How to Iron-On Patches to a Denim Jacket (The Professional Maker's Guide)

Hi, I'm Elena! Living in San Diego, I’m always looking for ways to give my family’s wardrobe a second life. Upcycling is a huge part of the 'maker' culture here, and one of the easiest ways to do it is with custom patches. Whether you want to hide a hole in a pair of jeans or personalize a jacket for Comic-Con, this guide will show you how to do it professionally so the patches never peel off.

To get a professional bond, you need the right tools:

1. A Denim Jacket or any heavy cotton fabric.
2. A Household Iron (Ensure steam is turned OFF).
3. An Ironing Board or flat, heat-safe surface.
4. A thin T-shirt or pressing cloth.
5. High-Quality Patches: I recommend using manufacturing-grade Custom Embroidered Patches from a specialized shop. Professional patches have a much stronger heat-activated adhesive than the cheap ones you find at craft stores.

Before starting, verify you have everything. Crucially, make sure your garment is clean and dry. If you are using a new jacket, wash it first to allow for any shrinkage before the patch is applied.

Set your iron to the 'Cotton' setting. It needs to be very hot to melt the glue backing. Let it preheat for at least 5 minutes. DO NOT use the steam setting. Moisture is the enemy of a good patch bond!

Lay your jacket flat on the board. Place the patch exactly where you want it. Take your time here, once it's heated, you can't move it easily!

This is the step most people skip! Flip the jacket inside out. Press the iron directly onto the denim on the backside of where the patch is. Hold for another 25 seconds. This pulls the glue into the fibers of the jacket for a permanent hold.

Let the garment sit completely flat for at least one minute. Do not try to peel or test the edges while it is still warm. Once cool, flick the edge with your fingernail. If it's solid, you're ready to go!

Your custom jacket is now ready for the world! This method works for backpacks, hats, and vests too. If you're in the San Diego area, come visit us at our workshop on Broadway to see our latest designs. Happy making!