Patching clothes, whether for design or instant fix, is now easy with the availability of iron on patches. Despite the convenience, knowing important points that guarantee stronger adhesive bond and proper application will make these patches stay longer on clothes while ensuring protection.
Pre-wash Cloth Before Application
It’s important to pre-wash clothes, particularly the new ones, if their texture is too stiff. Stiff fabrics have sizing, a stiffing component used on clothes that gets in the way of melting the adhesive to the fabric directly. Pre-washing will deal with sizing and ensure the glue will stick directly on the fabric. Hence, increasing bond strength that makes the patch last longer.
Do Away with Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners offer numerous benefits, but they will only get in the way of placing iron on patches. This component prevents the glue from sticking properly. Even if you pre-wash your clothes to keep sizing from interfering with adhesion, be sure to don’t use fabric softener for now. Use fabric softener in washing your clothes once the patch is already in place and fully dried.
Use Appropriate Heat for Specific Fabric Types
Patches may have virtually the same heat-activated adhesive, but the fabrics where they will be placed have different properties. Therefore, specific heat temperature should be used in pressing the patches. For instance, fabrics like rayon are more delicate, which requires lower heat setting when pressing. Since the temperature is set lower, users must press the iron for a longer time to ensure the glue will melt properly.
Know the Right Fabric
An iron on patch can’t be used for just any fabric. They will stick effectively on denim fabric, rayon, and cotton. Nevertheless, these patches are not recommended for clothes made from leather, nylon and plastic-based and elastic fabric like those used for rainwear. These fabrics can’t stand heat, which is an important factor in placing an iron on patch.
Don’t Use Steam
Steam or mist from the iron will only add moisture to iron on patches. Being a form of water, steam will only get in the way of the glue’s effectiveness, which results in weak bonding to the fabric.
Press Steadily with Constant Pressure
The ironing motion includes moving the iron back and forth to straighten out wrinkles on clothes. However, patching only requires pressing against the patch to distribute heat evenly. Moreover, pressing back and forth will only affect patch placement. The patch may be displaced as you move and not hit the actual target.
Preheat Surface Padding
Aside from preheating the iron, preheat the surface padding where you’ll do the patching process. Heat from the padding plus the heat of the iron will melt the adhesive faster. This means your iron on patches will be in place in no time.
Let the Patch Cool Down
Don’t wear the newly patched clothes immediately. The freshly melted glue is very hot and can burn your skin. Second, you need to wait for the glue to dry completely. A cool patch is a sign that the glue is completely dry and the patch is fixed in place.
Turn Garments Inside Out for Washing
Washing patched clothes is easy, but keeping the patches in place together for a longer time after several washes is not. One of the ways to remedy this is to turn the garment inside out before washing. The washer and other clothes won’t get in contact with the patch, which may otherwise cause the patches to be torn out from the clothes.
Keep these points in mind and the iron on patches will stick in place for a long time. Furthermore, they also aid in ensuring easy patching and your safety at the same time.
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