How To Put Patch On Hat
If you want to personalise a hat, custom hat patches are a great option to explore. They can be ironed on, embroidered or even glued, and it doesn’t take much research to learn how to put patches on hats. In this post, we’ll dive into what’s involved. We will look at different methods for attaching patches to hats and the impact of hat type. We also suggest some ideas for patch placement and suggestions for maintenance of your hat patches.
Key Takeaways
- Both hats and patches need to be prepared before attaching
- Methods of applying a patch include glue, sewing and heat application
- Different types of hats are better suited to different patch types
- You can get creative with your patch placement, such as attaching to the back or side
- Caring for your patch can make it stay attached for longer
How To Put a Patch On a Hat? Different Methods
There are different types of hat patches, each with their own unique method of attaching to your hat. Whether you are sewing, glueing or ironing a patch onto your hat, you need to know the right way to do it. We sell custom hat patches in different formats, so let us share our expertise on this front.
Preparing Your Hat and Patch
Only you can know what type of patch you want for your hat. Glueing is simple, but often only a temporary method that may damage your hat, and fabric glue won’t work on all fabrics. Iron-on patches are simple too, but will eventually peel off. Sewing is the most permanent solution, but it requires a little skill.
In any case, you should prepare your hat for the application. Ensure the hat is clean and the area where the patch is attaching is laid on a firm, flat surface. If you are sewing, be sure to pin the patch in position before you get to work. You will need to turn the hat inside out for the sewing process. Take some time to choose the ideal location and orientation of your patch - once you have attached it, there’s no changing your mind.
To prepare the patch for the application, you simply need to check that it is clean and in good condition. Follow the instructions for how to apply it, using the appropriate glue or heat setting on your iron. For sewing, be sure to use the right needle and choose thread in an appropriate colour.
Different Methods of Attaching Patches to Hats
As you can see from the previous section, there are three common methods for how to put patches on hats. They are:
- Glueing
- Iron-on
- Sewing
We supply custom patches that are suitable for each of these methods of application. Let’s take a closer look at what each method involves.
How to Sew a Patch on a Hat
Sewing is the most robust and permanent solution for how to attach a patch to a hat. If you want to do minimal damage to your hat and have a long-term solution for attaching your custom patch, this is the way to go. But it does require a little skill to pull it off.
You have two options here:
- 1. Hand sew
- 2. Use a sewing machine
The latter option is the most robust, but it really is up to you. If you are particularly skilled at hand sewing, you can do a very good job. Let’s take a look at the step-by-step method:
- Step 1: Decide on the position you want your patch to go in. Once you know, pin it in place (ensuring the pins won’t get in the way of your sewing).
- Step 2: Turn the hat inside out then decide on the sewing method you will use. You will sew along the outside of the patch.
- Step 3 (1): For hand-sewing, use a heavy-duty needle and choose an appropriate colour thread. Work your way around the edge of the patch until you get back to where you started, then tie a knot in the thread.
- Step 3 (2): If you use a sewing machine, you will still need a heavy-duty needle and appropriate thread colour. Use the narrowest possible zig-zag setting on your sewing machine. When you start, move carefully around the edges of the patch until you get back to the starting point.
How to Glue a Patch on a Hat
Glueing is the most basic option for how to put a patch on a hat. Fabric glue is your best solution, but other strong adhesives can also do the trick. It is tempting to use this method to apply your embroidered patch because it is quick and easy, but there is a downside to this. Glueing is really only a temporary solution and the adhesive will weaken your hat’s fabric, causing it to break eventually. Moreover, fabric glue only works on certain fabrics and is unlikely to adhere to slick ones.
The process for glueing patches onto hats is as follows:
- Step 1: Choose what part of the hat you want to glue the patch onto. Lay the hat on a hard, flat surface, with the area for application fully exposed.
- Step 2: Apply the glue to the back of the patch. It can be placed in spots around the edges or a continuous application. Just be sure that no large parts are left without any adhesive.
- Step 3: Place the patch in the correct position on the hat and apply pressure where the glue is. It may help to put a weight on top to hold it in position. Keep applying pressure for as long as directed in the glue’s instructions to ensure it sticks well.
How to Iron a Patch on a Hat
The iron-on approach is another fairly simple option. It’s a little more complex than the glue approach, but it is likely to yield longer-lasting results. However, one important precaution is to check whether your hat will be damaged by the heat. Certain fabrics, particularly those with high elasticity, are not suitable for ironing, so check before you proceed.
