Iron-On Patchwork: Mastering The Art Of Iron Pan Application

Iron-on patches are a quick and easy way to upgrade your clothing items and give them a personal touch. Whether you want to cover up a hole or simply add some flair to your favourite jacket or bag, iron-on patches are a great solution. In this article, we will teach you how to iron on a patch with an iron pan.

Choosing the right temperature

For delicate fabrics such as polyester, a lower heat setting is recommended. On the other hand, more durable natural fibres like cotton, wool, and linen can withstand higher temperatures. Heavy-duty fabrics such as denim, canvas, and cotton blends are well-suited for higher heat settings.

When working with heat-sensitive materials like leather, rayon, nylon, or synthetic fabrics, it is best to opt for sew-on patches instead of iron-ons, as the heat can cause scorching and damage.

If you are using a hair straightener to iron on your patch, be cautious as the heat needs to be concentrated only on the patch, not the surrounding fabric. Additionally, ensure your hair straightener is clean to avoid soiling the patch or garment.

Remember to always use a dry iron without the steam setting when adhering patches, as moisture can interfere with the bonding process. Cover the patch with a thin cloth or parchment paper before ironing to protect your fabric and the patch from direct heat.

Preparing the garment

Firstly, lay your garment flat on an ironing board or a hard, sturdy, heat-resistant surface. If you don't have an ironing board, you can use any flat, clean, heat-resistant surface. A doubled-up bath towel over a sturdy table can also work as a substitute. Make sure the fabric is smooth and flat against the surface.

Next, check the fabric of your garment. Iron-on patches adhere best to natural materials like cotton, which can handle medium to high heat. Other fabrics suitable for iron-on patches include polyester, denim, canvas, and cotton blends. It's important to note that some materials, such as leather, vinyl, rayon, nylon, silk, and heat-sensitive synthetics, are prone to scorching and heat damage. For these fabrics, it's recommended to sew on patches instead.

Once you've determined that your garment is suitable for an iron-on patch, make sure it is clean, dry, and wrinkle-free. Use a lint roller to ensure it's fuzz-free, and if necessary, iron out the spot where the patch will go to ensure it lays flat.

Now, choose where you want to place the patch on your garment. If you're covering a hole, trim any loose threads or worn edges and place the patch so that the edges cover the fabric around the hole. If you plan to add multiple patches, keep this in mind when deciding on the placement of the first patch. Popular spots for patches include sweater or jacket elbows, pockets on jeans or t-shirts, and the back of denim jackets.

After you've decided on the placement, mark the exact location of the patch with a fabric marker. Use a tape measure to ensure precise placement and centre the patch on your mark.

Finally, preheat your iron to the appropriate temperature setting for your garment's fabric. Refer to the care tag on your garment for the recommended iron setting. If there is no care tag, it's better to use a lower heat setting to avoid damaging the fabric. Remember to turn off the steam function and ensure there's no water in the iron, as moisture will affect the adhesion of the patch.

Positioning the patch

Firstly, lay your garment flat on an ironing board or a hard, sturdy, heat-resistant surface. It is important to ensure that the fabric is smooth, flat, and free from wrinkles. If you are placing the patch in a specific spot, such as the middle of a pocket, use a tape measure to centre it accurately. You can also use a fabric marker to mark the centre of the patch's location.

Next, peel the backing off the patch. If your patch has an adhesive backing, ensure that it is clear of any debris, such as hairs, fuzz, lint, or dirt. Position the patch, adhesive-side down, in the desired location on the garment. Make sure the edges are not crooked or angled unless you intend them to be. Embroidered patches typically have the adhesive side as the underside. If your patch does not have an adhesive backing, you can use fusible webbing between the patch and the fabric.

If you are using transfer paper, peel the image side and place the image face down. The paper backing on the other side will be removed later. If your patch is meant to blend in with the fabric, slide it under or inside the garment so that the print side shows through the hole. Be sure to check the patch's instructions for specific details.

Once you are happy with the placement of the patch, it is time to secure it in place. You can do this by using a combination of ironing, sewing, and gluing, depending on the fabric and the type of patch you are using.

If you are using an iron-on patch, cover the patch with a thin cloth or parchment paper before ironing. This step is essential to protect your fabric and patch from direct heat and prevent burning. It also safeguards your iron from any adhesive that may leak out.

Using a protective layer

Next, place the patch in the desired position, with the adhesive side down. Check that it is aligned correctly. Then, apply a protective barrier, such as a thin cloth or parchment paper, over the patch. This will prevent direct contact between the iron and the patch, as well as shield your garment and the patch from the heat of the iron. It will also protect your iron from any rogue adhesive that might leak out.

Once you have applied the protective layer, you can begin to iron the patch. Use firm pressure and keep the iron moving for 30-60 seconds. Make sure to iron over every corner and edge of the patch for the best result. If you are using a hairdryer or hair straighteners instead of an iron, be sure to use consistent pressure and heat.

After applying heat, allow the fabric to cool, and then check the adhesion. If any part of the patch is loose, reapply heat for a few more seconds until it is firmly stuck.

Applying heat

Now that you've chosen the right iron setting and placed your patch, it's time to apply heat. Depending on the size of the patch, use the tip of the iron and start from the middle, working outwards. You want to make sure the adhesive backing fully melts and bonds with the fabric. Apply firm, even pressure without moving the iron around for about 30 to 60 seconds.

Once you're done with the front, turn the garment inside out and place the iron directly over the design on the back of the patch for about 30 seconds. This ensures the patch is firmly attached.

After applying heat to both sides, let the fabric and patch rest and cool down. After 5 to 10 minutes, you can check if there are any spots where the patch hasn't fully adhered. If there are, simply repeat the process until the patch is fully bonded.

If you're using a hair straightener, you'll need to warm it up first and then clamp it over the patch for 30 to 60 seconds. You may need to move it around to cover the entire patch, as hair straighteners are usually not wide enough.

Remember, never use the steam setting when ironing on patches, and always use a dry iron.

Frequently asked questions