Chenille patches are perfect for personalizing clothes, bags, hats, and much more and give a distinct plush appeal. These patches are special because to their soft and fuzzy natures; as such, they are perfect for adding that extra, individual flair to any kind of fabric. This is an article that will give you full information on how to create your own chenille patches if that is what you wish to do. If you are a novice or just are interested in learning how to make chenille patches, then read on to find out how you can make nice ones.
What Are Chenille Patches?
Slouch patches are twill passed through a high-loft yarn which gives a soft bulky feeling on fabric. Chenille is derived from the word ‘caterpillar’ in French, and refers more to the fluffiness of the patch. These patches come in a three dimensional look and feel and are usually applied in varsity jacket, backpacks and hats. They are ideal for that unique retro look that you want in your design work.
Materials You’ll Need
For making Custom chenille patches here are the few materials you require: First the synthetical chenille yarn is required because it provides soft touch feel to the patches . You will of course also need some fabric for the making of the patch that can be felt or twill both of which are perfect for this sort of application, Some thread, embroidery mostly, for outlining the patch and the finer aspects of the design in case there are any. First of all, embroidery hoops are necessary to keep the fabric stiff while working, second, one must use an embroidery needle that would suit thick yarns. A pair of scissors, hot glue gun or sewing machine or even stapler, and iron – on transfer paper are among some of the useful thing that should be occasionally used.
Step 1: Design Your Patch
Before starting making chenille patches, you are required to come up with your design. There are two approaches that can be used to make the sketch; the manual sketch and the computer aided sketch. It is most effective to apply literal meaning, illustrations, logos, abbreviations, or easy to illustrate shapes on chenille patches. When you have your design ready, it’s time to move it on to your fabric material. If you have carbon paper, then you would be using it to trace on the material, otherwise if you have a printer and iron and iron- on transfer paper you would be using it to make a print of the design on the material.
Step 2: Prepare Your Fabric
Measure your wafer slightly larger than the area where you want to cover then cut your fabric in a corresponding shape. It is recommended to use felt or a sturdy twill fabric because this fabric will hold the chenille yarn properly. After it has been cut, gather the fabric as tight as possible so that it fits into embroidery hoop for firm working surface. This will make sure your stitches are also equal and that the patch looks like it was done by a professional.
Step 3: Stitch the Base of the Patch
Next, sketch you design using embroidery thread. This step is helpful in getting the chenille yarn to stay in a specific position and also provides a base for you to use while you’re working. After the outline has been done, make sure to put the chenille yarn into use. To achieve this, it should be in a staking forming a line continuously by moving backward and forward on the fabric material. The more layers you add the thicker and more textured the patch will look in the image. For curves or intricate designing then take your time to guide the yarn to follow the curve as you desire.
Step 4: Add More Layers of Chenille Yarn
As everything is set for placing the first layer of chenille yarn, you can start adding layers one on the other. Applying several layers is possible which give it a richer look and it looks thicker, like a plush patch. When doing the stitches, make sure that you space them well so that the yarn is spread all over the area in question. This part of the process is very important for achieving the traditional chenille look of the patch, making it fluffy and raised.
Step 5: Trim and Shape the Patch
After you sew the patch in the chenille section, trim the fabric on the outer perimeter of the patch. Trim the patch a little closer to allow for the seam allowance when sewing it on after later. However, if you want to take it to the next level, get a needle with a matching color of thread and sew around the patch, maybe 2mm away from the edges of the patch to give it a neat cut look.
Step 6: Attach Your Chenille Patch
The last process is to affix your chenille patch to what you intended for it to be sown on. If you are using an iron-on patch, attach an adhesive backer using an iron, per manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the design of the sew-on patch: you should use a needle and thread and sew it on the garment, bag or other fabric accessories. Another method can be to use the hot glue gun though it will be a little quicker when it comes to attaching the items.
Conclusion
It is rather delightful to create your own chenille patches, and whenever you have a moment or even just a thought – go for it! It may be for personal, I am a Graphic Designer, or for brand identity application patch making is an easy process that can be adjusted to one’s requirements. You and I know that as you take some time to practice and use just a few basic materials, you can make those patches also give texture to your craft on the fabric of your choice. Well, now that you know what chenille patches are and how they are made you can get your sewing materials and start making them for yourself.