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Iron-on (heat-seal) is a backing, not a patch type. We can put it on custom embroidered, woven or printed patches, made in the UK from 5 pieces per design with a free mockup inside 12 hours. It bonds well to cotton, denim and poly-cotton, and it should not be used on waterproof shells, nylon, leather, hi-vis or anything stretchy.
Fabric by fabric
This is the table we would talk you through on the phone. Where it says no, we are not upselling you — a patch that lifts off in the wash costs us a remake and costs you the garment.
| Fabric | Iron-on? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton and cotton drill | Yes | The ideal surface. Holds through normal domestic washing. |
| Denim | Yes | Excellent bond. Heavyweight denim may need a longer press. |
| Poly-cotton blends | Usually | Fine at typical blend ratios. Press at the lower end of the temperature range. |
| Canvas and cotton duck | Usually | Bonds well, but bag panels are often too thick to press evenly — sew-on is safer. |
| Polyester and performance fabric | Risky | Scorches easily and the bond is unreliable. Sew-on is the better call. |
| Nylon | No | Melts at the temperature the adhesive needs. |
| Waterproof and coated shells | No | Heat damages the membrane and the coating rejects the adhesive. You also risk puncturing the waterproofing. |
| Hi-vis workwear | No | Coated surfaces reject heat-seal film, and heat can affect the retroreflective banding. |
| Leather and faux leather | No | Heat marks and shrinks it permanently. Sew-on only. |
| Fleece, knitwear and anything stretchy | No | The patch stays rigid while the fabric moves, so the edges lift. |
Which patch types can have iron-on backing
Iron-on is a backing, so the question is whether the patch body can survive the heat and whether the film can grip it.
- Embroidered — yes. The most common iron-on patch, and what most people mean by the term. See custom embroidered patches.
- Woven — yes. A good choice when the design has small text. See custom woven patches.
- Printed — yes, for full-colour artwork and photographs. See custom printed patches.
- PVC — no. Use sew-on or hook-and-loop. See custom PVC patches.
- Leather — no. Heat marks the hide. See custom leather patches.
- Chenille — no. Too thick and textured for the film to hold. See custom chenille patches.
Not sure which backing your garment needs? Send the artwork and tell us what it is going on. We will specify the backing on the free mockup and say so plainly if iron-on is a bad idea.
Get a free mockupHow to apply an iron-on patch
- Check the fabric first. Read the care label. If it says low heat, do not iron, or the garment is coated, waterproof, nylon or leather, stop and use sew-on instead.
- Set the iron to medium-high, no steam. Around 150–180°C / cotton setting. Steam introduces moisture that prevents the adhesive bonding.
- Pre-press the garment. Press the bare area for about 10 seconds to flatten it and drive off moisture, then position the patch.
- Press through a cloth. Lay a thin cotton cloth or tea towel over the patch. Press down firmly with the full weight of the iron for 30–45 seconds. Do not slide the iron around.
- Press from the inside too. Turn the garment inside out and press the back of the area for another 20–30 seconds.
- Let it cool completely. Leave it for at least 20 minutes before handling or wearing. The bond forms as the adhesive cools, not while it is hot.
- Reinforce anything that matters. For a patch that will be washed often, stitch around the edge as well. Iron-on holds it in place; the stitching is what makes it last.
Iron-on vs sew-on vs Velcro
| Backing | Best on | Upside | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron-on (heat-seal) | Cotton, denim, poly-cotton | Fast, no sewing, neat finish | Not permanent under heavy wear; fails on coated, technical and stretch fabrics |
| Sew-on | Everything, including leather and technical shells | The most durable option, and the only one we recommend for workwear and club colours | Needs stitching, by hand or machine |
| Hook-and-loop (Velcro) | Tactical, outdoor and uniform panels | Removable before a wash; swap patches on one garment | Needs a loop panel on the garment; adds bulk |
| Adhesive | Short-term and event use | Instant | Temporary — not a laundry-proof fix |
What an iron-on order costs
Iron-on backing does not carry a separate charge — it is one of the backing options on the quote. The figure is driven by patch type, finished size, quantity and colour complexity, with quantity moving the per-unit price most. The minimum is 5 patches per design, where most UK suppliers start at 50 or 100.
Send artwork, a finished size and a quantity and you get a price back with a free digital mockup, usually within 12 hours. Nothing goes into production until you approve it in writing.
