How to Make Handmade Sequin Patches?

Before you begin, collect all your materials in one place, and your work will be smooth and quick.

• Base Fabric: Felt, Twill, or Cotton. Felt is recommended if you are a beginner, as it maintains shape.
• Sequins: Select one that matches your design in terms of size and color.
• Needle: Use one that is thin enough to go through the sequins.
• Thread: Use strong polyester thread, as it will be more durable.
• Fabric Marker or Chalk: This will be useful in drawing your design onto the fabric.
• Scissors: Use sharp scissors that will give you a neat finish.
• Embroidery Hoop (Optional): It will be easier if you use one, as it will keep your fabric taut.
• Backing Material: It could be iron-on, velcro, or sew-on, depending on what you prefer.

Step 01: Plan Your Design

Keep your design easy if you’re a starter. Letters, logos, and icons are ideal for a first project. Draw your design on a piece of paper, and then transfer it onto your fabric using a marker or chalk. Make sure your lines are light, so they won’t be visible when your patch is complete. Also, make sure your design isn’t too complex for your patch size, or it might look messy.

Step 02: Cut the Base Fabric

Once your design is ready, the next step is to cut the fabric slightly larger than the design. This is because you need some extra space to work with. Put the fabric in the hoop, if you have one. If you do not have a hoop, make sure the fabric is not loose.

Step 03: Start Stitching Sequins

• Insert the needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread.
• Insert the needle up through the fabric at the place where you would like to position the first of your sequins.
• Insert a sequin onto the end of the needle and then push the needle down near the edge of the sequin.
• For extra strength, you can push the needle through the sequin a second time.
• Follow the guidelines you created while stitching.
• Space the sequins evenly so the patch looks clean and neat.
• Place the sequins close together if you would like a full look.
• Place the sequins far enough apart if you would like a lighter look.
• This step takes the longest, but it’s where your patch starts to come to life.

Step 04: Fill the Design

Keep adding the sequins until you cover the entire design. Make sure to check your work. If the sequin is loose, restitch it. It is also important to try to keep the rows straight. This will give the patch a more professional look. 

If using different colors, it is important to decide where each one will go before starting. Some people use various textures by adding thread fillings and beads to the sequins. This will give the patch a richer look.

Step 05: Secure the Edges

Next, you need to secure the edges after you have finished designing the patch. This is an important part because, without this, the edges will fray. To secure the edges, you need to cut the fabric close to the design, leaving a little space around the edges. 

You need to sew the edges with a tight stitch. The blanket stitch is the best stitch to secure the edges. For an even better look, you can add a border using a thin thread or cord. This is the same method that custom-printed patches use to secure the edges.

Step 06: Add Backing

Now your patch is ready, but you need to attach it somewhere. If you want an easy fix, you can use iron-on backing. Iron it onto the back of your patch. 

For removable patches, you can use Velcro. You can also use sew-on patches. These patches will last after many washings. Choose your method based on how you plan to use your patch.

Custom 3D silicone patches are the best option if your design requires a raised or rubber appearance. Sequins can’t match their vibrant vibe.