BACKFIRE ALLEY - How To Apply Iron-On ( Iron On ) Patches

Backfire Alley recommends you sew your patches on, but...
When you learn how to apply iron-on patches, safety should be the first thing you consider. Using a
clothes iron can be dangerous. When applying iron on patches it's important that children are kept
away from the iron and ironing board and that the person doing the ironing is very careful. It doesn't
take much to acquire a third degree burn from a clothes iron-especially one that's on the high
temperature setting. For large or intricate patches, iron on or sew, we recommend, your local dry
cleaner. They are inexpensive and professional.
Make sure that the iron soleplate is clean. A dirty soleplate will stick and make it difficult to iron on
your patch. Start with a cold iron-do not plug it in or turn it on. Create warm soapy water with dish
soap. Use a sponge or cloth to wash the soleplate. Never use an abrasive scrubber or cloth.

To apply iron-on patches you'll need a dry iron. That is, an iron that does not steam. The receiving
fabric should be clean and free of wrinkles before you attempt to attach the iron-on patch.

Before you begin, however, there are a few things that should be taken into consideration. If
directions are enclosed with your iron-on patch, always follow the directions of the manufacturer.
Also, make sure that your patch is meant to be ironed on or it may be ruined in the washing machine.
Finally, because you will be applying high heat to the iron-on and to the fabric, you may want to place
a linen cloth over the top of the iron on and make sure it overlaps the fabric. That way, when you
apply heat it will be applied directly to the linen cloth rather than directly onto the iron-on and fabric.
A linen dish towel works well for this task.

Once you have cleaned both the iron and the fabric, and have pressed all wrinkles from the fabric,
you are ready to iron on the patch. Align the iron-on patch in the correct position on the fabric with
the adhesive facing down and the pattern of the iron-on facing up.
Turn your iron on and adjust the heat to the setting that is correct for the receiving fabric. Press the
iron against the iron-on using firm pressure and a slow circular motion. Check the fabric to make
sure it is holding up well and that the adhesive is sticking correctly. Stop if you smell scorched fabric
or if the iron begins to stick to the fabric. If the adhesive is not sticking, apply more pressure and
continue. It takes about two minutes for the heat to penetrate enough to adequately melt the
adhesive on the back of the iron-on patch.
If you find you have ironed the patch onto the fabric crooked, some iron-on patches can be removed
and readjusted if you are quick about it; heat the patch a second time and once the adhesive had
melted quickly reposition the patch (THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK).

By: Helen Polaski
http://www.life123.com/home-garden/housekeeping/ironing/how-to-apply-iron-on-patches.shtml
Iron-on Patches Video:
http://www.backfirealley.com/iron_on_video.html