This is a mod I recently developed for the folks at 826 Valencia. They wanted to have a bunch of people come down and make/modify a pirate gear to be sold as a fundraiser.. Since they always seem to get stuck with a certain color of eye patches in their store, we decided to come up with a way to modify them into designer patches.

This "tie patch" project is very quick and easy. You'll need an eye patch with a sewn on outer trim, spray adhessive, scrap fabric, and a sewing machine. Although we use a certain type of eye patches that they sell at 826 Valencia, a lot of this set up could be used for the cheap eye patches they sell in toy stores. I like to use old ties for a lot of my crafts, so that's what I used for this project.

Check out DocPop.blogspot.com for more of my crafts and stories.

Step 1: Remove the Trim

Using a seam ripper, carefully remove the stitches on the trim. This will be used later, so hang on to it.

Step 2: Adhere 1st Layer of Scrap

Using the spray adhessive, spray a layer of glue on the front of the patch (try not to get much on the straps).

Then press the backside of your fabric to the sticky surface of the eye patch and press firmly, smoothing out any bumps.

It occurs to me that maybe spraying the back of the fabric instead of the eye patch might be less messy... Maybe not.

Tip: If you want to have an embroidered patch, embroider the scrap material before you apply it to the patch.

Step 3: Trim Edges

Flip the patch over and cut the excess fabric to line up with the eye patch.

Remember to cut the slit that goes towards the center of the eye patch as seen in the picture.

Step 4: Adhere 2nd Layer

If you want a patch with decorations on both sides, flip the patch over and repeat steps 2 and 3.

Step 5: Shape It

Overlap the slits to give the patch it's shape. To figure out how much to fold it, put the trim back on the outer edges. This is the best way to figure out ho much to fold it.

Then sew the overlaping edges to keep them held. Use a wide stitch to conceal the edges of the cut sections.

Tip: Keep the patch inverted (the front of the patch will be reversed) to make stitching easier and to keep the feeddogs from damaging the frontside of your patch.

Step 6: Re-apply Outer Trim

Line up the out trim, then sew it onto the eye patch, starting from one end of the trim to the other.

Feel free to get creative with your stitch here.

If step 5 was done correctly, the trim should end up just right when you are finished stitching.

Note, if a sewing machine isn't availlable, use a good glue to apply the trim.

Step 7: Invert Patch

Now your patch is fully assembled. The final step is to gently flip the patch inside out so thr front of the patch is now on the outside of the dome shape.