How to Sew On a Badge or Patch That Lasts

Sew on or iron on? How to choose

Iron-on badges with adhesive backing are quick and hold reasonably on sturdy, smooth fabrics like cotton and denim. But the glue gives way over time in the wash, and on technical or waterproof fabric it bonds poorly – plus the heat can damage the fabric. Stitching takes a little longer but keeps the badge in place through hundreds of washes and works on everything from thin cotton to softshell. A good rule of thumb: if the garment will be washed a lot, used hard, or is made of technical fabric, you sew it. For kids' clothes facing countless washes, you can combine both – glue to hold the badge in place while you stitch, stitching for the durability.

Position the badge before you stitch

The most important step happens before the first stitch: placement. Pin the badge in place or baste it (tack it down with long loose stitches) where you want it, then try the garment on or measure the distance to a shoulder seam, chest pocket or edge, so it sits straight and symmetrical. On uniforms, scout outfits and team kit there are often fixed positions for each badge – check the organisation's own placement guide before you sew, so you don't have to unpick it. On kids' clothes, place name tags somewhere easy to find but that won't chafe.

How to sew on a badge or appliqué

With a needle, thread and a little patience you can attach the badge so it stays put all the way around. Work on a flat surface and keep the stitches even.

1. Lay the garment flat and pin or baste the badge where you want it. Try the garment on or measure the distance so it sits straight.
2. If the fabric is thin or stretchy, add an interfacing or stabiliser behind it so the fabric does not pucker around the badge.
3. Thread the needle with thread matching the edge of the badge, or use clear thread for a more invisible result. Anchor it on the back.
4. Stitch all the way around the edge with dense, even stitches – a whip stitch over the edge is simple and durable, while a backstitch just inside the edge gives a neater, more hidden result.
5. Keep the stitches short and extra dense at the corners, which are most likely to catch and lift first.
6. Fasten the thread on the back with a couple of knots, trim, and remove the basting.

Tips for kids' clothes, uniforms and technical fabric

Different garments call for slightly different handling:

• Kids' clothes washed often: combine iron-on and stitching – the glue holds the badge in place, the stitching keeps it through wash after wash.
• Technical or waterproof fabric (shell jacket, rainwear, softshell): do not iron on – the heat can damage the membrane and the glue bonds poorly. Hand-sew instead.
• Thin or stretchy fabric: add interfacing behind the badge, or the fabric puckers and the badge bulges.
• Uniforms, scouts and teams: follow the organisation's official placement guide before you sew – badges often have fixed positions that shouldn't be guessed.
• Large appliqués: baste or glue the whole area first, so the middle doesn't bubble when you stitch the edge.

Send it to us

If the badge needs to go on technical fabric, a uniform or a garment you are afraid of ruining, you have many badges and name tags to attach across several garments, or you simply want to be sure they sit straight and survive washing? Then you can send the garment to us. We take on attaching badges, appliqués and name tags as part of our sewing and repair work, according to the garment and its fabric. You order online anywhere in Norway, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions