Q&A for How to Iron on a Patch

While you can wash items that have iron-on patches properly attached, care must be taken. Only wash in cold to lukewarm water and where possible, hand wash the item. If washing in the machine, only use the gentle cycle. Always turn the garment with the iron-on patch inside out when washing it. Try to keep washing to a minimum, to preserve the patch and if its edges fray a lot, you may need to trim them or even stitch them back down. It is also a good idea to read the iron-on patch manufacturer’s instructions regarding washing, as this may vary from brand to brand.

Patches can be added to luggage cases but whether or not it can be ironed in place depends on the material from which the luggage case is made. Fabric luggage cases should be fine for ironing on patches. However, leather baggage cases will require the patches to be sewn or glued on, as heat should not be applied to leather. For synthetic cases (rayon, nylon, etc.), heat will usually cause the material to melt, so it is not advised to iron on patches to such luggage. Always check the material on the case with its ironing suitability before deciding what to do.

You can use a hair straightener to seal an iron-on patch; it’s usually easier and faster than using a standard iron. You’ll need to warm it up first, position the iron patch where you want it, then clamp the warmed hair straightener over the patch on the fabric. Hold in place for about 30 to 60 seconds. Since the hair straightener is unlikely to be wide enough for all of the patch, you’ll need to move it around until all is sealed onto the fabric, each time holding the hair straightener in position for 30 to 60 seconds. If you’re concerned about the patch glue getting onto the hair straightener, fold foil around the straightener sides before heating, and remove when cooled down after use.

It is a good idea to add an iron-on patch to a clean garment, as this removes the need to wash the iron-patch more than is necessary. Also, it's nicer to work with a clean garment and if you are concerned about potential shrinkage of the garment (if new), the pre-wash will take care of that. Finally, as odd as it may seem, it's also important to iron the section of the garment the patch will be applied to before adding the patch, to ensure there are no wrinkles caught up under the patch, creating unsightly bulges or making it difficult to iron on neatly.

There are glues specifically made for clothing patches, which work well because they’re made to cope with the wear and tear the badge will be subjected to. Or, you can use a fabric glue or a craft glue (permanent bonding adhesive) made for attaching fabric items but be aware that the less specific the glue is for the job, the less likely it’ll work long-term. Also, avoid any glue likely to be messy as it’ll ooze out and leave a residue on the surrounding fabric. Double-sided fusible web (which has the glue contained within the web) or iron-on glue sheets are another suitable option, both activated by heat. Such supplies should be available from your local craft store or online.

When a patch falls off a garment, this usually indicates that either it has been subjected to too much heat (in the dryer) or too frequent washing. The adhesive is likely no longer sticky and you'll either need to add new adhesive or stitch the patch back on. If you're not keen on sewing the patch back in place, the best option is to apply fusible webbing to the back of the patch (cut to size), then iron the patch back on, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Removal of iron-on patches is possible through the application of heat or an adhesive remover. For complete instructions on doing this effectively, see: How to Remove Iron On Patches .

Don't iron patches onto leather, it'll burn a hole in your vest. Instead, sew it on.

Pre-heat your iron to its highest setting before use. Press your iron down on top of the paper/cloth where the patch would be. Hold it there for about 15 seconds. Remove the iron and peel off the covering from your item to lift it off. Repeat if needed. Note: It may not always work and in some cases, the removal may cause the tearing of the fabric beneath, especially when the patch was designed to fix a hole or threadbare area of the fabric.

Yes. It worked out fine for me, but I had to sew down the ends.

No. Sew them on otherwise the heat may harm the wool. If your sewing skills aren't very good, take it to a tailor to have it done properly.

Plain paper is best, the wax in waxed paper may cause unwanted staining or damage to the patch or clothing. Also, depending on the type of wax, it may react with the glue and render it useless or worse.

That would almost certainly damage the guitar. I'd recommend using stickers instead. You could probably iron a patch onto your guitar strap, though.

Since most Vans are canvas, it technically is possible to iron it (on a mid-low heat); but as they do contain plastics and are much smaller than jackets or pants, you’d be better off sewing it on. If you have slip-ons, then you can just lift the vamp away from the quarters and sew the patch wherever you see fit. But if you have Authentics or Eras, then you’ll have to remove the laces, then carefully (avoiding covering the eyelets) sew it where you want. This will probably only work with canvas makes like the 96 and won’t be as plausible with the thicker makes. I would advise only adding patches to the vamp of slip-on Vans, as it is accessible and visible.

Yes, but consider sewing the patches on as well to keep them from peeling off too easily.

You might want to sew the patch on since it may peel off really easily on that kind of fabric.

Make sure you can iron on the material it is made of. If you have removed the tags that have washing instructions, then test a small concealed area to see if the fabric melts. If it doesn't melt, follow the regular instructions; if it does melt, then just sew it on.

Most sleeping bags are made of materials that melt fairly easily, so ironing it on is not recommended. And while you could sew it on instead, be aware that creating holes in the sleeping bag may affect its ability to loft and keep you warm, especially the more expensive technically-enhanced bags. Stick to the children's overnight sleeping bags for adding iron-on patches to!

No. But you can sew it on instead of ironing; it's better and it wont peel off as easily.

It would be better to use a hot glue gun or super glue. But, fabric glue may work, as well.

No. This will just damage the patch and cloth. I would recommend taking the plastic off.

Yes.

I think it would render the pillow very uncomfortable to sleep on, as a patch would be rough and bumpy on your face. However, if you're determined, I suggest you iron it on to a pillow case rather than the pillow itself - the stuffing inside the pillow will likely melt from the heat of the iron.

You can get them from almost any craft or department store, or you could make them yourself.

It depends on the material. A woolen jumper will burn, so it is better to sew a patch on or buy pins, instead.

Sewing would be the best option, if you're not sure if the fabric will burn or not.

Nylon will melt, but you can sew them on! I have a nylon backpack and it melted some of the bag. Sew the patches on or use pins if you don't want to sew.

Check the tag of the garment. If there is an iron with an X through it, you cannot iron that garment, so no. If not, you're good.

In general, yes. However, if your bag is made out of leather or a similar material, then be very careful with handling the area around the patch.

It would be better to remove the existing patch and replace it with the new one. The new patch wouldn't be as secure on top of an old one, if it stuck at all.