A packaged antimicrobial suture. The packaged antimicrobial suture includes an inner package having a source of antimicrobial agent, the source of antimicrobial agent comprising a plurality of patches, each patch having a pair of antimicrobial material reservoirs; at least one suture positioned within the inner package, the at least one suture comprising one or more surfaces; and an outer package having an inner surface, the outer package having the inner package positioned within; wherein the at least one suture, the inner package and the inner surface of the outer package are subjected to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the antimicrobial agent source to the at least one suture and the inner package, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the at least one suture and the inner package. A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture having is also provided.