BikerBill Report post Posted October 4, 2015 Hi all, I just joined the forum after finding it doing a search for a question. So I thought I'd post my question here since many here seem to have lots of experience with biker patches. I sell leather jackets, vest and biker clothing and patches. I had a new idea about putting large back biker patches onto the back of denim sleeveless biker shirts. The patches I have do have that iron on backing. However most don't seem to think they will stick well. I have a heat press I use to put biker transfer designs onto shirts. I did a test and used it to heat press a large patch onto a sleeveless shirt. It seems to be sticking very well but I still have to wash it several times to test it. Anyways I want to sell only quality items and I'm afraid that iron on backing will just not last after 20 or so washes. I've never used a sewing machine before but I think sewing them on is the only sure way to keep them on and have happy customers! Does anyone know of a different type of heat glue that would stick the patches on permanently using a heat press on denim or twill? If not could someone please recommend the best starter type of sewing machine I could buy for a project like this? I may start sewing them onto leather also if it works out well. I would only put the patches on after a sale. Thanks in advance for any and all help you can give. I look forward to being a regular forum poster here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cdthayer Report post Posted October 5, 2015 About any old rugged straight stitch household sewing machine should work for your application for embroidered patches ironed onto denim or twill. A good machine would be Singer Model 15 or similar flatbed using Tex40 or smaller cotton-covered polyester thread in a size 14 or 16 universal point needle. If your testing indicates that the ironed adhesive holds fairly well during multiple washings, the stitch will basically serve to keep the edges from coming loose and the small thread should work fine for that.If you want the look or strength of larger thread like Tex70 or Tex90, you might want to use an industrial machine. A Singer 31-15 with a size 18 universal needle would be an example. I would use cotton-covered polyester or polyester thread.I like and use old Singer Iron machines, but other brands will work as well.CD in Oklahoma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BikerBill Report post Posted October 5, 2015 Thank you for your help cdthayer. Nice to know what type of needle and thread I should use since I'm clueless. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
