iron-on Patch Instructions

You found a patch!

Happy Lost Lands!!

i recommend checking the type of fabric that you’re going to attatch your patch onto before you get started.

iron-on patches work best on cotton, denim, or canvas, along with other similar heat tolerant fabrics.

If you are ironing your patch on, avoid nylon, vinyl, anything with a waterproof coating, or anything that says “do not iron”.

sewing the patch on, or using “e6000” glue will offer the strongest hold on most fabrics.

Step 1 - pREheat your iron

set the temperature on your iron based on the fabric that you are applying your patch to.

do not use steam to apply patches.

  • 350-400F: cotton, denim, cotton canvas

  • 300-350f: cotton/poly blend

  • 275-300f: polyester

Step 2 - pREPARE YOUR fabric

place your garment down on a heat resistant surface and make sure there are no wrinkles in the area that you wish to apply your patch to.

an ironing board works, but a sturdy table with a towel underneath could make it easier to apply pressure.

step 3 - preheat the garment

iron the area where the patch will go for about 10-15 seconds. This removes any moisture and warms the fabric.

step 4 - position & cover the patch

place the patch exactly where you want it with the adhesive side against the garment.

Use parchment paper or a paper towel to cover the patch. direct heat from the iron could melt the polyester embroidery thread on the front of the patch and ruin it.

step 5 - iron the front

press the iron down firmly over top of the patch for 20-30 seconds. make sure not to slide the iron around. just keep held in the same spot.

step 6 - iron the back

if possible, turn the garment inside out and iron the backside of the patch area for another 20-30 seconds.

this will help melt the adhesive all the way through the fabric and ensure a good bond.

it’s best to do this while the area is still warm, but give it 5-10 seconds after ironing the front so that the patch doesn’t shift around or burn you.

step 7 - let it cool completely.

after ironing the front and back of the patch area, let it cool down completely before moving it around or testing the bond.

this is when the adhesive firms up and disturbing it too much could significantly weaken the bond.

done.

ideally give your garment 24 hours before washing. it’s best to wash it inside out in cold to warm water.

hot dryer heat could damage the adhesive bonding.

if the garment gets washed often or is exposed to a lot of wear, adding a few stitches around the outside of the patch isn’t a bad idea.