PATCH – How To

(Super Short Version)

Position patch on denim or cotton clothing.  Cover with old wash cloth or towel or other cloth fabric covering.  Use iron on hottest setting .  Do not use steam.  Press iron firmly down on patch for approximately 60-90 seconds, checking occasionally to make sure you’re not scorching or damaging your clothing (especially if you don’t use a cloth fabric covering – not recommended).  Allow to cool before moving – this is really important – so that the patch adhesive has time to set and fully adhere.  Failure to follow these or the below instructions can result in application failure.

 

(Recommended Full Version)

Preparing to Iron on a Patch

Examine the fabric of your clothing or accessory.

Fabrics like denim and cotton provide the best base for iron-on patches. As a general rule the fabric you choose should be somewhat as heavy as the patch.

  • Look at the fabric care label to see whether it can be ironed (if not, there will be a crossed-out icon of an iron). If there’s no label, try to figure out what material it’s made of.
  • Be very careful with polyester fabrics, since applying the high heat necessary for ironing on patches can burn the fabric or cause it to get discolored.
  • Silk and other delicate fabrics are not good candidates for patches.

Lay the base item on a flat, heat-resistant surface.

An ironing board is useful, but if you don’t have one, you may also lay your item across a doubled-up bath towel on a sturdy table.

  • To ensure the item will provide a good surface for the patch, iron it first. If it’s a backpack or another item that’s difficult to iron, do your best to arrange it so that the part of the fabric that will be receiving the patch is flat against a hard surface.

Place the patch in the position you chose.

The adhesive side should be flat against the base fabric. Make sure that the patch isn’t crooked.

  • On embroidered patches, the adhesive side is the underside.

Ironing on the Patch

Heat up an iron. Turn it to the hottest setting your fabric can tolerate. Make sure the “steam” option is turned off, and that your iron isn’t full of water.

Place a thin towel over the patch. Take care not to disturb the position of the patch. The towel will protect the patch itself and the surrounding fabric.

Position the heated iron over the patch and press down. Hold the iron there for about 15 seconds. Apply as much pressure as you can by pressing down firmly.

Remove the iron and allow the patch to to cool. Lift the towel and check to see whether the patch is fixed on securely by gently rubbing at the edge with a finger, trying to lift it. If it lifts up a bit, replace the towel and press it with the iron again for 10 seconds.

Caring for Your Patch

Consider sewing around the edges. For a completely secure patch, use a sewing machine or a needle and thread to tack stitch and secure the patch to the fabric. This greatly reduces the chances that the patch will fall off.

  • Choose a thread that matches the patch.

Don’t wash the article more than necessary.  Wash your garment inside out. Iron-on patches are meant to be permanent, but they do become loosened over time. Take care not to let the article get too dirty, since washing it may cause the patch to start coming off.   

  • If you do need to wash the item, hand wash it using cold water. Allow it to air dry, since the high heat of a cloths dryer can weaken the iron-on adhesive over time.

Don’t iron patches onto leather, it’ll likely burn a hole in it.  Instead, sew it on