When it comes to thermoadhesive patches, the real question is always the same: on which fabrics can they be used safely and with a good hold? Whether you work with embroidered, HD micro-embroidered, chenille or other textile patches, choosing the right fabric is not a technical detail, but the basis for a professional and long-lasting result.
In this guide, we at Easypatch, experts in customisable patches, will take you through this very point: let's see together on which fabrics thermoadhesive patches work best, when it is preferable to use another type of attachment and how to make the right judgements before turning on the iron.
How thermal adhesive works
Let's start at the beginning. Some of our patches can be supplied with a thermal adhesive backing. On the back of the patch, we apply a special glue that is activated by heat: when you turn on the iron or press at the right temperature, the adhesive softens, penetrates the fabric and, as it cools down, fixes the patch firmly.
In practice:
- the patch has a heat-adhesive backing
- the heat activates the glue
- the glue fuses with the fabric and holds the patch in place
Three conditions are needed to achieve good adhesion
- a suitable, heat-resistant substrate, such as a normal iron-on board
- a sufficiently high temperature (for many patches the order of magnitude is around 150 degrees, for some name labels we go up to 180 degrees for 15-20 seconds)
- constant pressure on the patch for the specified time
The result is a clean, fast and very practical application, provided that the fabric of the garment and the material of the patch are suitable for this type of processing.
Heat-adhesive patches: on which fabrics they are ideal
We can summarise as follows: thermoadhesive patches are at their best when working on fabric patches and garments designed to withstand the heat necessary for heat sealing.
Let's look at the main cases.
Embroidered and micro-embroidered HD patches
In our catalogue, embroidered patches and HD micro-embroidered patches are created on strong textile bases, designed to withstand both embroidery processing and eventual heat application.
For these types, we explicitly offer the thermoadhesive back as an option, along with the sew-on and Velcro versions. You can therefore order
- standard embroidered patches with heat-sealable backing
- HD micro-embroidered patches with heat-sealable backing, to be sewn on or with Velcro
When you ask yourself which thermoadhesive patches to use them on, the first natural context is this: embroidered or HD patches applied to garments that are normally ironed on at medium-high temperatures, without problems of deformation or damage.
Chenille patches
Chenille is another type of textile patch that works very well with thermal adhesive. It has a soft, almost velvety appearance and is perfect for customising clothing, bags, hats and accessories.
The pattern is also the same here:
In these cases, the thermoadhesive allows you to achieve quick and clean applications, especially when you need to fix many patches in series on uniforms, promotional items or customised clothing.
Patches printed on fabric and textile patches in general
In addition to embroidered and chenille patches, we offer fabric-printed patches and other textile variants for which thermoadhesive backing is one of the available options.
The common denominator is always the same:
- the base of the patch is fabric
- the garment is fabric and holds up well to the temperatures indicated for application
When these two conditions are met, thermoadhesive patches are rightly among the recommended solutions.
When thermal adhesive is not suitable: PVC and heat-sensitive materials
Thermal adhesive works thanks to high temperatures. This means that not all materials are suitable for this type of application.
A clear case in point is PVC. It is a material that can deform or spoil when exposed to the heat required to activate the thermal adhesive. This is why, while offering customisedPVC patches, we combine them with different backs, such as Velcro or other solutions, and do not treat them as thermoadhesive patches in the strict sense.
The logic is simple:
- if a material is at risk of being damaged at the required temperature, the thermoadhesive is not the right way to go
- if, on the other hand, the fabric stretches normally at medium to high temperatures, thermal adhesive is a good option
In practice, when the material is sensitive to heat, it makes no sense to force the use of thermoadhesive patches: it is better to choose a more suitable type of attachment from the outset.
The special case of heat-sealed name patches
In our catalogue, you will also find embroidered patches with customised text, e.g. name patches or 'Combat ID'. These patches are an interesting case because they sum up well the relationship between material, fabric and thermal adhesive.
For this product family we specify that
- the patch is made of heat-resistant polyester
- by choosing the heat-sealed option you can apply it to any fabric
- the reference temperature is 180 degrees for 15-20 seconds, covering the patch with a cotton cloth and applying light pressure
Here the patch material has been selected precisely to withstand that temperature without problems. Compatibility with 'any fabric' should however be read using common sense: the garment must actually be able to withstand that level of heat, just like when you check the label to see if you can iron it at a certain temperature.
