Posted by Patches have been an easy, cost-effective way of adding style to our clothing and accessories for a very long time. And just when we thought the trend was dying down, the rising hype surrounding customization and personalization drove them back into fashion!
When it comes to choosing the right type of crest, it all comes down to two choices: Iron on or sew on patches. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned DIY enthusiast – everyone faces the same dilemma!
Wondering what’s the difference between these two? In this article, we will educate you about five key differences between iron on badges and sew on emblems to help you choose the better option.
Learn How Iron On Patches Differ From Sew On Patches
• Materials
If you hold a sew on patch in one hand and an iron on patch in the other, you will notice the latter feels a bit thicker than the former. Why’s that? Many people believe the only difference between a sew on and an iron on patch is the lack of an adhesive back on sew on patches. But we wish it was as simple as that!
The difference lies in the material as well. Typically, iron on patches can be prepared from a variety of materials, including PVC, cotton, or polyester.
On the contrary, sew on patches are simply made from an embroidered fabric. Hence, they are delicate and lightweight. They come in a range of designs, shapes, and patterns. You can even get personalised embroidered patches UK from various online and physical stores.
• Application Process
How To Apply Iron On Crests:
Now this is the most obvious one! As the name suggests, iron-on patches are attached using a hot iron. They come with a thin heat seal backing, which melts and activates as soon as you place an iron over it. Here’s a quick overview of how you can attach an iron-on patch to any material:
Step 1: Switch On The Iron
Plug in the iron and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to preheat it. If you can’t adjust the temperature manually, just turn the iron on and wait for it to get hot.
Step 2: Place The Patch
Carefully position the patch on the fabric at the desired location and ensure that it’s perfectly aligned. Remember, the adhesive side of the patch should always be facing down, or you might end up ruining your iron!
Step 3: Apply The Pressure And Heat
Once you have perfectly positioned the patch on the cloth, use parchment paper to cover the fabric from excessive heat. Next, press the preheated iron firmly on the top of the patch. Make sure you apply even and steady pressure throughout the patch to ensure perfect attachment.
Step 4: Leave It To Cool Down
Allow the patch some time to cool down and bond effectively with the fabric before you start stretching or wearing it.
How To Apply Sew On Crests:
Now let’s move on to the second most popular type of emblems, i.e., sew on patches. These do not contain an inactive adhesive at the back since they are stitched on the material directly. Here are the general steps for attaching a sew on crest:
Step 1: Gather The Required Supplies
If you already have a sewing needle and thread at your home, you won’t need to make a quick stop at a nearby store. We suggest picking a thread color that complements or matches the fabric or patch for a seamless appearance.
Step 2: Place The Patch
Place the badge on the fabric in the desired position and alignment like we did previously for iron on patches. But this time, you’ll need some pins or temporary fabric glue to hold the crest in place until you’re ready to sew.
Step 3: Start Stitching
Now this is a part where you unleash your tailoring skills. Start stitching along the edges of the patch, making sure to sew through the crest itself and the fabric underneath. Stick as close to the badge’s perimeter as possible for a neat outcome. Additionally, try to ensure all the stitches are equally spaced.
Step 4: Secure and Tie the Thread
Once the patch is perfectly sewn, turn the fabric inside out and secure the thread by tying a knot. This will hold the stitches perfectly, making them resistant to wear and tear. Finish off the job by trimming the excess ends of the thread and call it a day!
• Ease of Application
Well, this is the most common difference that needs no rocket science to figure out. Since iron on patches demand less effort, they are easier to apply than sew on counterparts. And not to forget – you can’t work with sew on emblems if you don’t possess some needlework skills.
Additionally, since you need to sew individual stitches on a sew on crest, it’s a more time-consuming and demanding job. So, sew on patches UK might be a good idea if you’re only working on one piece. But if you intend to work in bulk, iron on badges can be the easiest and best way out!
• Longevity
Whether you’re a professional designer or working on a DIY project, your biggest concern must be the longevity of these patches. So, are sew on crests more durable than iron on ones? Or is it the other way around?
Iron badges are likely to withstand the test of time for up to 25 washes. While it may sound like more than enough, sew on crests offer greater durability. Since they are stitched on the fabric properly, your hard work pays off, making them more likely to stay on forever while remaining just as good as new.
• Cost
We all know one thing that convenience always comes at a higher cost. This is why iron on emblems are typically more expensive than their sew on alternatives. In fact, you should expect to pay even a higher price for custom iron on patches UK since they are tailored as per your unique requirements!
Sew On Patches vs. Iron On Patches: What’s the Final Verdict?
All things considered, it’s impossible to name a winner when it comes to choosing between these two emblems. However, you can use both of them for different purposes. For instance, using an iron on crest for making customised tote bags is a great idea since they won’t require frequent washing.
Whereas, if you want to add an attractive patch attachment to your favourite sweater – you should consider sew on badges. They won’t harm the sweater’s fabric, last longer, and stay vibrant for years to come!
But eventually, the decision is yours in the end. We trust you to make the right choice by evaluating everything in light of the factors mentioned in this article!