Patches are a budget-friendly, simple, and quick way to customize your clothes and accessories. Custom patches allow you to express yourself, whether it’s in support of a campaign, showing off your favorite band, or maybe it’s for the military. Regardless, there may come a time when you no longer want that patch on your garments.
So, what do you do then? Discard the whole item? Definitely not. Read on to learn how to remove your sewn-on patches while keeping the rest of the garment intact. It’s much more simple than you think. Let’s get into it below!
Tools Required
- Scissors
- Seam ripper
- Clothing iron
- Tweezers
Essential Steps for Removing a Sewn-On Patch
- Fold the item’s fabric away from the patch so you can see as many stitches as possible.
- Use the seam ripper to dig into and underneath the stitches, and use the curved blade to cut them.
- Be careful not to catch the fabric as you cut the stitches.
- Aim to cut each stitch separately to avoid ripping the fabric. This will also help to avoid ripping holes in the garment.
- Use tweezers to pull away loose bits of thread, and use scissors to cut away any that you cannot pick out.
- Finish by gently washing the item – this should remove any trace of the small holes left from the stitches and also get rid of any remaining threads.
- Take your time doing this; it requires a steady hand and patience to preserve the item you’re removing the patch(es) from.
Tips for Removing Ironed-On Patches
- Use an ironing board – or find a hard surface and place a towel down.
- Do a test run of how the heat will affect fabric by following these instructions on a scrap piece of fabric before you attempt to do so with your patch. This will ensure you preserve the patch and the item it’s on.
- Place a piece of wax paper or thin cloth over the patch.
- Hold the hot iron on the wax paper for around 15 seconds.
- Do not hold for more than 15 seconds, as you run the risk of scorching the material.
- Using a pair of tweezers, lift the patch as much as you can to see how melted the adhesive is.
- Repeat the process of placing the iron on the patch with the wax paper in between until you can entirely remove the patch.
- Once completed, wash the item to remove the leftover adhesive.
Get started with your design today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Remove a Stitched Patch?
Yes, you can remove a stitched patch. It is a simple and relatively quick procedure requiring only a few tools. You’ll mainly use a seam ripper and some tweezers. Go along the seam between the patch and the item it’s on, and one by one, remove the stitches.
What Is the Easiest Way To Remove a Sewn-On Patch?
The easiest way to remove a sewn-on patch is to remove the stitches holding the patch to the fabric using a seam ripper. You should do this carefully and remove each stitch individually to avoid ripping the item the patch is attached to. Once you’ve done that, you can use tweezers on the remaining bits of thread.
How Do You Remove an Embroidered Patch?
Removing an embroidered patch is a simple process that requires no special or expensive tools. Simply take a seam ripper, a pair of tweezers, and keep a pair of scissors to hand as well, just in case. Stitch by stitch, go around the seam holding the patch to the fabric, and remove them.
Final Thoughts
Patches are a great way to customize your clothing and accessories, but we know that just because you or a loved one enjoy a particular band one year doesn’t mean you’ll be so passionate about them the next. Does that mean you’ll need to get rid of those jeans you sewed the custom patch onto? Absolutely not.
Our sewn-on patches are perfect for changing minds as they are easily removable with simple household tools. Check out The/Studio’s extensive range of custom patches today!
