Tips for using our wool patches

 

Prepare your item for your patch by stitching closed any holes in your item. Small to medium holes/runs can be repaired with a “whip stitch” which pulls the fabric edges back together - larger holes may require a scrap piece of wool (our Pixel Patches work well for this, too) to help reinforce and fill in the hole. Alternatively, you can use darning techniques to fill in a larger hole (remember, this repair does NOT need to look nice). 

 

Our patches feature an iron-activated (no steam, please) adhesive backing - this interfacing makes it easy to apply, position, or trim with regular scissors. If you are unsure your item can safely be ironed - you can apply gluestick glue to the back of your patch instead (the interfacing will help this go on smoothly) and press onto your repair. 

This will hold your patch temporarily in place for you as you stitch around the edges to secure to your item. By hand, or machine, apply an appropriate stitch around the edge - a good beginner stitch is a ‘blanket’ stitch. A narrow straight stitch, zig-zag, or other edging stitch on your machine will also work - STAY CLOSE TO THE EDGE OF YOUR PATCH. When repairing by hand, make sure your stitches are not too far apart. 

 

FAQ's

Should I use my sewing machine or stitch by hand? Both are great options! There is really no "best" method - sewing machines can offer a quicker repair but may not fit in tight spots like arms or knees easily.  Straight and blanket stitches are the easiest to “unpick” should you (or your kid) decide a favorite patch MUST be moved to a bigger garment. This also works well if you are customizing hand-me-downs and need to change out designs. 

How should I wash items that are patched? For best results wash items repaired with our patches by hand, in lukewarm water, using wool safe detergent. Local water type will influence which detergents work best for you - generally whatever you like for washing your other hand dyed items will be what you want to use. Always avoid detergents with enzymes. 

What kind of thread should I use? We recommend polyester thread if your item will be cared for with lanolin. While wool thread would be the perfect match it is harder to find. Cotton thread can sometimes collect lanolin overtime in our experience. Polyester is strong and easily found in most craft stores - you can even bring your patch to get the match you want!