You can use embroidered patches to make your leather vest stand out.It is easy to sew patches onto leather vests.If it's a one-time task, sewing the patch on by hand is the best option.Investing in a leather sewing machine is a good idea if you want to make a business out of sewing.
Step 1: There is a piece of rolled up tape on the back of the patch.
Roll the tape into a loop with the sticky side out.Put the tape in the back of the patch.As you sew the patch on, keep this in place.Before sewing the patch, you will have to remove it.You can use masking tape, but not double-sided tape.It will be hard to remove.You can lightly mist the back of the patch.
Step 2: The patch should be placed on the vest where you want it to go.
The patch can be put on the front or back.You may have to wait a few seconds for the glue to get tacky if you are using spray adhesive.
Step 3: If necessary, unstitch a gap in the vest's lining.
The benefit of sewing by hand is that you can make a hole in the lining for your hand to fit through.You can use a seam ripper to remove the stitching on the lining.Make the hole large enough for your hand to fit through.If your vest doesn't have a lining or if removing the stitching will ruin it, skip this step.
Step 4: The leather needle should be Threaded with 100% nylon or polyester thread.
Pick a thread that matches the outer border of your patch.The thread should be 100% nylon or polyester.The cotton will degrade over time if you use cotton thread.Attach the thread to the needle.There is a point to the leather needles.They have a triangular or pyramidal shape.Needles and thread can be found in fabric stores.
Step 5: Push the needle through the leather.
Push the needle through the back of the leather.The patch has a needle inside it.It doesn't matter where you start sewing, it might be easier to start in a corner.It's a good idea to use a thimble.The needles are made of leather.The skin on your finger is delicate.Start sewing from the back of the patch if you weren't able to remove the lining.The knot won't be seen.It's important to keep the lining smooth.
Step 6: The patch is next to the needle.
Next to the outside edge of the patch, place the needle on the leather.Pull on the needle to tighten the stitch after pushing it back through the leather.You just completed your first whipstitch.If you bring the needle back down through the patch, you can make a running stitch.It's up to you whether you choose a whipstitch or a runningstitch.There is a whipstitch on the border, but a runningstitch inside.
Step 7: It's a good idea to whipstitch a third of the way around the patch.
Continue until you get a third of the way done.Keep your stitches small and close together.If you used spray glue, skip this step.
Step 8: Put your finger under the patch to remove the tape.
Stop when you have sewn a third of the patch onto the leather.There is a gap under the patch.Pull the tape out after hooking it around it.If you used spray adhesive, skip this step.
Step 9: Finish sewing the patch and knot the thread.
Continue to sew around the patch using the same stitch.The back of the leather has last stitches on it.Cut off the excess by knotting your thread securely.If you did not untie the lining, you need to knot the thread to the first stitch.The thread should be cut as close to the knot as possible.
Step 10: Use a ladder stitch to sew the lining shut.
Push the needle through the back of the lining and out the front, as close to the folded edge as possible.Using a ladder stitch, sew the 2 seams together.Cut the thread when you are done.If you did not remove the lining, skip this step.
Step 11: There is a sewing machine that is capable of sewing through leather.
You can use a heavy duty sewing machine if you want to work with leather.It is not strong enough to use a standard sewing machine.There are sewing machines in stores that specialize in leather working tools.You may be able to find them online.
Step 12: The machine should be set up with an 18-gauge needle.
Attach an 18-gauge needle to your sewing machine.The widest you can find is 8 inch (0.32 cm) wide.Use nylon or polyester upholstery thread to thread your sewing machine.Cotton thread will degrade over time, so don't use it.If you want the best results, use a sharp leather needle.
Step 13: You can spray the back of your patch.
Hold the can close to the back of the patch for a few seconds.Apply a light to the spray.You need just enough to keep the patch in place, so don't use too much.You can use rubber cement or a glue stick if you can't get spray glue.If you use sewing pins, they will leave permanent holes in the leather.
Step 14: The patch should be placed on the vest where you want it to go.
You can check the label on the can to see if you need to wait for the glue to get tacky first.Place the patch on the leather if you want it to go somewhere.Press down on the patch until it feels secure.You can use the seams on your leather vest as a reference point.
Step 15: The patch should be on the leather vest by the beginning of the corners.
You should sew as close to the embroidered border as possible.Slowly go around curves.Lift the foot and push the needle down when you hit a corner or angle.Before you resume sewing, push the foot back down.If your vest is lined, smooth it out first.
Step 16: You should overlap your first and last stitches by 1 to 12 inches.
Continue sewing for another 1 to 1 2 inches when you return to where you started.This will create a 1 to 1 2 in long overlap at the start and end of your sewing and prevent unraveling.It saves you from the task of backstitching, which will only create more work for you.
Step 17: Pull the vest out of the machine.
Pull the foot up if you need to remove the needle from the vest.Cut the thread as close to the lining and patch as possible by removing the vest from under the foot.