Iron-on backing · from 50
Custom iron-on patches, embroidered or woven
Custom iron-on patches made to your design, embroidered or woven, 50 to 100 mm, from 50 pieces. A heat-activated backing on every patch means they go on cotton and polycotton with a household iron: no needle, no sewing machine. Iron-on adds £0.10 a patch: from £0.59 each at 1,000, VAT included. Order online, approve your digital proof by email, and they are made in 4 to 6 weeks.
Order online
Pick the patch, then choose iron-on
Iron-on is a backing option on both product pages. Prices shown include it.
Embroidered
Embroidered patches
Raised thread on twill with a stitched or laser-cut edge. Bold logos, crests and morale patches.
Woven
Woven patches
Woven flat and fine like a label. Small lettering down to 3 mm, names, roles and detailed logos.
01 / Iron-on or another backing
Is iron-on the right backing for you?
Iron-on is the quickest way to put patches on a whole team, class or staff. It is not the answer for every fabric, so here is how the four backings compare.
| Backing | Adds | Goes on | Best for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron-on | £0.10 | Cotton and polycotton that can take a hot iron | Training tops, polos, school uniform, tote bags | A few stitches round the edge for heavy use |
| Sew-on | Included | Any fabric | Match kit, workwear, blazers, anything washed every week | The longest-lasting backing |
| Hook-and-loop (velcro) | £0.60 | Loop panels on vests, jackets and bags | Shared kit, uniforms, morale patches | Comes off before the wash |
| Self-adhesive | £0.20 | Almost anything, for a day | One-off events, conferences | Not for washing |
Nylon, waterproofs, leather and other fabrics that cannot take a hot iron want sew-on or hook-and-loop. Every size and quantity is on the prices page; the price grid re-prices for iron-on.
02 / Your price
Price your order before you start
Pick the product, the size and how many. The price includes VAT and the digital proof, and it is the price you pay in the basket.
03 / Who orders iron-on patches
Iron-on patches for teams, schools and staff
Iron-on suits anyone putting the same patch on a lot of cotton garments, fast.
Sports clubs
Crests for training tops, hoodies and polos, ironed onto a whole squad in an evening.
Schools
Badges for jumpers, PE kit and bags. Pay by school purchase order.
Companies
Logo patches for cotton polos, aprons and tote bags.
Charities and events
Patches for volunteer T-shirts and event tote bags.
Bands and merch
Patches for denim jackets and bags, sold on the merch table.
Iron-on name patches
Each name is its own design, so these are quoted rather than ordered online. Ask us for a quote.
04 / How to iron on a patch
How to iron on a patch so it stays on
Five minutes per garment with a household iron. The same steps work for embroidered and woven patches.
- Check the care label. The fabric needs to take a hot iron: cotton and polycotton are ideal. If it says no ironing, choose sew-on.
- Wash and dry a new garment first, then iron the area flat so the patch has a smooth surface.
- Set the iron to the cotton setting, about 150 to 160 °C, with the steam off and the water emptied. Place the patch glue side down and cover it with a thin cotton cloth or baking parchment.
- Press down hard with your weight behind the iron and hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Do not slide it about. Lift, check the edges, and press again for 10 seconds anywhere that lifts.
- Turn the garment inside out and press from the back for another 20 to 30 seconds, then leave it to cool flat for five minutes before you touch the patch.
- Wash inside out on a cool wash. For kit that is washed every week, add a few stitches round the edge.
05 / Questions
Questions about custom iron-on patches
Anything else, email sales@appatches.co.uk or use the contact form.
How much do custom iron-on patches cost?
A 70 mm embroidered or woven iron-on patch is £2.15 each at 50, £1.02 at 200 and £0.61 at 1,000, VAT included. The estimator above prices any size and quantity.
Do iron-on patches come off in the wash?
Iron-on bonds well on cotton and polycotton and survives normal washing inside out on a cool wash. For kit washed every week we recommend sewing round the edge as well.
Can I iron a patch onto nylon, a backpack or a cap?
Not reliably. Nylon and waterproof fabrics can melt or mark under a hot iron, and a curved cap cannot be pressed flat. Choose sew-on, or hook-and-loop if the item has a loop panel.
How do you remove an iron-on patch?
Cover it with a cloth and heat it with the iron to soften the glue, then peel it off slowly from one edge while it is still warm. Any glue left on the fabric usually comes away with another press through a clean cloth.
Can woven patches be iron-on?
Yes. Woven and embroidered patches both take the iron-on backing, at the same price.
Is there a minimum order?
Yes, 50 per design, then in steps of 10. If you need one or two, a single-piece maker will suit you better.
How long do custom iron-on patches take?
Allow time for the proof, 4 to 6 weeks of making from the day you approve it, and time for delivery. Put your date into the checker on How it works and it tells you the day your proof needs approving.
Also made to order
