So you've got your new leathers and you want to give 'em a custom look?  dbGear can provide help selecting and applying your patches. 

SELECTING YOUR PATCHES

Many designs are available and most can be found in a variety of sizes.  Ask suppliers if they have other sizes if you need a small one for a sleeve or a large one for the back. Often people put a large back patch in the middle of the back of a jacket or vest.  The quality of a patch can be judged by the tightness of the threads in the embroidery and the back should be heat sealed (looks like a thin sheet of plastic almost) for easy application and durability.

APPLICATION

When putting patches on leather, always sew it on. ALWAYS SEW IT ON, regardless of any iron-on instructions which may come with it. In fact, patches should always be sewn on when applying to nylon, leather, or synthetic fabrics. Why? Your leathers get hot/cold/wet and the iron-on backing will not adhere to the leather well enough to withstand the elements. You don't want to be the chump with patch hanging loose on your back.

When it should be sewn on and your machine won't do it?  Try your local alterations shop and sometimes even your dry cleaner can do it for you.  Rates vary, generally from $5 to $12, depending on the size and detailing of the patch.  Ask how they plan to do it.  If on the chest, are your inside pockets going to be sewn shut? Be sure you remove your zip out liner first (if your jacket has one). know most of this seems obvious, but I know a guy who ended up having all of his pockets sewn shut on his vest. Wasn't too happy about it; so ask how the sewing will be done.

To apply a heat sealed patch (iron-on) to fabric, heat iron to "cotton" setting. Put the patch in place, thread side up, plastic-like side down on the fabric. Press the warm iron all over the patch for 20 seconds or so. Be sure to get the edges. Then turn the garment inside out and iron the patch location for another 20 seconds. BUT AGAIN, DO NOT IRON-ON to LEATHER EVER.

CARE

If you find a retailer, like us at dbGear, who sells only quality embroidered patches, your patches can last for years. Decades even.  Use a rag with water to spot clean any patches you have on your leathers. Add a little bit of soap if needed and gently rub the patch and then wipe clean with a wet rag. If there's no way you can get a dirty patch clean but still want it on your leathers, consider a permanant marker. Change the color of the affected area so the spot/dirt isn't as apparant. If you put your patch on fabric which can be washed in the machine, be sure to use only cold water and dry it flat.  Drying it on a line could cause the patch colors to run down and any dryer heat will likely cause unusual shrinkage. 

FOR HUNDREDS OF PATCH DESIGNS & SIZES

Please check out our great selection, some of which are available right here on eBay where dbGear has been selling accessories for years - USER ID:  Discount-Biker-Gear