StickerYou Blog
How to Apply and Remove Patches
July 24, 2017StickerYou custom patches are great for a variety of applications. Whether you want to show off your creativity, market your brand, or cover damaged/torn spots on clothes and bags, printed patches are especially great because of their durability and ability to last even through the harshest weather or the many trips through the washer. The best part is they can be ironed on or sewn, depending on your preference.
Custom printed patches are often preferred because of their ability to have a full photo or gradient printed directly onto the patch, which you cannot get with embroidery. This allows for more detailed, vibrant, and complex images to be put on our patches.
If you are considering creating custom patches or if you have already placed an order and just want to know how to stick them, then we have some tips for you. You can place patches on your favorite clothes, bags, luggage, uniforms, athletic gear, or a scrap of canvas.
For inspiration, check out our blog about patch designs.
Things to Know Before Ironing On Patches
Before we get started, here’s a brief overview of the things you need to know about ironing on patches.
What Materials Can Be Ironed?
Iron-on patches can adhere to a wide range of materials, whether denim or polyester. The best materials to use, however, are natural fibers or other natural fabric blends because they are highly heat-resistant and are less likely to get damaged during the process.
When opting for iron-on over sew-on patches, cotton, wool, or linen are the best canvases. They can withstand heat exposure without risking any damage to the garment.
What Materials Cannot Be Ironed?
While iron-on patches have versatile applications, it’s important to remember that some fabrics, including leather, silk, or other heat-sensitive and delicate synthetics, can get scorched or damaged when exposed to heat.
It’s generally not recommended to iron patches on these materials. The best route is to sew them on to prevent damaging the surface. But if you insist on ironing patches on these materials, do so with low heat and be extra careful as you work.
What Temperature Should You Choose?
The temperature your iron should be set to will depend on the material you’re working with. More delicate fibers, such as polyester, require lower heat. On the other hand, heat-resistant fabrics, such as cotton, linen, wool, and denim, can be ironed with higher heat.
If your iron has fiber settings that adjust the heat according to the fabric, utilize them to help you choose the best temperature to iron on a patch. Keep in mind that using a steam iron isn’t recommended, as the water can hinder proper bonding. Opt for a dry iron instead.
Sewing vs Ironing a Patch
To decorate your clothing with a patch, you can opt to iron it on or sew it on. Ironing on patches is easier and requires less effort. However, it’s only applicable to certain types of fabrics, specifically those that can withstand exposure to heat. If you want to add a patch to a delicate material, your best bet is to sew them on to prevent scorching.
Ironing can yield a cleaner application. But sewing has more longevity — for the most durable application, use a single or double stitch along the border of the patch.
How to Iron-On Patches: Instructions
- Make sure you have a flat and sturdy surface and place the patch, face up, in the desired position on the material.
- Preheat your iron to the hottest setting that your material can handle but with no steam.
- Place the transfer paper (supplied in the envelope) or a thin towel over your patch; be sure that you do not move the patch when placing the paper or towel on top of the patch.
- Iron the area where the patch is.
- After turning off your iron and placing it down safely, remove the transfer paper/towel and let the patch cool. Once it has fully cooled, then you can show your patch to the world!
How to Remove Iron-On Patches From Clothes: Instructions
- Preheat your iron to the hottest setting that your material can handle but with no steam.
- Press the iron down over the patch for about 15 seconds.
- Peel the patch from your base material. BE CAREFUL, as the material and patch can be VERY HOT. We recommend using a glove or a set of pliers/tongs to grab the patch. If the patch is not peeling off, then repeat steps two and three until it is completely removed.
Additional Methods For Removing Iron-On Patches
If the aforementioned steps aren’t cutting it, there are other methods you can try to remove iron-on patches from your clothing.
Fabric-Safe Liquid Adhesive Remover
Liquid adhesive remover can loosen up iron-on patches, allowing you to peel it off cleanly. However, make sure you purchase fabric-safe liquid adhesive remover and test the product on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it all over the patch.
If the fabric gets discolored, do not proceed with this method. On the other hand, if the fabric doesn’t react to the remover, then it’s safe for you to get started.
Turn the piece of clothing inside out and pour adhesive remover over the fabric behind the patch. Rub the solution into the fabric using your fingers for one minute. Turn the clothing outside in and check if you are able to peel the patch off. Trim off the lifted areas with scissors.
