Chenille Iron On Instructions

How to iron on patches correctly depends on three things: the right heat, firm pressure and enough time. Follow the five steps below and your patch will bond to the fabric and stay in place longer.

What You Need Before You Start

You do not need special tools. Gather these items before you begin:

• Your iron-on patch
• A household iron (no steam)
• A thin cotton cloth or pressing cloth
• A flat, hard surface such as a table, not an ironing board that gives too much
• The garment, washed and dried, with no fabric softener residue

How to Iron On Patches in 5 Steps

1. Set the iron. Use a medium-high, dry heat suitable for cotton, and turn the steam off. Let the iron heat up fully.
2. Position the patch. Place the patch on the garment where you want it and check the placement. Lay the pressing cloth over the patch.
3. Press down firmly. Press the iron on the cloth for 30 to 45 seconds without sliding it. Use steady pressure, and focus on the edges as well as the center.
4. Flip and press the back. Turn the garment inside out and press the back of the patch area for another 20 to 30 seconds, so the adhesive bonds through the fabric.
5. Let it cool. Leave it to cool completely before you touch or wear it. Check that the edges are firmly attached.

Tips on How to Iron On Patches for a Longer-Lasting Bond

• Use pressure, not movement. The adhesive needs heat and pressure at the same spot, so do not slide the iron around.
• Do not rush. If an edge lifts, cover it with the cloth and press for another 15 to 20 seconds.
• Wait before washing. Give the patch at least 24 hours before the first wash, and turn the garment inside out when you wash it.
• Add a few stitches for extra security on items that are washed often, such as uniforms and jeans.

Fabrics Where Iron-On Patches Need Extra Care

Iron-on adhesive works best on cotton, denim and canvas. On nylon, leather, waxed or water-resistant fabrics, and very stretchy materials, the heat can damage the fabric or the adhesive may not hold. For these, sew-on backing is the safer choice. If you want to understand the options in more detail, read our guide to the best backing for custom patches. Always test how to iron on patches on a small hidden area first if you are unsure about the fabric.

Iron-On or Sew-On: Which Should You Choose?

When you learn how to iron on patches, it helps to know when sewing is the better choice. Iron-on is quick and works well for light use. Sew-on is the strongest option for heavy use, uniforms and items that are washed often. Many people use iron-on backing and add a few stitches around the edge for the best result. If you are not sure which suits your project, ask us and we will recommend the right backing for your order.

Now that you know how to iron on patches, you can order your own design. Oceans Patches makes embroidered, PVC, woven, chenille, leather and sublimated patches from 5 pieces, with a free mockup before production. Browse our embroidery patches, or send us your design to get started. If you are curious how the process works, you can also read about the clothes iron itself.