whatever stitches you feel are appropriate, and don't be afraid to experiment. I used the satin stitch for these.

  • It may be helpful to keep your reference image up on your monitor so you can keep track of small details that might have been lost in the tracing transfer.

  • When finished, take your fabric out of the hoop and shake off any remaining chalk.

  • Iron out the creases from the hoop.

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Add Note Edit Step 4 — Create a backing (optional).  ¶ 

  • This step is optional, but gives a nice finished look to your patch.

  • Cut a rectangle of your backing fabric with about a 3/8" border seam allowance all around your patch.

  • Press in a 1/4" fold on all sides. Trim the corners at a 45° angle passing through the intersection of the two ironed creases.

  • Iron in another 1/4" fold, turning under the first fold you made.

  • Press in the corners so that the edge of the crease intersects the new corner intersecting folds, then press in the sides again.

    • You should end up with nice mitered corners.

  • Place the patch inside this frame and topstitch around all edges for a nice complete patch.

For more information, check out the Design category page.

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