It takes a long time and a lot of hard work to master the craft of embroidery, and not everyone has that patience. That’s when iron-on patches come in handy. Iron-on patches are a great way to personalize your clothes, shoes, and even backpacks. Making your own iron-on patch is simple and quick, giving your accessories more charm and uniqueness. You can also mask ripped or damaged areas on your clothing.
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Is it possible to make your own iron-on patch?
Yes, making your own iron-on patch is possible and is one of the easiest ways for creative people to add flair to their accessories.
You can always make your own iron-on patch from a picture, turn embroidery into a patch with an embroidery machine, and even by hand. With these customized iron-on patches, you can spice up your style game and show your individual flair more confidence.
The best material for iron-on patches
Since all fabrics cannot sustain the heat required to transfer iron-on patches, knowing which iron-on patch material is appropriate for the task is critical to getting the desired results.
Cotton and polyester are the ideal iron-on patch materials for the job since they can withstand the amount of heat required to adhere them to a fabric.
On the other hand, nylon, vinyl, and leather are not advised because they tend to burn or melt during heating application.
How to make an iron-on patch from a picture?
If you don’t know how to make an iron-on patch from a picture, don’t sweat. Making an iron-on patch from an image is as simple as it sounds, but if you want a nice and finished result, avoid choosing a complicated pattern. Your stitch-on badges will look more elegant if the design is simple to trace.
Begin by choosing a design that you’d want to print. You can find your desired design online or use a hand-drawn image. Then, modify the image to the size you want.
Then, using a transfer sheet, print the image you’ve chosen. After you’ve finished, let the design dry completely before removing it from the printer tray.
Get your scissors, fabric (ideally thick), and iron ready to execute the task. Place the picture you’ve printed face down on the material and heat it for the specified amount of time and heat. Don’t remove the transfer sheet all at once when you’re finished. Instead, set it aside for a few minutes before removing it from the fabric.
Cut the patch out with scissors. Place the fabric patch on the fuse paper’s sticky side, ensuring the design faces you. To avoid producing bubbles or wrinkles, press the pattern softly but firmly.
Before applying the design to the portion of your clothes or backpack, gently cut it out and remove the adhesive paper. Then, massage it hard for better output, especially around the edges, and you’re done. You can make your own patches’ kit this way and use them anytime you want to make your outfit or other accessories look more colorful.
How to make iron-on patches with an embroidery machine?
It’s even easier to make iron-on patches with an embroidery machine. Begin by selecting or creating a simple design, then transferring it to a piece of thick fabric. Again, if you’re a beginner, avoid choosing a complicated design.
Select a zigzag pattern on your embroidery machine to fill in the designs. Set the stitch length to 0 and the width to 2 for thick and bold lines, which will help you finish your patchwork easier and faster.
Now choose a beginning point and stitch around the traced lines. Ensure you continue to rotate the fabric in the same direction as your stitches throughout the process.
After filling in the design, cut the fabric’s extra edges to size and shape you prefer. Next, transfer the patchwork to the peel, stick fuse paper, and iron it in the same manner mentioned before.
You can also make multiple small embroidered patches using a single peel n’ stick fuse paper. These small homemade embroidered patches can come in handy anytime you want a quick fix in your apparel.
How to make iron-on patches by hand?
If you want to make iron-on patches by hand, you must be well versed with the art of embroidery. Then, begin making a handmade iron-on patch by choosing the design of your choice. You can also opt for a complicated one if you’re a pro embroidery designer.
Trace the design on the fabric with a fabric marker or pencil. Take an embroidery hoop and tightly wrap the fabric around it before tightening the screw. Remember, you will waste more time finishing your design if the material is fitted loosely.
Now thread the needle with the selected color embroidery floss and fill in the design with your favorite embroidery stitch until the patch is complete.
Once your design is finished and you’re happy with it, remove the embroidery hoop. Next, cut the edges of the patchwork to the appropriate size and shape with scissors.
To make a homemade iron-on patch, adhere the back of your patchwork to a peel-and-stick fuse paper. Then, apply forceful pressure to ensure that the design is firmly attached.
Finally, trim the excess edges of your patchwork before ironing it onto your clothes, shoes, or backpack.
Tips for making an iron-on patch like a pro
Follow these fantastic tips and tricks to get the best results while making an iron-on patch.
● When heat exposure, iron-on patches tend to melt and become torn quickly. So, after you’ve washed your item of clothing, try drying it at a cool temperature.
● Similarly, avoid washing your clothes with iron-on patches more frequently, degrading the patchwork’s quality.
● Hand-washing your patch will also help it last longer.
● If the adhesive backing on your patchwork has worn out, try sewing the design back onto your fabric instead of adhering it to the backing again.
Credits: photos by Canva
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