Rhinestone patches add flash and pizazz. They're also fun wear for clothing, bags and other accessories. Rhinestones can be used singly, adding a point of sparkle, or in bulk, completely glamorizing a patch. In making your own rhinestone patch, you can start with a simple, stitched patch or you can make one from scratch.
Adding Rhinestones to a Patch
The easiest way to make your own rhinestone patch is to start with a plain, stitched patch. Then you'll simply add on rhinestones as it suits you. Perhaps you'll place rhinestones in random places, adding a sparkly touch. Or, if the patch has words, you might completely line the letters of the words, making each one rhinestone-studded. If the patch is of an image, for example a crown, you might add rhinestones to the peaks of the crown and/or along the crown's band.
To add on rhinestones, you have multiple options. Some rhinestones are set into place with prongs. If using this type of rhinestone, you'll have either a special tool (such as a Bedazzler) to set the rhinestones in place, or you can often do the job with needle-nose pliers. Some rhinestones come with adhesive on the back. For these, you'll simply heat the rhinestone, usually with an iron or special applicator tool, sticking it in place. Rhinestones can also be glued on with craft glue. Be sure to select one that bonds both cloth and metal.
Making a Rhinestone Patch
To make a rhinestone patch from scratch requires more work. First, you'll have to make a basic patch. The simplest way to make a patch is with sturdy fabric and heavy interfacing. If you want it machine-embroidered, you'll have to have an embroidery machine. But you can make a patch without that.
Cut out the fabric in the shape of the patch. Cut out two shapes, larger than the desired finished size. Make them larger by a seam allowance. Place the fabric right sides together and sew around the two pieces, leaving open a small section for turning the patch inside out. Once you've turned the patch, cut the same size and shape (to fit inside) out of heavy interfacing or even buckram. Stuff the interfacing/buckram inside the patch. Turn under the opening edges and hand-sew them closed. If you like, you can machine top-stitch around the edge of the patch to help flatten it.
This is your basic patch. You can hand-embroidery any design you wish. Or you can use only rhinestones to make the final patch decorations. You might simply cover the shape with rhinestones, making a rhinestone-covered heart or flower. You might spell out "Princess" or your name in rhinestones.
Attach the rhinestones as you would with decorating a finished patch. Either use a tool and set them into place with prongs, iron on self-adhesive rhinestones, or use craft glue.
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