Repeat the process of pouring adhesive remover behind the patch until it completely lifts and peels off.
White Vinegar
If you want a solution that’s less harsh on your clothing, then white vinegar might be able to do the trick. Its acidic nature makes it quite effective at loosening adhesive from a wide range of fabrics.For this method, start by creating a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and water. Soak your clothing in the mixture overnight. The next day, check to see if the iron patch lifts or peels off easily. If it doesn’t, grab a butter knife or spoon and pry the patch off gently.
Once you’ve fully removed the patch, use fabric-safe liquid adhesive remover to clean off any adhesive residue.
Hair Dryer
Heat is your best friend when it comes to removing iron-on patches from fabric — and the easiest way to access heat is with your hair dryer.Set your hair dryer on high heat and hold the nozzle directly toward the back of the fabric where the patch is adhered to. Blow dry the area for as long as it takes to heat up the adhesive. This may take only a couple of seconds, depending on your dryer’s heat settings.
Try to lift the patch up and peel it off gently. If you encounter resistance, blow dry the back side of the fabric again until the patch fully peels off. After removing the patch, remove the adhesive residue with a fabric-safe liquid adhesive remover.
Freeze the Item
Freezing the patch is another option to help loosen up the adhesive. In fact, this might be the easiest and most straightforward way to remove iron-on fabrics from clothing.
To do this method, place your clothing into a plastic bag and then pop it into your freezer for a couple of hours. After some time, take the fabric out and lay it flat on a table. Grab a butter knife or spoon and lift the patch until it comes off. Do this gently so as to prevent damaging or tearing the material.
If adhesive residue is left behind, use a fabric-safe liquid adhesive remover to help clean it off.
How to Maintain Fabric with Iron-On Patches Attached?
Once you’ve ironed a patch onto your clothing, you need to care for it properly in order to maintain the integrity of the adhesive and keep your patch looking good for years to come.
When washing the fabric, always turn the garment inside out to avoid too much friction on the patch. Use cold water to wash the fabric and opt to air dry it instead of tossing it in the dryer as heat exposure may risk loosening the adhesive.
If your patch becomes loose after some time, you can try ironing it on again. If that doesn’t get it to stick, you can opt to sew the patch back onto your clothing.
Why isn’t my iron-on patch sticking?
If your iron-on patch isn’t sticking onto your clothing, your iron’s heat settings may be too low. Set your iron into a higher heat setting. And before you press the iron onto the patch, give it a few minutes to fully warm up.
If you are working with delicate fabrics, slowly increase your iron’s heat settings and use only the tip of the iron to attach the patch. Keep the iron sitting on the patch long enough for the adhesive to melt and bond to the fabric. Do this carefully to prevent scorching and damaging your clothing.
Is it hard to remove iron-on patches?
It’s not necessarily difficult to remove iron-on patches from clothing. All you have to do is loosen up the adhesive either with liquid or heat. This should help you easily peel the adhesive off.
If you’re looking to remove a patch from a piece of clothing, we recommend trying to iron it off first. If that doesn’t work, take a look at our alternative methods, such as using white vinegar, fabric-safe liquid adhesive remover, a hair dryer, or freezing the garment.
Do iron-on patches damage clothes?
Iron-on patches are generally safe to apply to clothing. But you need to be very selective about where you apply them. Ironing on patches requires you to use heat, so it’s not ideal for heat-sensitive fabrics like silk or lace. You may be able to iron patches on delicate fabric like polyester, but make sure to use lower heat settings to prevent scorching the fabric.
It’s best to apply iron-on patches to heat-resistant fabrics made of natural materials like cotton, wool, and linen.
Can you iron on patches with a hair straightener?
Any kind of iron can work to attach iron-on patches as long as it can get hot enough to melt the adhesive and bond to the fabric. So whether you use a clothes iron or hair straightener, you may be able to attach the patch to your clothing.
But when using a hair straightener, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind. Because of its construction, it may be difficult for you to reach certain parts of the garment, which limits where you can apply the patch. You have to be careful and make sure you only heat the patch and not the fabric itself.
Also, make sure your hair straightener is clean before using it to iron on a patch. Wipe away any oils and product residue so as not to soil your patch and garment.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to attach iron-on patches to your clothes or remove old ones from your garments, this guide should help you do so with ease and confidence. Whether you’re attaching or removing iron-on patches, remember to be gentle and work on your fabric gently to prevent damage and get the best results.
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