How to Iron on a Patch
How to Iron On a Patch: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Iron-on patches are an easy way to personalise clothing, cover small marks or worn areas, or give jackets, jeans, bags and other fabric items a completely different look.
At Patches.co.uk, our embroidered patches have an iron-on backing. They are designed to be applied using heat to suitable fabrics, but they can also be sewn on if you prefer or if the fabric is not suitable for ironing.
This guide explains how to iron on a patch step by step, which fabrics work best, what to avoid, how to wash patched clothing and how to help your patch stay securely attached.
What You Need to Iron On a Patch
Before you begin, have the following ready:
- An iron-on patch
- The garment, bag or fabric item you want to customise
- A household iron
- A thin cotton cloth, clean tea towel or pillowcase
- A firm, flat, heat-resistant surface
You should also check the care label on the item before applying any heat.
Before You Iron On Your Patch
The most important thing to check is whether the garment or fabric can safely withstand ironing.
Iron-on patches generally work best on sturdy, heat-tolerant fabrics such as cotton, denim and canvas.
Take extra care with synthetic, waterproof, coated, stretchy or delicate fabrics. Some materials can melt, scorch, become shiny or otherwise become damaged when exposed to a hot iron.
Always check the manufacturer's care label before applying heat.
If the material should not be ironed, you can sew the patch on instead.
How to Iron On a Patch in 7 Steps
1. Prepare the Garment or Fabric
Make sure the area where you want to place the patch is clean, dry and reasonably flat.
Lay the garment or fabric on a firm, flat, heat-resistant surface and smooth out any wrinkles around the area where the patch will sit.
If the fabric can safely be ironed, you can briefly iron the area first to give yourself a smooth surface to work with.
2. Position the Patch
Place the patch exactly where you want it.
The embroidered design should face upwards, with the iron-on adhesive backing sitting directly against the fabric.
Check the position carefully before applying heat. Repositioning an ironed-on patch afterwards may be difficult and could leave adhesive behind.
Tip: If you are decorating clothing, look at the patch position from a normal viewing distance before attaching it. A patch can look slightly different when a garment is being worn compared with when it is lying flat.
3. Set the Iron
Check the garment's care label and choose a temperature that the fabric can safely withstand.
Turn the steam function off. Dry heat is preferable for applying an iron-on patch.
Allow the iron to reach the selected temperature before continuing.
Do not use a temperature higher than the garment can safely tolerate simply to try to make the patch stick faster.
4. Protect the Embroidered Patch
Place a thin cotton cloth, clean tea towel or pillowcase over the patch.
This provides a protective layer between the hot iron and the embroidered surface.
Check once more that the patch has not moved before applying heat.
5. Apply Heat and Firm Pressure
Place the iron over the covered patch and press down firmly and evenly.
Rather than continuously sliding the iron backwards and forwards, concentrate on applying steady heat and pressure.
If you are attaching a larger patch, carefully work across the entire patch so that heat and pressure reach the whole adhesive backing.
Application time can vary depending on the patch, fabric and iron, so take care not to overheat or damage the garment.
6. Apply Heat From the Reverse Side Where Suitable
If you can safely access the reverse side of the fabric, turn the garment over or inside out.
Place the protective cloth over the reverse side of the area behind the patch.
If the fabric's care instructions allow it, carefully apply heat from the back. This can help the adhesive backing bond with the fabric.
7. Let the Patch Cool Completely
Once you have finished applying heat, leave the patch and fabric undisturbed while they cool.
Avoid pulling at the edges while the adhesive is still warm.
Once everything has cooled, gently check around the edge of the patch to make sure it has attached securely.
What If an Iron-On Patch Isn't Sticking?
If part of the patch has not completely attached, first make sure the fabric can safely withstand additional heat.
Cover the patch again with your protective cloth and carefully apply further heat and pressure to the area that has not bonded.
Allow everything to cool before checking it again.
If an edge continues to lift, or if you simply want additional security, you can sew around the edge of the patch.
Can You Sew On an Iron-On Patch?
Yes.
Our patches have an iron-on backing, but they do not have to be attached using an iron.
- Iron the patch on
- Sew the patch on without ironing it first
- Iron the patch on and then sew around the edge for additional security
Sewing can be particularly useful on fabrics that should not be exposed to high temperatures or on items that receive a lot of wear.
What Fabrics Are Best for Iron-On Patches?
Iron-on patches generally work best on sturdy fabrics that can safely withstand ironing.
Denim
Denim is one of the most popular materials for iron-on patches and is commonly used for customised jackets and jeans.
Cotton
Cotton is often suitable, provided the garment's care instructions allow it to be ironed.
Canvas
Canvas can be a good choice for patches, particularly on suitable bags and accessories.
The important factor is not simply the name of the fabric. Garments can contain different fibre blends, coatings and finishes, so always check the individual item's care label.
What Materials Should You Avoid Ironing Patches Onto?
Be particularly careful with materials that may be sensitive to heat, including:
- Nylon
- Waterproof or coated materials
- Some polyester and synthetic fabrics
- Delicate fabrics
- Some stretchy materials
- Leather
- Technical outdoor clothing
If the manufacturer's care instructions say the item should not be ironed, do not iron a patch onto it.
Sewing the patch on may be a better option.
