Patch It Up! Make Your Own Upcycled Sewing Machine Patches

Learn to make custom machine-stitched patches using fabric scraps & decorative stitches for visible mending. Take home 2–3 patches!
About this Event

About This Event

Give your favorite worn-out clothes a stylish second life! In this practical, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to transform simple fabric scraps into durable, custom-made embroidered patches using a standard sewing machine.

Whether you want to cover a tear in your favorite jeans, reinforce a worn elbow, or just add bold flair to a jacket, visible mending is a fun, sustainable skill to master. We’ll cover every step of the process—from stabilizing and motif creation to machine edging and garment application.

No prior machine embroidery experience is needed! Basic familiarity with operating a sewing machine is helpful, but all steps will be demonstrated in detail.

What You’ll Learn

• Fabric Prep & Stabilization: How to pair backing materials and tear-away stabilizer to prevent fabric puckering.
• Machine Decorative Stitching: How to use built-in utility stitches, blanket stitches, and satin borders to create designs.
• Border Finishing: The exact machine settings (stitch length and width) to seal edges cleanly for a long-lasting patch.
• Garment Application: Techniques for topstitching your patch onto damaged clothing or gear.

What’s Included

• All Materials Provided: Canvas/denim bases, fabric scraps, fusible web, stabilizer, and machine threads.
• Tools & Machines: Access to sewing machines, needles, irons, and cutting tools (you are also welcome to bring your own machine).
• Printed Handout: A reference cheat sheet with machine settings and steps to take home.
• Take-Home Items: 2 to 3 finished custom patches ready to use!

Event Agenda

• 0:00 – 0:15 | Welcome & Machine PrepOverview of visible mending, setting up needles, threads, and stabilizer.
• 0:15 – 0:45 | Fusible Web & Patch DesignTracing designs, ironing scraps to denim/canvas bases, and locking down raw edges.
• 0:45 – 1:45 | Decorative Machine Stitching & BordersAdding internal embroidery details and stitching clean, dense satin borders.
• 1:45 – 2:00 | Trimming & SealingTearing away stabilizer, precise trimming, and applying edge sealer.
• 2:00 – 2:30 | Garment Application & Wrap-UpDemonstration of patch attachment methods and open Q&A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own sewing machine?

Machines are provided at the venue! However, if you'd like to learn on your personal domestic sewing machine, you are welcome to bring it along with its power cord and foot pedal.

What should I bring?

All core materials are provided. You are welcome to bring an item of clothing in need of repair and any special fabric scraps you’d like to incorporate.

Is this suitable for total beginners?

If you know how to thread a sewing machine and sew a straight line, you’re ready for this class! We will guide you step-by-step through the rest.

How to find the Workshop

We are located at 39 High Bridge, Newcastle City Centre (NE1 1EW).

• Walking: We’re just a few minutes' walk from Grey Street or a 5-minute walk from Monument Metro.
• Parking: The nearest parking is at Dean Street Car Park (a 3-minute walk) or Manors Car Park.
• Entry: When you arrive, head into the alleyway where you will see a white door. The buzzer is currently being shy, so please send a quick text to 07453 480080 when you're outside, and I’ll come down to let you in!