Whether you're repairing an item of clothing or adding a new snazzier look to a garment, they're especially great for giving kids clothes an individual look with well loved characters and logos. And can even be put on fabric bags. But how do you ensure that you use them correctly in the first place? Here's some tips to make sure things don't all go horribly wrong when you affix your patch.
Instructions
Most iron on patches come with their own set of instructions. So before following through with any of the tips here, read the instructions that come with the patches. Not all patches are the same. A lot of how you affix them depends on how they've been made. Following manufacturer's instructions will save you from ruining the patch or the item you want to attach it to.
Fabric
Not all fabrics are suitable for attaching iron on patches to. Due to the fact that iron on patches work on using the heat provided by an iron to activate the "glue" on the back of patches, fabrics that can melt from the heat of irons are a bad choice for attaching patches to. Avoid elastic fabrics and man-made ones based on plastics such as nylon. Basically: if you wouldn't iron it normally, because it would melt from the heat, there's no point in ironing on an iron on patch.
Holes
If you're using a patch to disguise/fix a hole that has developed in a garment then you should consider sewing up that hole as best you can before you affix the patch. And when you do attach the patch, make sure you don't accidentally fix it to the opposing side of the hole. There's no need to end up with a pair of jeans with a leg that you're unable to put your leg through.
Clean
Whatever you're attaching the patch to should be clean when you fix it on. This is so that no dirt interferes with the adhesive on the patch. Failure to attach the patch to a clean surface will likely result in the patch not staying on as securely as it could. If you're worried about a hole getting worse if you put the item in the wash before fixing on the patch, then hand wash it instead of putting it a washing machine.
Sewing
It may seem crazy to suggest this, but if you plan on attaching your patch to a garment or bag that is either going to be washed on a regular basis or will be out in all sorts of weather - you should sew the patch on after ironing it on. Do this if you want your patch to last. With the patch ironed on first, it'll be easier to go around the edge sewing it on as well.
Final tip: It's possible to find a wide variety of iron on patches at online gift stores.
No comments:
Post a Comment