How To Iron On Your New Patch

So you have your brand new iron-on patches in hand, and they look great. There's just one problem: You aren't quite sure how to attach them.

Have no fear. We'll walk you through the process of how to iron on your new patch, step-by-step. Even if you aren't particularly crafty, relax. The iron-on patch process is simple and doesn't require much more than an iron and a bit of patience.

Before you begin, double-check the garment or fabric you want to place the patch on. Heavier fabrics like denim or cotton are usually the best for patches. Be extra careful if you're going to use polyester fabric, as polyester can sometimes burn or become discolored if the heat is left on the fabric for too long. Delicate fabrics such as silk or lace are not good candidates for patches.

Place the patch on the garment before you attempt to iron it on to get an idea of how it will look, and find the best position for the patch. If you have multiple patches, plan ahead to make sure you'll have room for them all. You don't want to get to the last few patches and realize you don't have enough space!

First, iron the item that will receive the patch. Lay the garment or fabric on an ironing board or another flat surface that can withstand the heat of the iron. Make sure any creases or wrinkles in the garment are smoothed out prior to attempting to place the patch.

Next, place the patch on the garment or fabric in the location of your choice. Again, double check for any wrinkles or folds around the patch. Very carefully, lay a thin towel over the patch while making sure not to disturb the patch. The towel protects the patch from the direct heat of the iron, which can singe or discolor the patch when coming into contact with the hot metal.

If your iron has a  steam setting, make sure it is turned OFF and does NOT have any water in the reservoir. Place the hot iron over the area with the patch, and hold it there for about 20 seconds. Press down firmly, and keep a steady hand. Take care not to move while applying pressure, so that the patch doesn't shift on the fabric.

Remove the iron and allow the patch to cool for a minute or so. Remove the towel and check the patch. If there are any edges that aren't fully secured, replace the towel and apply another 10 seconds of pressure with the iron. The edges should lay completely flat against the fabric or garment when the patch is fully secured.

Now you're done! Your patch is ready to wear or show off. Some people choose to sew around the edges of the patch for extra security, but it's not necessary. The adhesive is water-resistant, but we recommend hand-washing the garment rather than running it through a washing machine. Allow the garment to air dry. The friction of a dryer could cause the edges of the patch to lift.

See? We told you it would be a quick and easy process. If you have any follow-up questions, please feel free to ask. We're happy to help!