XL

Large iron-on or sew-on patch?

The larger the badge, the more the question arises. On a large format, the glue surface is large and the edges undergo more tension when worn and washed. The iron-on remains perfect on the back of a cotton jacket, a thick sweatshirt or a sackcloth: installation is quick and the hold is excellent if the iron is hot enough and the pressure is well distributed.

Couture is necessary as soon as the piece is heavily used - jacket worn daily, work jacket, stage outfit - or the material does not like iron. It also ensures that the corners of the pattern will not rise over time.

The method of experienced seamstresses, on very large formats: first stick with an iron to fix the positioning, then border the whole thing with a blanket stitch or a tight zigzag stitch. This is what lasts best over time.

Apply a large patch without creating creases

The difficulty with large formats is to obtain uniform heat over the entire surface. Unlike a small pattern, an iron placed in the center is not enough.

Lay the garment flat on a hard surface — a table covered with a cloth rather than a soft ironing board, which would release pressure. Position the patch, cover it with a fine cotton cloth, then heat in areas : start from the center for around fifteen seconds, then progress towards each edge, pressing firmly, without ever sliding the iron. Pay particular attention to the edges and the corners, which are the first to come unstuck.

Leave to cool completely, flat, without handling the garment. On a large format, this cooling time is even more decisive than on a small one: this is where the glue reaches its final hold.

Where to place a large badge?

• Back of jacket or jacket — the king location for large format. Center the pattern between the shoulder blades, or slightly higher for a more graphic effect.
• Tote bag and canvas bag — just one large badge is enough to personalize a plain bag. Remember to slide a piece of cardboard inside during installation to prevent the glue from leaking through.
• Back or chest of sweatshirt — the large format works just as well as a central piece at the front.
• Large area repair — torn knee, rip on a sleeve, stubborn stain: a large patch covers where a small design wouldn't do.
• Back of backpack — on synthetic canvas, reduce the iron temperature and always use a protective cloth.

What size for what use?

Allow 10 to 15 cm for a sweatshirt chest, a tote bag front or a knee repair. Between 15 and 20 cm, the badge becomes the centerpiece of the back of a jacket or a bag. Beyond 20 cm, we enter the patch which covers the entire back of the jacket: measure your garment before choosing, a pattern that is too large will be truncated by the shoulder or waist seams.

For a repair, allow at least three centimeters of margin on each side of the damaged area: the glue must adhere to intact fabric all around the hole.

Frequently asked questions

Does a large iron-on patch really hold?
Yes, provided you heat the entire surface in areas and not with a single iron stroke. The most common cause of failure on large formats is concentrated pressure in the center, which leaves the edges poorly glued.

Can you wash a garment with a large patch?
Wash at 30°C, inside out, and avoid tumble drying as the heat combined with stirring tires the glue. Never iron directly on the embroidered side.

How to remove a large badge?
Heat it with an iron through a cloth to soften the glue, then gradually peel it off with pliers, starting at an angle, while it is still hot. Proceed in small areas rather than in a single gesture. Residues are removed with a cloth soaked in household alcohol, after a test on a hidden part.

Will the pattern crack over time?
Our patches are embroidered, not printed: the thread does not crack when washed. Only the support can be raised at the corners if it has been installed incorrectly, which a few stitches will permanently correct.

Also discover

Find our entire iron-on badges department, as well as our sports selections, coats of arms and flags and flowers and leaves for more classic formats.