Can you iron on patches to leather? How fun and easy is iron on patches to personalize clothing, bags, hats and the like. Small holes are covered up with something that looks good and gives a fresh look to worn out items, or even as a way to express your creative personal style. However, what is the deal with putting iron on patches onto leather?

Although leather is a sophisticated and durable material, it is more delicate and more sensitive to heat compared to fabric. If you’re thinking of applying a patch to your leather jacket, boots or handbag you better know what to do. This post tells you everything you need to know about how to iron on patches to leather: the risks and alternatives.

How can you iron on patches to leather?

The short answer is that it’s generally not recommended to iron patches directly onto leather. Although it is possible, high heat from the iron can easily ruin the leather, causing it to warp, shrink or even melt. There is a natural material, leather, which already has its own texture and structure and it responds to the heat in various ways from fabric. Due to a hypersensitivity to both pressure and direct heat, patching over it with ironing is a guaranteed game over.

That being said, it is possible to successfully attach a patch to leather without heating a hot iron. A careful approach is needed; also with the right tools and methods so as not to compromise the integrity of the leather.

Risks of Ironing Patches Directly onto Leather

Leather’s susceptible to cracking and/or shrinking and/or becoming stiff when exposed to high heat. Direct ironing on the leather may cause poor adhesion of the patch or in the worst case damage to the leather surface permanently. You will more than likely see undesirable burn marks, discoloration, or warped print lines.

• Low Temperature Burn: Heat can burn leather at a low temperature, causing it to appear with an uneven and shiny surface. It could negatively influence the aesthetic of the leather product altogether, most especially if it is a high end item such as a jacket, handbag or shoes.
• Leather patches: There are patches also available in the market having adhesive backing, but this adhesive behaves differently when it is applied to leather. This heat might cause too much of the adhesive to melt, resulting in the patch slipping or moving away from its right position. Additionally, the adhesive may leave a greasy residue stuck to your leather.

How to Attach a Patch to Leather Safely

Ironing over leather is not an effective method, but you can actually put a patch of sorts on leather with caution. Some safer and alternative methods are as follows.

1. A Fabric Glue or Leather Adhesive should be used.

When trying to attach a patch to leather without risk of damaging it, the best method is to use a strong fabric glue or a type of leather adhesive. They are special kinds of adhesives that do not harm the leather while bonding it.

How to Use:

• Stubborn dirt, dust and oil from the area of the leather where you wish to apply patch must be removed.
• Put fabric glue or leather adhesive on the back of the patch and spread it thinly and evenly.
• The patch should be pressed firmly onto the leather and making sure it is oriented correctly.
• After patching, place a heavy object on top of the patch for the better hours in order for it to set and adhere properly.
• Use or wear the item only after the glue has had ample time to dry completely (at least 24 hours).
• The best leather adhesives are the ones that are specially made for leather.

2. Apply the Patch on the Leather and Sew It

For a more permanent solution, use of the patch to the leather is the better way to go. However, this may take a little more time, but it guarantees that the patch remains in place, without risking the integrity of the leather.

How to Sew a Patch onto Leather:

• First, select a strong, durable thread to start â” nylon or waxed thread that will stand up to the stress and abrasion of leather.
• Use a leather needle, since it is created to pierce thick products such as leather without harm.
• To check it’s in the right spot, mark with pencil or chalk in pencil or chalk the placement of the patch.
• Thread your needle and sew all around the edges of the patch with tight and even stitches. If the patch is detailed, then it might be better to hand stitch it to have accurate placement.
• Tie off the ends securely once sewn on, and cut any excess thread off.

Of all the ways to affix a patch to leather, sewing is one of the most reliable; it should stay put when the piece is worn and torn. Additionally, the stitching gives the patch a more stylish, customised look.

3. Heat Press (With Caution)

Although, if you do still seek to employ the heat method, the use of a heat press machine, as opposed to a household iron, is a safer option. As a lesser risk to fabric and leather than a standard iron, heat press machines are intended to apply consistent, controlled heat and pressure to the fabric or leather.

• Lower your heat press temperature to 250–300°F (120–150°C). Make sure to check the instructions for the heat press model you are using for the suggested temperature settings.
• Protect the surface of leather from direct heat by placing a thin piece of cloth or parchment paper between the heat press plate and leather.
• Heat the patch area for a few and you are good to go which will ensure that it is bonded without causing damage to the material.
• Examine the bond to make sure that the patch has bonded properly and cooler down the leather.
• With a heat press, bear in mind you should not rush. Before applying to the final item, test the method on a piece of scrap leather, because it could potentially damage the leather even though you are attempting to fix it.

4. Use Double-Sided Tape (Temporary Solution)

Double sided tape will do the job if you’re only looking for a temporary attachment or just wanted to try a patch placement first. This won’t be as durable as glue or sewing, but it is useful for short term wear.

How to Use Double-Sided Tape:

• Take a piece of double sided tape and cut into the shape of the back of the patch.
• Press the patch down onto the leather surface and apply it.
• Just be aware that this is not a long term solution and should be used only as a short term solution.

Additional Tips for Attaching Patches to Leather

Test on a Junk Piece First: If you aren’t sure about the method you’re going to use, test it out on a little, undisclosed section of leather, or a junk piece of leather. It is for this reason that by doing this you will avoid any type of damage unexpectedly.

Clean the Leather Before Application: To apply, make certain that the leather surface is clean of any dirt or oils by wiping it with a damp cloth. Such oil and grime can compromise with the adhesive’s ability to stick and thus may result in a weak attachment.

Select the Right Patch: Find out what is worn for the leather and pick a patch of high quality. For instance, leather is not a good material for fabric patches with iron on backing, while leather and embroidered patches generally do work better.

Conclusion

Adding patches to leather isn’t a perfectly safe proposition, given the risks of ruining the material while ironing, but there are many ways to do so without harming your outfit. Fabric glue can be used to put the patch on, or it can be sewn on, or you do it with a heat press; so, either way, each way can be done and personalized leather without having the quality degrade.

Prioritize first the health of leather, and choose the way that works best for your certain project. And with the appropriate gear and strategies, you can have the appeal of patches on leather without weakening your cherished leather coat, satchel, or boots.