All about patch backings!

Patchtown is proud to offer multiple backing options so you can apply your patches anywhere and everywhere, all the time!

Peel & Stick Adhesive Patches

Our Peel & Stick adhesive backing makes applying your favorite patches easier than ever before! This backing will stick to a variety of surfaces, including hard surfaces, synthetic materials, and natural fabrics. We find this backing to be stronger and longer lasting than traditional iron-on.

Directions Clean desired surface thoroughly. Use pull tab to remove contact paper backing. Place the patch in the desired position and apply firm pressure for at least 60 seconds. Best applied at 75°F. This adhesive is pressure activated, so adequate pressure is important for the best application. Your patch will be fully bonded in 3 days. Fabrics laundered with applied patches should be tumble dried on low only.

Traditional Sew-on Patches

Traditional sew-on patch with plastic backing. NOT iron-on! To be stitched on garment of your choice.

Directions Adhere patch in desired position on garment using pin or fabric glue. Using a matching thread color, stitch by hand or machine around outside edge of patch, just inside merrow border.

Iron-on Patches

Traditional iron-on backing. Because iron-on is not a permanent fixture, we always recommend also stitching your patch in place. Iron-on may not be suitable for all surfaces, as heat may damage some fabrics and materials!

Directions Place patch in desired location on garment, and cover with a spare piece of fabric. Using iron set to medium-high heat, apply firm pressure to patch with iron for 30-45 seconds. Turn garment inside out and repeat ironing on backside of patch. Allow to cool for 2 minutes. Check to see if glue has adhered. Repeat process as necessary.

Velcro Hook & Loop Patches

The classic hook-and-loop fastener makes it easy to mix and match your favorite patches any time! Stick them on your backpack, your vest, or your dog’s harness!

Directions Our patches come with hook-fastener (the rough & rigid side) applied to the back. You may choose the “Hook-Fastener Only,” perfect for existing hook-and-loop surfaces. We also offer a full “Hook & Loop Fastener” option, which includes a separate loop-fastener piece (the soft, fuzzy side) for you to apply to the surface of your choice.

Button Loop

A button loop is a small loop of string adhered to the back of your patch that allows you to hang it on a shirt button. This is ideal for patches that you might wear temporarily, and not want to adhere more permanently to your uniform. A lot of customers get button loop patches for events!

Backing FAQs

What is hook & loop?

Hook & Loop Fastener is the generic term for velcro! Our patches come with the hook-side (the rough, plasticy side) applied to the back of the patch, and you have the option to purchase a matching loop-side (the soft, fuzzy side) to go with it. The loop-side is sew-on only so you'll need to sew or adhere it to the surface of your choice!

The hook-side of the velcro on the back of the patch is always black. For 2" patrol patches, we offer black, navy, or tan loop-side circles (so that the loop-side can match the color of your uniform if you're not wearing the patch!) For all other patches, loop-side will be black.

Do I need hook-fastener or hook & loop?

Whether or not you need to order the matching loop-side for your patches will depend on your application. If already have a loop-side surface, which is common on many backpacks, tactical gear, dog vests, and more, then all you need is the hook-side, and you'll be ready to mix & match your favorite patches any time. If the spot where you want to apply the patch does not have a velcro area, you may want to order the matching loop-side to sew or glue on.

Which is better, iron-on or peel & stick?

These two backings may seem similar, but they can offer some really different benefits! Traditional iron-on backing is not meant to be a permanent fixture. Iron-on is ideal for holding your patch in place while you stitch it on!

Our signature peel & stick backing is a super easy, heat-free method of applying your patches to all kinds of surfaces, some of which you can't or wouldn't stitch into. This is our recommended backing for our Demerit Badge line, since many of these patches get placed on outdoor gear like backpacks, car toppers, ski coats, life-jackets, campers, and more. Originally designed for automotive applications, we think this semi-permanent backing is even stronger and more durable than traditional iron-on, and allows you to rock your patches without stitching.

As always, sewing a patch in place is the most permanent method of attachment, especially for garments that will be laundered.

Can I wash my patches?

Yes! And no. Patches can be laundered, but we recommend you wash them sparingly as washing will create wear and tear over time. We recommend machine washing your patches on a gentle cycle with cold water (preferably without an agitator!) and tumbling dry on low or hanging to dry.

Iron-on and peel & stick backings are semi-permanent fixtures and will lose their hold with repeated washing. If your patches start to lift away from the garment, we recommend stitching them on!

Alas, all good things come to an end and eventually patches will wear out. But we'll be here when that time comes to help you choose some new ones!

What backing can I get on my custom patches?

Unless otherwise noted, all custom patch quotes include iron-on backing. However, for an additional fee, you can choose to have your patches made with hook-fastener backing, peel & stick adhesive, or a button-loop.

You can also split your backings across your order quantity. For example, if you order 50 custom patrol patches, you could opt to have 25 of them made with iron-on backing and 25 of them made with velcro.

What is a button loop?

A button loop is a small loop of string adhered to the back of your patch that allows you to hang it on a shirt button.

When you order custom patches, we try to match the color of the button loop to the border stitch of your patch. We don't have button loop string in ever color we use to make patches, but we'll do our very best to pick a close match.

For patrol patches ordered with a button loop, the loop will either be khaki or black, depending on the color of the patch.