Ironing is a fairly permanent method for how to put patches on hats, but they usually come off if you wash the hat frequently. Our heat application backing for custom patches is very strong and durable. Try to avoid washing the hat any more than necessary and, when you do, hand wash it in cool water. If you do use a washing machine, always turn your hat inside out first.
Remember that you need to buy an iron-on patch to use this approach. The iron-on method is as follows:
- Step 1: Place your hat on a flat, heat-resistant surface like an ironing board. Place the iron-on in position wherever you want it on the hat and ensure everything is flat.
- Step 2: Turn your iron to its highest heat and ensure the steam setting is deactivated. Place a thin towel or cloth over the patch to protect it, being careful not to move the patch from the position you set it in.
- Step 3: When the iron reaches its full heat, press it firmly against the patch. Hold it in place, without moving it, for 10-15 seconds, then remove it and switch off.
- Step 4: Remove the towel/cloth and allow the patch to cool before you handle or use it.
How to Attach Patches to Different Types of Hats
When attaching patches to fitted hats, you can use the glue, iron-on or sewing method. The important thing is to know the material your hat is made from as certain glues or exposure to high heat could damage the material. What’s more, fabric glues don’t always adhere well to glossy textures, so you need to think carefully about the method you use.
The safest approach is to use the sewing method to attach patches to fitted hats. This way, you minimise the risk of damaging the hat and get the most durable solution for putting the patch on your fitted hat.
The considerations are similar for other types of hats as well. You should always check the label for guidance on material types and heat exposure warnings:
- Beanie hats: Be advised that stretch materials may be damaged by high heat so a glue or sew-on approach may be best.
- Bucket hats: These are usually made from fairly rugged materials so you can probably use any of the approaches.
- Nordic hats: Similar to a beanie, these knitted hats may not be the best for an iron-on application. The wool may not be ideal for a glue application either.
- Ushanka hats: These thick snow hats contain more than one layer and may not be suitable for patches. Check the label to establish whether any approach would work.
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Creative Ideas for Patch Placement on Hats
Generally speaking, the perfect placement for a hat patch is to put it on the front, in the centre. This will put your patch on full display without making the hat look asymmetrical or uneven. If you choose this idea, it will work well for fitted hats, beanies and more. However, some might think this approach is too obvious and want to do something a little more outside the box with their hat patch. Other ideas for patch placement include:
- Offsetting the patch slightly to one side
- Attaching the patch to the side of the hat
- Placing the patch on the back of the hat
With any of these approaches, the patch will be visible. It will make a statement and perhaps give you a unique look. Bear in mind, however, that placing it front and centre is regarded as the standard approach. Any deviation from is a creative choice so consider it carefully to decide whether the look will work. We sell many different hat patches that can work in any position if you use a little creativity.
How do you maintain and care for your patched hat?
Maintaining your hat is an important part of hat ownership. But you need to take extra care if you have hat patches. If you don’t wear it regularly, it will not need to be washed frequently. But if you do wear it regularly, it is likely to pick up dirt and stains that will require washing. Unfortunately, washing is the biggest threat to your hat patches, so you need to take care. The threat of washing to your hat patch depends mainly on how you attached it:
- Glue-on patches are always likely to detach eventually and warm water will only speed up this process. Hand wash with cold water to maintain the patch for as long as possible.
- Iron-on patches can lose adherence to the hat if exposed to hot water. Other than that, they are quite durable. Again, hand washing in cold water is your best option.
- Sew-on patches are the most durable. They should have no problem being put through the washing machine - just bear in mind the guidance for washing the patch from the manufacturer. Many people turn their hat inside out before putting it in the washing machine.
When you hand wash your hat, be sure to use an appropriate detergent. If the patch needs to be scrubbed, use a gentle cloth or brush to avoid damaging the embroidery. In terms of storage, you can protect your patch by avoiding stuffing the hat into a congested closet or drawer. Instead, hang it or place it on a hat rack so that the patch is not squashed or bent. Follow these tips to maximise the longevity of your hats - our hat patches are sold with guidance on how to protect and maintain them.
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make your custom patchesFrequently Asked Questions About Putting Patch On Hat
How To Put a Patch On a Hat?
In terms of how to put a patch on a hat, they can be attached to hats using glue, heat or sewing.
What Are Different Methods of Attaching Patches to Hats?
The glue method involves using a fabric adhesive to fix the patch in place. The heat application requires an iron that is used to adhere an iron-on patch in place. And the sewing method involves using a sewing machine or hand sewing the patch in position.
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