🎨 Stick It to Boring: How to Use Iron-On Patches Like a Pro

Emlee
May 30, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Dec 12, 2025

✨ Mascot blog takeover: Em leads, Lee reacts.

Sparkle meets sarcasm as Em breaks things down and Lee adds his usual commentary from the shadows.

Iron-on patches are one of the easiest ways to personalise your clothes and bags — whether you’re rescuing an old denim jacket or giving your everyday tote a little personality lift. They’re simple, creative, and wonderfully forgiving… as long as you avoid melting anything important.

Before you plug in the iron and hope for the best, here’s a gentle guide to getting it right.

🧵 Is Your Fabric Patch-Ready?

Em: Some fabrics love heat. Some absolutely do not. Let’s not discover this the hard way.

Lee: If it melts, that’s on you.

✅ Best fabrics for iron-ons

These handle heat well and bond beautifully:

Denim
Canvas
Cotton + cotton blends
Polyester

⚠️ Fabrics to avoid ironing

These are more delicate, slippery, or heat-sensitive. Sewing is safer.

Nylon
Rayon
Silk
Leather
Waterproof or shiny fabrics

Not sure? Check the care label:

❌ = Do not iron
● = Low heat
●● = Medium
●●● = High

Lee: If you see a ❌, that is not a challenge.

Shown: pink denim jacket with our "Doing My Best" patch. Mood.

🔥 How to Iron On a Patch (The Calm, Thorough Way)

Em: Deep breaths, flat surfaces, and no steam.

Lay your garment flat. If it’s a bag or hat, stuff it with a towel so it keeps its shape.
Set your iron to the highest safe temperature for your fabric — steam off.
Position your patch. A fabric pen helps if you want precision.
Cover everything with a cloth (a pillowcase or tea towel works).
Press firmly for 30–60 seconds, making sure every corner gets attention.
Flip your garment and heat the back of the patch for another 30 seconds.
Check the edges. If they lift, re-iron until they lie flat.

Lee: Press like you mean it, but maybe not like you’re fighting a final boss.

🧼 Keeping Your Patch Looking Fresh

Iron-on patches usually last around 25 washes, but you can extend their life with a few easy habits:

Sew around the edges for extra security
Hand wash or choose gentle cycles
Wash in cold or lukewarm water
Turn the item inside out
Air dry instead of tumble-dry
Dry clean if you're feeling fancy

Lee: Patches look best on things you barely wash anyway. Jackets, bags… emotional support hoodies.

💡 No Iron? Try Hair Straighteners.

Em: A surprisingly effective emergency option.

Lee: This is the only time I will endorse hair straighteners.

Heat them up
Position your patch
Clamp gently and hold for 30–60 seconds
Move across the patch in small sections
Optional: wrap foil around the plates to protect them

It’s not glamorous, but it does work.

✨ Our Favourite Patches Right Now

🌙 Lunar Cat Patch — Em’s pick

Soft, calm, dreamy energy. Perfect for adding a little moonlit magic to denim jackets, canvas totes, fabric backpacks, and craft projects.

🛒 Shop now

🧟‍♂️ “I’m Not Anti Social, I’m Anti Stupid” Patch — Lee’s pick

Blunt, bold, and very “don’t start with me.” Ideal for jackets, messenger bags, beanies, hoodies, or anything with a fabric surface that can take the heat.

🛒 Shop now

Want to see more? Check out our full range of patches here.