To iron on a patch, set the iron to the cotton setting with no steam, place the patch glue side down, cover it with a thin cloth and press down firmly for about 30 seconds. Turn the garment inside out, press the back for another 30 seconds, then let it cool completely before moving it.
Iron-on patches have a layer of heat-activated glue on the back. This guide shows how to iron one on so it stays on, which fabrics work, and how to make it last through washes.
What you need
- An iron (or a heat press if you have one)
- A thin cotton cloth, pillowcase or tea towel
- A hard, flat surface such as an ironing board or a towel on a table
- Your iron-on patch
Which fabrics work
| Works well | Use sew-on instead |
|---|---|
| Cotton, denim, canvas | Leather and suede |
| Cotton-polyester blends (lower heat) | Nylon and waterproof jackets |
| Twill and cotton caps | Rayon, silk and anything heat sensitive |
| Cotton bags and totes | Foam or mesh trucker hat fronts |
Check the care label. If it says not to iron, do not iron the patch on.
How to iron on a patch step by step
- Heat the iron. Cotton setting, steam off. Let it heat fully.
- Prepare the fabric. Wash new clothes first if they have a finish on them, and iron the spot flat so there are no wrinkles.
- Place the patch. Glue side down, exactly where you want it.
- Cover it. Put the thin cloth over the patch so the iron does not touch it directly.
- Press, do not slide. Press down firmly for about 30 seconds. Do not move the iron around, as that can shift the patch.
- Press the back. Turn the garment inside out and press the back of the patch area for another 30 seconds.
- Check the edges. Let it cool, then check that the edges are stuck. If an edge lifts, cover it and press again for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Let it cool. The glue sets as it cools. Do not bend or wear the garment until it is cold.
Make it last
- Wait 24 hours before the first wash.
- Wash inside out on a cool or gentle cycle.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low. High heat can soften the glue.
- For jackets, bags and work wear, sew a few stitches around the edge. See how to sew on a patch.
How to remove an iron-on patch
Cover the patch with a cloth and heat it with the iron for about 30 seconds to soften the glue, then slowly peel it from one corner. Some glue may stay on the fabric. Wash the garment to remove what is left.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you iron on a patch?
About 30 seconds of firm pressure on the front with a cloth over it, then about 30 seconds on the back of the fabric. Thicker patches can take a little longer.
Should I use steam to iron on a patch?
No. Turn steam off. Moisture stops the glue from bonding properly.
Do iron-on patches come off in the wash?
They hold well on suitable fabric. Wait 24 hours before the first wash, turn the garment inside out and wash cool. For clothes washed often, add a few stitches around the edge.
Can I iron a patch onto polyester?
Polyester blends with cotton usually work at a lower heat setting. Pure polyester can melt, so test the iron on a hidden spot first or sew the patch instead.
Can I iron on a PVC patch?
Yes, if it has iron-on backing. Press from the inside of the garment, or through a thin cloth, so the iron never touches the PVC face directly.
Can I use a hair straightener instead of an iron?
For a small patch on a hard to reach spot, yes, with a cloth over the patch. An iron gives more even pressure for larger patches.
Order custom iron-on patches
We make embroidered and woven patches with iron-on backing from 25 pieces, for a small charge per patch. See custom iron-on patches, compare backing options, or price your order on the quote page. Questions? WhatsApp us at +1-437-703-7747.