Custom Chenille patches! They remind you of old times, cool retro vibes, and showing off who you are. They’re all over the place, from school jackets to backpacks, and they’ve been a big part of American style for ages. But how do you stick them on? Should you iron them or sew them? People have been arguing about this forever, trying to figure out which way is best for keeping their patches looking good.
This guide will look closely at both iron-on and sew-on backings. Here we will show you what’s good and bad about them so you can decide what’s best. That way, your patches will not only look great but also last a long time. If you adore customized chenille patches or are just starting to collect them, learning about these options will help you keep them in good shape.
What Are Chenille Patches?
Now, until we start talking about the attachment options, let’s have a better understanding of the custom chenille patches.
Chenille patches are a favourite in textile art because they feel fuzzy. The word chenille even means caterpillar in French, which makes sense given how fuzzy they are. Unlike normal patches with flat stitches, these patches use a special loop in their texture. A machine makes the thick yarn go three-way, so the patch looks like a carpet. This look, plus a felt backing, makes them last. They’re great to put on cool stuff, letters, and logos. It’s that cool make thing that makes chenille patches classic, and why you see them on letterman jackets, backpacks, and fancy clothes.
Now, what’s the best way to stick these chenille patches on your desired surface?
Iron-On Patches: Quick and Easy
Iron-on patches are great because they’re so easy to use. If you want something fast, stick a patch where you want it and iron it on. You dont need to have needles or try to sew things by hand. For people who aren’t good at sewing or just want a quick fix, iron-on patches seem like the answer.
It’s pretty easy to do. Iron-on patches usually have glue behind the felt. This means that they will become sticky when exposed to the heat of an iron, allowing the patch to be pressed firmly into place. It’s a pretty strong hold, which is why people use it to decorate clothes, bags, and other stuff.
Things to consider:
But even though they’re easy to put on, you need to think about how long they’ll last. The glue might not work as well on some materials, depending on the fabric, the weight of the chenille patches, how hot the iron is, and how much you wash the item. Some fabrics, especially fake ones or delicate ones, might not hold the glue well. And if you wash something a lot, the glue can get weak, and the patch might start to peel off. And the same goes for your chenille patch weight; if it’s big and with 3D layers, then the iron glue might get weak and fall apart.
If you’re going to wash something a lot or wear it out, iron-on patches might not be the best choice. They’re easy to use at first, but they might not stay on forever.
Sew-On Patches: Built to Last
Sew-on patches take more time, but they stay on way better. By sewing the patch to the fabric, you make it stick for good. It can handle washing and wearing a lot better than iron-on patches. It takes more work at the start, but it’s worth it if you want something that lasts.
There are a few good things about sewing on your patches. First, they stay on better. The chenille patch won’t peel off as easily because it’s stitched on tight. This is great for things like jackets, backpacks, and work clothes that you wash a lot.
Second, you can sew patches on almost any kind of fabric. Iron-on patches might not stick to some materials, but sewing works on everything. That means you can put patches on more stuff!
Stitching is creativity!
Plus, when you sew, you can get creative. You can pick different kinds of stitches, colors of thread, and even add fancy stitches to make it look cool. If you like making things, sewing on a patch can be fun and make the item even more special. Sewing on patches might take more work at first, but it’s best if you want something that lasts long and looks good on anything.
Which Backing Should You Pick?
The type of backing you should choose depends largely on what you are attaching the patch to, how often you would be washing and using it, how adept you are at sewing, and how much time you would like for it to stay on.
Go for Iron-On because:
- The iron-on technique is a breeze to apply.
- You don’t like sewing.
- You won’t wash the item much or wear it out.
- You want something you can change easily.
Pick Sew-On If:
- You really need it to stay on for a long time.
- You’re putting the patch on something you’ll wash a lot or wear out.
- The fabric can’t handle the heat from an iron.
- You want it to stay on for good.
- You like sewing and want to make it look cool.
Do Both:
Sometimes, you can do both! You can iron on the patch to grasp it in place and then sew around the edges to ensure it stays there. That’s how you can easily put on the patch and enjoy its durability.
The Low-priced Backing for Chenille Patches
Want the smart spending and the best value for your custom chenille patches? The most affordable backing option is usually a plain sew-on backing. It’s made by just crafting the chenille and felt patch. It doesn’t have the added step of applying heat-activated glue. That extra glue and the bonding process cost a bit more. It might not seem like much for a single patch, but the amounts add up when you order for a team, club, or big project. If you’re okay with sewing, it’s the cheapest way to go.
Verdict on what’s best for the custom chenille patches
Now, before you go, know more about the chenille patches and what’s best for them.
Your chenille patches remind you of memories, groups you belong to, and your style. Picking the right backing is important so that it lasts for a long time. Think about what you need and pick the method that will keep your patches looking great for years.
You can iron on chenille patches, but there are things to keep in mind. Lots of these patches come with a heat-activated sticky back, so you can just iron them on. It’s a fast and easy way to stick a patch on since you don’t have to sew. Nevertheless, you gotta be careful, though. Chenille is soft and delicate, so direct, hot heat can melt it or mess up the fuzzy stuff. To keep that from happening, put something like a thin cotton cloth between the hot iron and the patch. Follow the temp and time advice from the patch maker, too.
If you want the patch to stay on forever, especially if you wash it a lot, sewing it on is still the best and affordable way. But if you need a fast way to stick it to the right stuff (like cotton), ironing it on works and is pretty common. In the end, it totally depends on your requirements, so decide wisely.