How to Apply Iron-On Custom Patches: A Complete Guide

Sewing custom patches has been the oldest sure way to attach them to anything from shirts to hats and more. However, not everyone has nimble fingers to hand sew or the means to purchase and use a sewing machine. It’s an extremely time consuming method if not done properly, and looks messy with inexperience. More and more we have seen clients instead lean towards iron-on patches.

How do Iron-On Patches Work?

Iron-on patches have a glossy material on the back of the patch. When heat is applied to the front of the patch, the material begins to soften and melt onto the separate item that you seal the patch to. Once it begins to cool the gloss hardens again, sealing the patch permanently to anything from hats, shirts, and so on.

Is an Iron-On Patch Different From Adhesive Patches?

We have had so many clients who ask for adhesive patches thinking that they can still iron-on the patch to their shirt or hat. Unfortunately they find out too late their confidence will be shaken as these are definitely not the same thing. Adhesive attachments work more like stickers that you can remove and replace onto a different spot. We use adhesive backings whenever we are sewing because it keeps the patch in a solid enough position. It won’t move when we sew the patch once we press the adhesive patch down by hand.

Are They Also Different From Heat-Seal Patches?

We are much closer to the same idea when comparing iron-on patches to heat-seal patches. Both of these terms refer to the same thing! Heat seal is just closer to explaining how the patch is attached rather than what the patch actually is. But if you see one term or another on the patch, just know that you’ll be okay heat-pressing both.

When to Use Iron-On Patches

Iron-on patches are the perfect choice for anyone who doesn’t have sewing experience and needs to maintain a clean looking finish in a timely manner. While it widens the window for how many people can use custom patches, it still matters what we attach these patches to. 

How to Apply Iron-On Patches

We see iron-on patches applied by using one of two methods: the standard hand Iron or the heat press. Both are viable options to seal the patch in place, but a heat press applies a much more efficient and consistent application of your custom patch. We’ll go through a full guide that can be used for both of these methods.

1. Turn your iron or heat press on, making sure the heat is high enough to warm but not melt or burn your patch. For a heat press this is about 370 degrees Fahrenheit, but feel free to run through some trial and error on a test fabric!
2. Prepare your attachment and patch. Make sure to have a sheet of wax paper on hand to put over your patch and prevent melting the top. You can also have a second piece of wax paper underneath your material you are attaching the patch to.
3. Press your iron or heat press down onto the patch and maintain pressure for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Let the material and patch cool and you’re done!

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you know how iron-on patches work, you can get on your way to creating your own custom patch. We can take your idea from concept to in your hands without any time at all.