Patches have become a popular choice for individuals and brands who want to customize their items. They add a creative flair to simple-looking objects and create a personalized look that stands out from the rest. These little pieces of wonder come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which makes them a great alternative for anyone who wants to upgrade their wardrobe or market their brand. They come in many kinds of backing types, like iron-on, sew-on, velcro, and more. Amongst these, iron-ons are one of the most popular because of their convenience.
The strong adhesive at the back, which is activated upon heating, allows them to easily stick to surfaces. However, this backing type is not compatible with every kind of fabric out there. Iron-ons are prone to wear and tear since they are not stitched onto the surface. If you are wondering what materials are best for iron on patches, here’s a guide so you can choose the best one for yours.
Importance of Material for Custom Patches
If you’re thinking about upcycling your wardrobe with patches or need them for marketing purposes, you must be wondering what material is going to work best for it. Since they are used on several kinds of surfaces and for various reasons, the fabric and backing type matter a lot.
For marketing purposes, the texture and overall look reflect your brand as a whole. Your choice is going to depend on whether it will remain on the fabric for a long time or not. Furthermore, you will have to consider whether the material of the patch will complement the surface it is being applied to or not. The fabric type of both the patch and the application surface needs to look good together, or the overall appearance will be underwhelming.
In case you’re using the patches to fix tears and stains, and they peel off because of the incompatibility with the fabric, your clothes will look even more worn out. If the same happens with your business merchandise, your brand’s image will be negatively affected. So you need to do some research before you go on to buy yours. The good news is that you can personalize your patches to meet your specific needs! Patch-making services offer a variety of options that you can choose from for custom embroidered patches. They also provide instructions for the application procedure. Before you use your iron on patches for any fabric, make sure to read the item’s tag to see what temperature it can tolerate. You don’t want to mess your clothes up even more by choosing the wrong material.
Best Materials For Iron-on Patches
Before you get into the nitty-gritty details of these little pieces of clothes full of wonder, you need to know how they work. As we’ve mentioned before, the backside of iron-ons has an adhesive, which is activated when you apply heat. Most people use iron to apply patches to surfaces. The adhesive attaches to the surface, creating a long-lasting bond. Now, not all fabric types work the same for iron on patches, and choosing the best one for yours might be a bit tricky, especially if it’s your first time using them. Confused? Here’s a list of materials you can use without having to worry about ruining your clothes.
Cotton
It goes without saying that this fabric type is highly versatile and widely used as a canvas for iron-ons. The cloth is breathable and comfortable, allowing the adhesive to sit firmly on it. Cotton is good for patch application because it is able to withstand the high levels of heat required to activate the adhesive on the backside. A variety of products are made from it to provide even more options for application surfaces.
Twill
Popular for its diagonal weaving pattern, twill has a unique, distinctive texture that sets it apart from the rest. The weaving patterns are a great addition to the visual appeal of the fabric, while also ensuring durability. If you have used patches before, you must be aware of how important it is for the material to be resistant to wear and tear for the adhesive to stick to it firmly. Twill, a lot like cotton, allows iron-ons to attach securely, making it a popular choice for application.
Polyester
Iron on patches also work really well for synthetic fibers like polyester. You might be thinking it lacks the natural touch like cotton, but polyester is highly resistant to wrinkling and offers great durability. If you’re using this for the first time, opt for a tight weave pattern to make sure the patch sticks permanently. For more versatility, you can go for a mix of polyester with natural fibers like cotton.
Denim
This type has got to be the best one for iron on patches, for how durable it is. Its thickness and strong weaving pattern, along with the sturdy look, give off a clean yet natural vibe to items. Custom embroidery patches work exceptionally well for this material because of high texture compatibility. If you’re looking for a sign to upgrade your old jeans jacket or bucket hat, this is one. Make sure to wash the cloth before you apply the patch so no particles get in between the adhesive and fabric.
Canvas
Ever wondered how a little rabbit cartoon patch would look on your tote? Iron-ons can be a great addition to items made from canvas, a material known for its sturdiness. Most backpacks, totes, and shoes are made from it. The weaving pattern is very strong and provides a stable surface for the adhesive to stick to. If you want to upgrade your plain-looking items with something that’s uniquely you, iron on patches Ireland is just what you need! When applying the patch, make sure to exert extra pressure so that the backside firmly sticks to the surface and doesn’t come off easily.
Conclusion
Choosing the best fabric type for patches, especially as a beginner, can be a little tricky. But you can easily choose one if you know how much durability and heat resistance you need. Cotton is the go-to for most people when it comes to iron on patches, but you can also opt for other options like polyester, denim, and canvas. You can try different patch styles to see what looks best on your clothes or marketing merchandise. Sometimes, they don’t look good on clothes even if they are well-designed. Fortunately, you can customize them to match your material’s texture and feel! So what are you waiting for? Go order some and make the most of your patchy journey!
