Yardstick
Well-Known Member
I'm interested in researching the techniques used in various theatres / countries to construct patches. Italy is typically associated with carved / incised leather painted patches but embroidery on silk fabric was also common. One thing that puzzled me was how these embroidered patches seemed to have such crisply defined edges. It was only after studying lots of examples that I was able to work out that they were constructed using card templates over which the thread was sewn. So here is my attempt at replicating the feel of these Italian embroidered patches. I thought it might be interesting to set this out as a 'build log', since the construction is very different from most embroidered WWII patches.
First the original patch - 772nd BS, 463th BG.
I started with a nice thick real silk base, cut the card template and chose the thread. Then the stitching begins - you can see the embossed effect that the card creates.
Filling in the colour - when you need to sew through the card it's tricky to be accurate with stitch placement.
Finishing the infill and adding the detailing.
Finally the finished patch. Originals were finished quite crudely. Cut silk wants to fray like crazy, so the edges on these patches were folded under and what appears to be paste applied liberally to the back to stabilise the cut edge and stitching.
First the original patch - 772nd BS, 463th BG.
I started with a nice thick real silk base, cut the card template and chose the thread. Then the stitching begins - you can see the embossed effect that the card creates.
Filling in the colour - when you need to sew through the card it's tricky to be accurate with stitch placement.
Finishing the infill and adding the detailing.
Finally the finished patch. Originals were finished quite crudely. Cut silk wants to fray like crazy, so the edges on these patches were folded under and what appears to be paste applied liberally to the back to stabilise the cut edge and stitching.
I have a lot of respect for the hand made / home made works , makes it unique and YOURS . BRAVO ! Thank you for the detailes pics and description , it's inspiring.
