How to Sew a Creep Mouth Patch on a Jacket

Quick Answer

Sew a Creep Mouth patch on a jacket in under 30 minutes with a needle, thread, and a few simple stitches. The key is to secure the patch flat and use a whipstitch around the edge for durability.

Step-by-Step Sewing Guide

1. Position the Patch: Place the Creep Mouth patch exactly where you want it on the jacket. Use pins to hold it in place, checking the alignment from a few feet away. Common mistake: placing the patch too close to seams or zippers, which makes sewing difficult. Pin from the inside of the jacket so the pins don't distort the patch fabric.
2. Heat-Set the Backing (Optional): If your jacket fabric can tolerate medium heat, press the patch with an iron for 15-20 seconds. This melts the iron-on backing slightly, keeping the patch still while you sew. Common mistake: using too high heat, which can scorch the patch embroidery. Place a thin cloth between the iron and the patch to protect the embroidery.
3. Thread the Needle and Knot: Use a hand-sewing needle and thread that matches the patch's edge color (black or dark gray works for the Creep Mouth design). Double the thread and tie a knot at the end. Common mistake: using thread that is too thick, which can pull at the patch fabric. A single strand of embroidery floss is strong enough and less likely to tangle.
4. Start Stitching from the Inside: Push the needle from the inside of the jacket up through the fabric, catching the very edge of the patch. This hides the knot between the jacket lining and the patch. Common mistake: starting on the outside, leaving a visible knot. Make your first stitch about 1/8 inch from the patch edge.
5. Use a Whipstitch Around the Edge: Sew small, even whipstitches (about 1/8 inch apart) all the way around the patch. Keep the stitches perpendicular to the patch edge for a clean look. Common mistake: stitching too far from the edge, causing the patch to pucker. Check the tension after every few stitches—the patch should lie flat, not bunch up.
6. Finish with a Secure Knot: After completing the circle, push the needle to the inside of the jacket. Make a small backstitch, then loop the thread through it twice and pull tight. Clip the excess thread. Common mistake: not knotting securely, leading to loose stitches. Rub the knot flat with your fingernail so it doesn't create a bump under the jacket lining.

What You Need

• CREEP MOUTH patch: One CREEP MOUTH embroidered patch with iron-on backing, size 2" x 2". The small size makes it easy to position on a sleeve or chest panel, and the backing gives you the option to heat-set it first for extra stability while you sew.