Patches for group’s backpacks or bags encourage a sense of belonging and pride in participation. Custom iron-on patches are also an economical way to make your group look great. Ask American Patch for a free quote today to produce custom patches you’ll absolutely love. Any concerns about iron-on patches falling off can be easily taken care of. Proper application and maintenance are the keys to how to prevent iron-on patches from falling off.
Tools and Materials
- Iron
- Ironing board or counter covered with a towel
- Thin cloth, like a handkerchief
- Timer
- Fusible web
- Needle and thread
Choose High-Quality Iron-On Patches
A well-made patch from a specialty manufacturer like American Patch puts you on the road to success. Cheap patches that have a peel-and-stick adhesive will fall off in the near future. For this reason, you should select a patch that is attached with heat-activated adhesive.
Best Practices for How to Prevent Iron-On Patches From Falling Off
- Wash the material that will receive the patch. You can wash the item in the washing machine, or, in the case of a backpack, hand wash the spot where you’ll apply the patch. Washing is important to remove any finish left on the material from the factory.
- Let the material dry completely.
- Prepare the surface for the patch by getting it as flat as possible. Spread it smoothly on an ironing board or counter covered with towels.
- Heat up your iron and iron the area flat to remove all wrinkles.
- Position an iron-on patch directly on the material.
- Cover with a thin cloth.
- Make sure that no water is in your iron. Turn off the steam setting.
- Heat the iron to the setting recommended by the patch manufacturer. The highest setting is usually what is called for.
- Push downward firmly with the iron on the cloth-protected patch for 15 seconds.
- Maintain steady pressure on the patch and fabric for another three minutes.
- Now pull the backpack inside out and heat the area where the patch is from the inside.
- Apply firm pressure and heat from the back for another three minutes.
- Let the patch cool before testing its edges. If it appears loose, try heating it again.
- To reduce future stress on the patch adhesive, only wash the item when necessary.
- When you do wash the item, let it air dry. Do not put it in a dryer because the heat will soften the patch’s adhesive.
What Do I Do If an Iron-On Patch Falls Off?
How to prevent iron-on patches from falling off sometimes gives way to the forces of time. Eventually, a patch might come loose. If you catch it before it falls off, simply tack it in place with a few stitches at the corners. You also have the option of renewing an iron-on patch with fusible web. This is a heat-activated adhesive fabric you can buy at the sewing supply store.
- Cut a piece of the fusible web the size of the patch.
- Clean and dry the surface.
- Place the fusible web between the patch and the material.
- Heat with an iron.
American Patch Makes Premium Iron-On Patches
Our company specializes in making custom iron-on patches of almost any size and shape. We take your original design so that you’ll have the perfect premium patches for your group. It costs nothing to see what we can do. We’ll give you a free quote and a free sample to inspect before manufacturing. Our turnaround times are fast. Find out if you can get patches before your next event or outing. Shipping is free. Contact American Patch today.