How to find out in practice if your fabric is suitable for heat bonding
There is no rigid list of all possible fabrics, but there are three simple questions you can ask yourself whenever you are considering which thermoadhesive patches to apply them to.
- Does the fabric withstand the required heat?
For many thermoadhesive patches we are talking about temperatures around 150 degrees, for some patches name 180 degrees for 15-20 seconds. If the fabric is similar to those you normally iron on at these temperatures and is not one of the 'heat-sensitive' materials, you are in the right context.
- Patch and garment are both textiles?
The thermal adhesive works excellently with textile patches (embroidered, HD micro-embroidered, chenille, printed on fabric) combined with textile garments. This textile patch + textile garment compatibility is the ideal scenario for thermal adhesive patches.
- Are there specific indications for that patch?
Some products, such as heat-sealed name patches, have dedicated instructions on temperatures, times and application methods. In these cases, the first reference is always the product sheet, which tells you exactly how to proceed.
If the answer to the first two questions is 'yes' and there are clear instructions for the patch you are using, you can proceed with the thermoadhesive with confidence.
What to use when the fabric is not suitable for the thermoadhesive
If the fabric or material is not compatible with the necessary heat, the next step is not to insist with the iron, but to choose another attachment solution.
In our attachment system we mainly use
Stitching
The patch is supplied with a neutral back and sewn directly onto the garment. It is the most robust and reference method when you are looking for a virtually permanent hold and cannot use high heat. It is perfect for delicate fabrics that you do not want to expose to high temperatures.
Non-thermal adhesive
Some patches can be supplied with a 'cold' adhesive backing. In this case, simply remove the protective film and press the patch onto the desired surface. This is a quick and practical solution, with a generally inferior hold to stitching and thermoadhesive, but useful for many applications where heat cannot be used.
Velcro
With Velcro, the patch becomes removable. This is widely used for micro-tape, military, softair and PVC patches. It allows you to quickly replace patches or use the same garments with different identifiers, without having to intervene each time with iron or needle and thread.
In other words, if the fabric of your garment is not suitable for heat-setting, the answer is not to adapt the fabric to the system, but to choose the fixing system designed for that context.
FAQ on which fabrics to use for thermoadhesive patches
To close, we collect some questions we often receive when designing applications with thermoadhesive patches.
Which fabrics can I safely use thermoadhesive patches on?
In general, on fabrics that stand up well to ironing at medium-high temperatures. The ideal context is a combination of textile patches (embroidered, HD micro-embroidered, chenille, printed on fabric) and garments that you can iron on without problems at the temperature levels indicated for the application.
Can thermoadhesive patches be used on PVC?
No, PVC is a typical example of a material not suitable for thermoadhesive. The temperatures required to activate the glue can ruin or deform it. For PVC patches, we offer alternative backs, such as Velcro, or other suitable solutions.
Why can heat-sealed name patches be applied to any fabric?
Because they are made of heat-resistant polyester and are designed precisely for application at 180 degrees for 15-20 seconds, with a protective cotton cloth. The expression 'any fabric' should however be read in line with the normal compatibility of the garment with that temperature.
If the fabric is delicate but I still want to use your patches, what can I do?
In such cases, we advise you to consider alternative backs such as non-thermal adhesive, Velcro or simple sewing. The aim is to adapt the fastening system to the fabric, not the other way around, maintaining a good hold without risking damage to the garment.
Why do you often recommend adding a seam even with the thermoadhesive?
Because the thermoadhesive gives you a quick and clean fixation, but a seam along the edge makes the application even more stable, especially on garments subjected to heavy use, rubbing or frequent washing. This is the best way to turn a good seal into a truly permanent one.
Before applying any thermoadhesive patch, taking a few minutes to assess the fabric of the garment is the easiest way to avoid problems and choose the most suitable fastening system. If you have a specific project and want a comparison on thermoadhesive patches, which fabrics to use or which backing to select, we at Easypatch can help you find the most effective combination of patch, fabric and type of attachment.