https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/old-tee-into-rocking-jacket-patch • Posted by Whimsy and Noir (Ghoulie Gaby)
I have a lot of old band (and other) tees lying around that either don't fit anymore, or that I don't like to wear anymore, etc. I thought of turning some of them into pillows, but then I also had the idea of making the graphic/artwork into an awesome punk rock back patch for a jacket. Check it out! Note: this tutorial will also appear on my blog, Whimsy and Noir. Feel free to check it out: link is in my profile.
I have a lot of old band (and other) tees lying around that either don't fit anymore, or that I don't like to wear anymore, etc. I thought of turning some of them into pillows, but then I also had the idea of making the graphic/artwork into an awesome punk rock back patch for a jacket. Check it out! Note: this tutorial will also appear on my blog, Whimsy and Noir. Feel free to check it out: link is in my profile.
Gather your materials**! Decide which of your old tees you will lovingly cut apart. **For the extra piece of sturdy fabric, I recommend canvas or duck cloth, or even a piece of denim or twill. (And the reason I include this is because it will make for a much nicer patch with some structure to it. You can certainly cut out the the tshirt artwork and attach it to something and call it a day, but if you want a better looking patch that will LAST, keep reading!) **"What the heck is 'stitch witchery'?!" It's a type of fusible material that is usually stocked along with the fusible interfacing at the fabric store. (Ask the salespeople for it!). If you've ever worked with interfacing before, then this is just like it, only that the fusible part is on BOTH sides, so that you can stick two pieces of fabric together.. sort of like gluing! It's kind of fun, actually!
Lay your tshirt out onto the back of your jacket to get an idea of how you will cut it. (Use the ruler to measure out the dimensions of both the jacket and the artwork). Ideally, you want a graphic that will fit nicely on the back side of your jacket, but you can certainly use a smaller graphic to make a smaller patch to wear on the front, or the sleeve. Keep in mind that you can adjust these steps to your liking, and the possibilities are endless ;)
Mark out the measurements onto the tee. Use the ruler to get straight lines.
Cut along the markings and see how it would look on your jacket, (or wherever you plan on attaching this). Make any necessary adjustments until you're happy.
Take the tshirt square and lay it onto both your sturdy fabric piece, and the stitch witchery. Cut out squares from both those items that are identical in size/shape to your tshirt cutout.
I didn't take a photo of this, but adhere your tshirt cutout onto your sturdy fabric by 'sandwiching' the stitch witchery in between. Use pins, and follow the ironing directions on the packaging of the witchery. (Basically you lay the shiny side down on the back of your tshirt square, iron really well, peel off the paper backing, and iron it onto the fabric square!) When done, you should now have a sturdier tshirt square!
If you don't mind frayed edges, you can leave your square the way it is and just attach it to your jacket and you're done! (Frayed edges are so punk rock!) BUT, personally, I like neat edges, so that's what the bias tape is for. Basic sewing skills are required for attaching it to your edges... Use whatever color and width you want, and whatever type of stitch you like if you're doing this by hand. (I used red thread and a time consuming cross-stitch.. I was bored). You can also sew it by machine if you want to be done quick.. just be sure to pin!
When you're done, it should look something like this! From here on out, you can either choose to sew it onto your jacket for a 'forever patch', or you can simply attach it with a few safety pins for a more temporary thing.. And this way you're free to remove it and attach it to something else, as you please! Hope you enjoyed this! Rock out your clothing and show me if you do!