Here are some techniques for hand- made custom sew on patches.

• It's crucial to plan.  Examine the rip or hole, then tidy up the area by cutting off any frayed edges.
  
  
• If you want to fix anything with a shape, cut off the shape. An unattractive hole can be transformed into a stylish statement by adding a heart or square, for instance.
  
  
• Pick the fabric for your patch.  You might like to blend in and use the same fabric to hide the patch, or you might prefer a contrast for effect. 
  
  
• On areas like knees and elbows, lightweight fabrics can require some backing or a second layer of the fabric to form a more substantial patch. 
  
  
• Decorative embroidery stitches look excellent on hand-sewed patches.