Can You Iron a Patch Onto a Denim Jacket?
Usually, yes, provided the particular jacket is suitable for ironing.
Denim is a popular choice for embroidered patches because it is generally sturdy. Patches can be used to customise the front, back, sleeves or pockets of a denim jacket.
Always check the jacket's care label first.
Can You Iron Patches Onto Jeans?
Yes, provided the denim and garment care instructions allow ironing.
Patches can be used decoratively or to cover small marks and worn areas.
If the patch is being applied to an area that receives a lot of movement or wear, such as a knee, sewing around the edge afterwards can provide additional security.
Can You Iron Patches Onto Bags?
It depends on the material.
Canvas and sturdy cotton bags can be good candidates for iron-on patches.
Be much more cautious with synthetic, waterproof, coated or heat-sensitive bags. If you are unsure whether the material can safely withstand an iron, sewing the patch on is the safer choice.
Can You Iron Patches Onto Hats?
Some fabric hats may be suitable, although their curved shape can make it harder to apply even heat and pressure.
You also need to consider the material and construction of the hat.
For many hats and caps, sewing the patch on may be easier.
Can an Iron-On Patch Cover a Hole?
Yes. An embroidered patch can be a useful way to disguise a small hole, mark or worn area while adding decoration at the same time.
Badly damaged fabric may need repairing before the patch is attached.
When covering a hole or worn area, sewing around the patch can provide additional support.
Can You Use Steam to Apply an Iron-On Patch?
We recommend using dry heat rather than steam when applying an iron-on patch.
Turn the steam function off before you begin.
Can You Use a Heat Press for Iron-On Patches?
A heat press may be suitable, but the correct temperature, pressure and application time depend on both the patch and the material being customised.
Make sure the fabric can safely withstand the heat and pressure involved.
For ordinary home application, a household iron is often the simplest option.
How Long Should You Iron an Iron-On Patch?
There is no single application time that is perfect for every combination of iron, patch and fabric.
Different irons produce different amounts of heat, while fabrics can react differently to temperature.
The aim is to provide sufficient heat and firm, even pressure for the adhesive to bond without overheating the garment.
Allow the patch to cool before checking the bond. If necessary, carefully apply additional heat if the fabric can safely tolerate it.
How Do You Wash Clothes With Iron-On Patches?
Make sure the patch has bonded securely before washing the garment.
Always follow the washing instructions on the garment's care label.
Washing temperature, frequency, detergent, tumble drying and general wear can all affect an iron-on adhesive over time.
Periodically check the edges of your patches. If an edge begins to lift, you may be able to carefully reapply heat where appropriate, or sew the edge down.
Are Iron-On Patches Permanent?
Iron-on adhesive is designed to provide a strong attachment when correctly applied to a suitable fabric, but an iron-on patch should not be considered completely permanent.
The strength and lifespan of the bond can depend on:
- The fabric
- How the patch was applied
- The heat and pressure used
- How frequently the garment is worn
- How the garment is washed
- General wear and tear
For additional security, particularly on an item that will be worn or washed frequently, you can sew around the edge after applying the patch.
Can You Remove an Iron-On Patch?
Sometimes, but you should assume that removal may leave adhesive residue or affect the fabric underneath.
Heat used while trying to remove a patch can also damage some materials.
For that reason, choose the position carefully before applying the patch, particularly on valuable or delicate clothing.
Iron-On or Sew-On: Which Is Better?
Neither method is always better.
Ironing is quick and convenient when the fabric is suitable.
Sewing is useful for heat-sensitive fabrics and can provide additional security.
Ironing and then sewing gives you the convenience of the adhesive backing while adding the security of stitching around the edge.
Because our patches have an iron-on backing but can also be sewn on, you can choose whichever method works best for the item you are customising.
Shop Iron-On Patches
Browse our large collection of embroidered iron-on patches in different designs, colours and sizes.
Our patches have an iron-on backing and can also be sewn on if preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iron-On Patches
Do iron-on patches need to be sewn?
No. They are designed to attach to suitable fabrics using their heat-activated backing. They can also be sewn on instead or stitched after ironing for additional security.
Can I use a normal household iron?
Yes. A household iron can be used provided you select a temperature that is safe for the garment and turn the steam function off.
What side of an iron-on patch faces the fabric?
The adhesive-backed side sits against the fabric and the embroidered design faces upwards.
Why is my iron-on patch peeling at the edges?
This can happen if there was insufficient heat or pressure, if the fabric is unsuitable for heat-applied adhesive, or through repeated washing and wear. Where suitable, carefully reapply heat or sew around the edge.
Can I sew a patch after ironing it on?
Yes. Sewing around the edge after ironing is a useful way to give the patch additional security.
Can I iron a patch onto polyester?
Some polyester fabrics may tolerate ironing while others can be damaged by heat. Always check the garment's care instructions. If there is any doubt, sew the patch on instead.
Can I iron patches onto waterproof clothing?
Take particular care with waterproof and coated fabrics because heat can damage the fabric or its coating. Check the manufacturer's instructions and sew the patch on instead where ironing is unsuitable.
More Help
For more answers about our patches, visit our Iron-On Patches FAQs.
If you need help with a particular patch or an existing order, visit our Contact Us page.
You can also browse our complete range of iron-on patches.