Where To Sew Karate Patches? – Mastering The Art Sewing Karate Patch

Any student learning the art of karate knows very well what the value of karate patches on your uniform is.  As it serves various purposes: such as representing one’s school, rank, or achievements, proudly displaying patches on karate uniforms is now part of tradition. 

Also, placement of these patches is not arbitrary; it follows specific guidelines and traditions.  In this piece, we’ll delve into the world of karate patches, and learn how to sew them in a  comprehensive guide. 

Sounds Interesting? Good! Let’s begin… 

1.The Significance of Karate Patches

Let’s start with covering the basics and also  understand the intricacies of each patch placement. 

First of all, let’s begin with the significance of karate patches within the martial art community.  Patches on a karate uniform serve several important purposes. 

Here are the top once:-

1.1 School Affiliation

First of all comes the school affiliation. Patches often display the name, emblem, or logo of a karate school or organization you belong to as a follow practitioner. 

It helps identify the school as a brand for the unassociated people and creates a sense of unity and proudness among its members.

1.2 Rank and Achievement

Second, different patches may represent a practitioner’s rank within the school too. The level of difference it shows in the colored belt. For example for the black belt or the brown belt.

Also, the Higher-ranked practitioners also carry additional patches to indicate their achievements on top the rank. 

Such as instructor status or competition accomplishments.

1.3 Tradition and Identity

Third is the traditional and identity of the art. Particularly, if it’s about following old school art. Patches help create a strong sense of tradition and identity for a particularly fighting art within the martial arts community. 

Often signifies lineage and the style of karate being practiced. Now, let’s explore where to sew them on your gi.

2. Patch Placement on the Karate Gi

The placement of these patches on a karate gi is not arbitrary but follows specific guidelines; however, these guidelines may vary depending on the style of karate or the history of the school’s traditions.

So, it’s essential to ensure you are following specific guidelines for precise placement provided by your school head instructors.  However, here’s a general overview of where patches are typically sewn on a karate uniform:

2.1 Left Chest

First and foremost the left chest area right above the heart. 

It is a most common location for a patch representing the karate school or organization to which you belong. 

2.2 Right Chest

Then the right chest. 

In some cases, a practitioner may choose to display an additional patch on the right chest area instead of the typical heart area. This is often done to to represent an instructor’s status or a specific school bran

2.3 Left Arm

Though less common, the left arm is a common location for patches denoting a practitioner’s belt level. 

Colored belts often have corresponding patches with the belt’s color. While black belts may display a black patch with the degree rank embroidered on it. Also the same goes for the back. Some schools allow patches to be sewn on the back, just below the collar. 

Similarly, some like to go one step beyond and further add inspirational phrases or symbols.

3. The Practicalities of Sewing Karate Patches

Alright, now let’s get to the meat of the topic.

That we have a clear understanding of where patches are typically placed on a karate, let’s discuss the practical aspects of sewing them on:

3.1 Thread and Needle 

First of all, thread and needle. 

When sewing patches onto your uniform.  Here you wanna only go with strong and durable thread such as polyester or nylon. 

You wanna make sure that the thread color should match the border or edge color of the patch. So, go with a sharp, sturdy needle that can easily penetrate fabric.

3.2 Knotting 

Second is the knotting. 

A Protip here is to knot one end of the thread to prevent it from slipping. As it can slip through the fabric while you sew.  Also, here you wanna leave an ample amount of unknotted thread hanging from the other side. 

This will help you make the processor easier. 

3.3 Pinning 

Third step is the pinning.

Before you begin sewing make sure to pin the patch in place with two or three pins at least. Only doing so will ensure it remains positioned correctly.

Make sure to double-check the patch’s alignment.

3.4 Stitching Technique 

Fourth comes the stitching technique you need to use. 

You particularly wanna use only the small, tight stitches when sewing the patch onto the gi. 

Start by inserting the needle from the inside edge of the patch and pull the thread through. Now catch a small amount (approximately 1/16 inch) of the patch’s edge with your needle and just pull the thread through. 

Here you wanna Insert the needle back into the gi just under your previous stitch on the patch’s edge. 

Just continue this process as you work your way around the outside edge of the patch.

3.5 Removing Pins 

Here on out things get simple, Once you have securely stitched the patch in place the next step is to remove all the pins.

3.6 Thimble

If your Gi or the patch is extra heavy here you wanna use a thimble to push the needle through the fabric properly and more easily.

Closing Thoughts

We all know that karate patches play a significant role in the martial arts community, particularly in traditional karate dojo.

Hopefully, by following the our guide and paying attention, attaching that rectangular patch securely on the left side, right side or shoulder seam with your sewing machine without any trouble.

You have something to add to the conversion, let us know in the comment below.