Caring for Your Treasures

A little care goes a long way. Always follow the instructions for your specific product and the care label on the item you’re decorating. The guidance below is for patches; not every patch has iron-on backing.

Patch application

Check before you press. Only iron on patches identified as iron-on. Use the patch’s recommended temperature and pressing time, and make sure the fabric can tolerate that heat. If instructions are missing, contact us before applying heat.

Choose a suitable surface. Heat-tolerant cotton, denim and canvas may be suitable. Backpacks and hats can contain synthetic fabrics, coatings or linings that are heat-sensitive, so check their labels first. Do not iron directly onto mesh, leather, vinyl or fabrics that prohibit ironing. For mesh hats, consider sewing onto a solid fabric panel, or sewing to the mesh only if it can support the patch without tearing.

Press with care. Position the patch on clean, dry, flat fabric, away from thick seams, folds and raised edges. Cover with a clean cotton pressing cloth and follow the patch’s application instructions. Let it cool fully before checking the edges. Avoid repeated heating if the bond does not hold.

Extra hold. Where the patch and fabric allow, stitches around the edges can provide additional security, especially on frequently washed or heavily used items. Adhesive strength varies; iron-on attachment is not a guarantee of permanent hold.

Washing & drying

Follow whichever care instructions are more restrictive: the patch’s or the garment’s. If washing is permitted, use a cool, gentle wash and turn the item inside out when possible. Avoid scrubbing the patch. Air drying is the conservative choice; avoid tumble-dryer heat unless the product instructions explicitly allow it. Check for loose edges before wearing or washing again, and repair attachment as appropriate. Do not iron directly on the patch.

Unsure about a patch or fabric? Contact us before attaching it so we can help you check the specific item. Sttwholesale@gmail.com or call us at 936-703-5332.