Learn About The Types of Custom Patch Backings

Why Add a Backing to Your Custom Patch?

A custom patch can be sewn, ironed, traded amongst friends, given as gifts and then some! Whichever project your patches are being used for, we want to pick the right patch backing to go with them. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before moving forward:

• Do you need to make sure these patches attach permanently or not?
• Are you planning to sew these patches yourself?
• Are you using an iron to attach the patches onto a hat or something similar?
• What does the back of the patch itself already look like?

Using this insight, take a look at our most popular patch backings and their benefits.

1. Adhesive Backing

Adhesive backing is one of the most popular backings that we work with for any kind of custom patch. Also known as sticky backing, we use 3M adhesive and cover that adhesive with a sheet of paper. The patch will basically work like a sticker, so you can apply and reapply the patch where you need to place it. This is not a permanent attachment option for a patch! When we work with custom hats, the 3M adhesive sets the custom patch in place so that we can sew the patches onto hats. Adhesive backing is sticky but only stays on as long as you don’t reapply the patch too often.

2. Iron-On Backing

Iron-on backing is our choice if the patch is going to be permanently attached to something like a hat or jacket. This backing has a waxy finish on the back of a custom patch. The waxy back will be hard when you first receive them, and that’s the idea! The backing activates when heat is added to the patch via a heat press or iron. The wax melts on the back and then hardens as it cools, solidifying the attachment of a custom patch. These patches won’t budge after being attached, so make sure that you have them in the spot you want them to be forever!

3. Hook and Loop Backing

Hook and Loop backing is a hook (harder rough side) backing that is sewn on the back of a custom patch. This backing provides a more solid attachment for a patch while also still being able to move the patch somewhere else after application. We use hook and loop most often for any variety of police or military patches.

4. No Backing

Just because a patch can have a back doesn’t mean that it needs one. And that’s okay! We can provide the patch without any backing at all. Some people who work with patches would rather not have any backing at all in order to have more control over where the patch will attach when sewing. The only setback for this patch backing is if you decide not to attach it to anything, there is no safety for the back of your patch design. If you are doing a threaded patch, it means those threads are exposed and could possibly be pulled from that side if you’re not careful. We offer an alternative paper/plastic backing as a way to avoid any damage to the back of threaded patches.