Patched PatchesIn this guide
Patches don't need special treatment, but heat and friction wear them out. Hot washes and tumble dryers soften iron-on glue, and rubbing against other clothes frays embroidery. Wash cool, inside out and gently, dry flat or on a line, and most patches will outlast the garment.
How to wash clothes with patches
- Wait at least 24 hours after ironing on a patch before the first wash, so the glue can fully set.
- Turn the garment inside out. This protects the embroidery from rubbing against the drum and other clothes.
- Use a cool wash, 30°C or lower, on a gentle or delicates cycle. Check the garment's own care label too.
- Use a mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, which fades thread colours.
- Wash with similar colours, or put the item in a mesh laundry bag to cut down friction.
- Air dry. Lay flat or hang on a line. Skip the tumble dryer: its heat softens the glue on iron-on patches.
Hand washing is gentlest for vintage, chenille or very detailed patches. Use cool water and a little mild detergent, swish gently, rinse and press out the water in a towel rather than wringing.
Iron-on vs sewn-on patches in the wash
| Patch type | Wash | Dry | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron-on only | 30°C, gentle, inside out | Air dry | Glue weakens with heat and age; add stitches if it's washed often |
| Sewn on | 30 to 40°C, inside out | Air dry or low tumble | Very secure; thread colour may fade over time |
| Glued with fabric glue | As the glue maker says | Air dry | Most glues need a day or more to cure before the first wash |
| PVC or rubber | 30°C, inside out | Air dry | Never iron over them; heat can warp them |
| Chenille | Hand wash or delicates | Dry flat | Fluffy pile can shed or mat if rubbed |
If an edge starts to lift
Catch it early and it's an easy fix:
- Iron-on patch: cover the patch with a cloth and press the edge firmly with a dry, hot iron for 15 to 20 seconds, then from the inside. Let it cool. See how to iron on a patch.
- If heat doesn't hold it, the glue is spent. Add a few stitches around the edge, or slip a little textile glue under the edge and press it flat while it cures.
- Sewn-on patch: re-stitch the loose section with matching thread before the gap grows.
Don't
- Don't tumble dry on high. It's the most common reason iron-on patches come off.
- Don't use bleach or "whitening" detergents on coloured embroidery.
- Don't iron directly over a patch to get creases out. Iron around it, or use a cloth.
Common questions
Can you put clothes with patches in the washing machine?
Yes. Turn the item inside out and use a cool, gentle cycle. Wait 24 hours after ironing a patch on before the first wash.
Can you tumble dry iron-on patches?
It's best not to. Dryer heat softens the glue and the tumbling flexes the edges. Air dry instead.
Why did my patch come off in the wash?
It was most likely washed too soon, too hot or tumble dried, or it wasn't pressed long enough when it was applied. Re-apply it and add a few stitches for extra security; see how to sew on a patch by hand.
The short version
Wait a day after ironing a patch on, then wash inside out at 30°C on a gentle cycle and air dry. Fix lifting edges early with a quick press or a few stitches. Avoid bleach and the tumble dryer.
Based on manufacturer instructions and established sewing practice. How we write our guides.