Remove a sewn-on patch

A separate piece of fabric, stitched on around its edge.

REMOVE is the verdict for this kind of logo

What you’ll need

Every fabric, ink, and glue is different. Test on a hidden spot, go slow, and know that removal can damage an item.

Illustrated guide: Remove a sewn-on patch. The same steps are written out below.

Download the PDF Two pages, 393 KB. The pictures, then the written steps.

Written steps

  1. Grab a seam ripper, curved scissors, tweezers, and a lint roller.
  2. Turn the item inside out. The patch’s stitches are easier to see and reach from the back.
  3. Cut the stitches every few inches with the seam ripper. You don’t need to cut every one.
  4. Turn the item right side out and lift the patch away. Cut any stitches that still hold.
  5. Tweeze out the leftover threads, then use the lint roller to clean up.

Outline left behind? The fabric under a patch can be less faded than the rest. A wash or two often evens it out. If it doesn’t, a cover-up patch hides it.

Didn’t come off? Cover it.

Logo redacted bar patch

Logo redacted bar

Patch: 3.5 × 2.25 in.

Or let it go: swap it or pass it on.