A Small Decorative Patch

What you will learn

• Embroidering on felt
• Edging with blanket stitch
• Attaching a patch

Materials and tools

• Wool-blend felt, two 3 in (7.5 cm) circles
• Embroidery needle size 5
• Floss in three colours
• Fabric scissors
• Chalk pencil or tissue paper for the design
• Pins

Template

1. Cut two felt circles 3 in (7.5 cm) across. Felt does not fray, so no hem is needed.
2. Draw a simple motif such as a heart or star on one circle with a chalk pencil. Or trace it onto tissue paper, pin the tissue to the felt, stitch through both and tear the tissue away.
3. Outline the motif in chain stitch with 3 strands. Felt is firm enough to stitch without a hoop.
4. Fill or decorate inside with seed stitch or French knots.
5. Place the plain circle behind the embroidered one to hide the back of the stitching. Pin.
6. Join the two layers round the edge with blanket stitch, about 3/16 in (5 mm) deep and 3/16 in apart.
7. Pin the patch to the garment or bag and sew it on with small whipstitches or a running stitch just inside the blanket stitching.

Tips for a neat result

• A wool-blend felt holds stitches better than thin craft felt.
• Put your hand inside the bag or sleeve so you do not sew through both sides.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• The edge is evenly covered and the two layers do not gape.
• The patch lies flat on the garment.

Finishing and care

• Felt patches are best hand-washed cool. Hot water can shrink wool felt.
• On items washed often, use the tissue method on denim or cotton twill instead of felt and turn the edge under.