Comprehensive Guide To Iron-On Patche
Iron-on patches can be made of a variety of different materials. You might remember asking your parents to iron on a badge for your Boy Scouts uniform or a Girl Scouts sash. Excellent Custom Patches manufactures iron-on patches made of embroidery, printed patches, and woven materials.
You can apply iron-on patches to your cap, jacket, jeans, and shoes. Most of these items of clothing are made of cotton, polyester, or a blend of both. Do not try to apply iron-on patches on heat-sensitive materials.
Here you can find out the answer to, what is an iron-on patch. We provide detailed instructions on how to iron on a patch on fabric. It is always better to know exactly what temperature to set your iron and how long to hold the iron down to achieve the best results.
What Is An Iron-On Patch?
Iron-on patches contain heat-activated glue on their back. The back of an iron-on patch will feel smooth because it has a thin plastic coating of heat-activated adhesive. The glue in an iron-on patch melts and sticks to the fabric when exposed to the right amount of heat with a dry iron.
Considerations Before Applying An Iron-On Patch
First make sure that the fabric, where you plan to apply the iron-on patch, can handle the heat. Do not apply an iron-on patch onto heat-sensitive materials like nylon, satin, or silk. You will end up burning the heat-sensitive fabric where the patch must be placed.
Read the clothing label and find out if it says “dry clean only”. Other clothing labels might have a picture of an iron marked with an X. Do not apply iron-on patches to these materials because it will burn the fabric.
Always use a dry iron instead of a steam iron. Preferably use an iron that indicates the exact temperature. Make sure the fabric is clean and pre-press it.
How To Apply An Iron-On Patch?
- Preheat your heat press or home iron to a setting between 175℃ to 185℃ or 350℉ to 365℉.
- Position the patch by using measuring tape and tailor’s chalk. Measure equal distances from the seam to perfectly align and position the patch. Mark the position of the patch with the tailor’s chalk. This way you will not end up with a crooked patch in the wrong place.
- Prepress the fabric where you will apply the iron-on patch. This will help smooth out the wrinkles on your garment and preheat it.
- Place a pressing cloth inside the pocket if you are applying the iron-on patch on the front of a pocket. This way the iron-on patch will not inadvertently seal the pocket shut.
- Secure the iron-on patch in the marked spot tightly in place with the help of binder clips or sewing pins. Carefully remove them one by one before ironing over that section of the patch.
- Put a pressing cloth over the iron-on patch and the surrounding area. You can substitute a cotton pillowcase instead of a pressing cloth.
- Press the preheated dry iron or heat press on the pressing cloth on top of the iron-on patch for 20 to 30 seconds. Do not swing the iron side to side. Just hold it down in one place for the given time.
- Turn the garment inside out. Place the pressing cloth on the fabric behind the section of the iron-on patch. Neatly press it for another 30 seconds.
Do Iron-On Patches Permanently Stay In Place?
Iron-on patches contain concentrated glue that secures the patch in place almost permanently. Each time the garment is ironed the adhesive becomes stronger. But the real answer to the question depends on how you plan to use the iron-on patch.
Applying an iron-on patch to a shirt that you use occasionally is one of the best ways to ensure the iron-on patch stays in place for a long time. Applying an iron-on patch to a jacket and regularly exposing it to the rain can slowly wear off the glue. The glue can slowly wear off of an iron-on patch placed on the buckle of a backpack due to friction if it gets pulled with a heavy load daily.
After you apply the iron-on patch, and it is perfectly in place, consider sewing it on. This way, your favorite iron-on patch will not come off even with rough use.
When Is Iron-On Backing Not Practical?
Iron-on patches require heat to activate the glue that attaches them to the clothing apparel. Some fabrics get damaged when exposed to the heat required to affix an iron-on patch. The iron-on patch might stick to the attire, but the garment may no longer be suitable to wear because of scorching or burns.
Do not attempt to iron on a patch on the following materials because they can get damaged due to the excessive dry heat.
- Acetate
- Acrylic
- Brocade
- Cashmere
- Chiffon
- Corduroy
- Lace
- Leather
- Linen (flax)
- Nylon
- 100% Polyester
- PVC
- Rayon
- Rubber
- Satin
- Silk
- Spandex
- Taffeta
- Velvet
- Waxed canvas
These materials tend to burn when exposed to extremely high temperatures of a dry iron. Iron-on patches can not be made from any of these materials for the same reason.
Excellent Custom Patches Standard Services
Free Patch Digitization
We create digital artwork based on the images and instructions you provide. You have the facility to make unlimited edits to the digital artwork before approving the final version to get a customized quote.
Free Design & Artwork
We transform the pictures you provide into a data file by logo digitization for free. Some patch manufacturers charge a hefty amount based on the complexity and size of the custom patch, but we don’t.
Rush Turnaround Options
We provide multiple rush turnaround options available at an extra cost. Let us know at the time you approve the final patch version if you want your order completed sooner.
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Receive a notification email of your delivery date as production begins. Don’t pay any extra fees to receive your order. We provide free shipping for all standard orders.