Dive into Topps Patch Relic Cards & More on National Sewing Machine Day

The History of Sewing on Cardboard and Chrome

The invention of the sewing machine dates back to the 1700s, but it was an American, Elias Howe, who came up with the lockstitch model in the mid-19th century (which, technical terms aside, is “the one we know today”), patenting his invention in 1846. And with National Sewing Machine Day on June 13, we wanted to take a look at all things thread-related in the card world. 

I know what you’re wondering — has a sewing machine ever shown up on a card? Maybe with a fake dad-jokey speech bubble and related fake news story on the back? Why yes, yes it has. 1975’s “Hysterical History” set commemorated the invention of the sewing machine in its own style, with card #21. 

Unsurprisingly, there aren’t a lot of cards simply showing sewing machines, but there are plenty where they’re implied. And there’s even one that caps off a story that technically spans three decades.

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National Sewing Machine Day Cards

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The Garbage Pail Kids have had several thread-related cards, most notably “Unstitched Mitch” (and his B-side, “Damaged Don”) from the first series:

Just over 20 years later, in 2007, the powers that be were kind enough to remedy poor Mitch’s situation by adding “Stitched Mitch” to the mix, complete with… a sewing machine! And a new head of hair!)

From GPKs to RDPAs

There’s a lot of attention being paid to sewn-on patches in the card world — specifically the Rookie Debut Patch Auto that was introduced in 2023.

These were followed by similar card lines, like the Rookie Premiere Patch Autos in on the football side, and WWE Debut Patches at WrestleMania.

Let’s not discount another GPK entry into National Sewing Machine Day — the twisted Boy/Girl Scout patches from the 2024 “Kids at Play” set. 

If you want to dive into the more obscure patch-related categories, we have something for you, as well. In 2015, Topps made a series of nickname patches for seven legendary teams, included in a box of throwback goodies like pennants, t-shirts, and buttons. yes, you could iron them on, but isn’t sewing them with a machine more effective? And romantic?

(Pop quiz: Can you match the players to the patch nicknames? The answer is at the end of the article, courtesy of relics guru and RIPPED contributor Eric Jackson)

Speaking of romantic, you may be wondering why we’re including Vito Valentinetti in this story. 

Anyone who’s traveled to New York City (or Hoboken) on Route 495 has been stuck in traffic just before the Weehawken and Union City exits. And if you look up at just the right time, you’ll see a big sign welcoming you to North New Jersey, the “Embroidery Capital of the World Since 1872.”

Vito Valentinetti was born right around that sign, in West New York, NJ, and played five seasons in MLB from 1954 to 1959 (missing two seasons to fight in the Korean War). 

Finally, we’d be remiss if we left National Sewing Machine Day without highlighting one of the best seamstresses out there, the Fairy Godmother from Cinderella (who is not, as far as we know, a North Jersey native). Still, just a wave of the wand, a catchy song, and a beautiful dress is created (for a few hours, at least).

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• Pirates Patch Answers:
  • Frying Dutchman — Bert Blyleven
  • Pops — Willie Stargell
  • Candyman — John Robert Candelaria
  • Teke — Kent Tekulve
  • Cobra — Dave Parker
  • Antelope — Omar Moreno

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National Sewing Machine Day FAQs

• What day is National Sewing Machine Day?
  • June 13.
• What sets feature sewing machine trading cards?
  • The 1975 Topps Hysterical History set features a card poking fun at the creation of the first sewing machine.
• When did Topps begin producing Rookie Debut Patch Autograph cards (RDPAs)?
  • The RDPA cards first appeared in 2023 Topps Chrome Updates Series Baseball.
• Why are patch relic cards so popular among collectors?
  • Patch relics generally are pulled from game-used clothing or gear, making them extremely rare, one-of-one collector items.

Key Facts

• Event: National Sewing Machine Day
• Date: June 13
• Focus: Patch relic cards, vintage non-sports cards
• Featured Sets: Garbage Pail Kids, Topps Update Series Baseball, Hysterical History, Disney Mint

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