Cloth patches are a fun way to add unique design and style to clothes. Right? You’ll see many cartoonish patches on babies’ dresses. Their usage is also common for adult clothing. However, attaching or backing a patch on cloth can be a tedious job. There are different backing of clothing patches, varying in many aspects.
Each patch-backing method offers unique pros and cons. However, they differ from each other in terms of how they attach patches to clothing. Some methods back the patch more firmly than others. In this article, I’ll discuss the various types of patch backing used in apparel.
Overview of Backing of Clothing Patches & its Importance
Before discussing patch backing types, let’s first define what they are.
Backing refers to the coating present on the bottom or underside of the patch. This coating is generally sticky. It helps attach the patch to the clothing. Remember, the backing material remains hidden underneath the patch. Its purpose is to keep the patch firmly attached to the fabric or clothing.
The patch is a piece of fabric attached to clothing to add a touch of style. In the past, it was just an optional thing used for decoration. However, it has become a must for many clothing types. For example, uniforms generally require patching with the name of the person who owns the uniform. You’ll see many shirts with patches in military and police departments.
Attaching the patch to clothing can be very difficult. In this situation, the backing helps attach the patch to clothing. It provides excellent stickiness, which keeps the patch intact for many years. Without backing material, it would have been challenging to attach patches on dresses. Different patch backings offer unique value and performance in the long run.
Diferentes soportes de parches para ropa
As I said earlier, patch-backing methods offer unique value. Some methods are easy to use but less durable. On the other hand, there are parches that are difficult to use but offer a longer-lasting attachment to clothing. These methods also differ in terms of how they stick to the patch. Let’s discuss all the patch-backing methods.
1- Heat Seal Patches (Iron-On Backing)
These patches come with adhesive, which activates upon heating. So, it is first placed on the fabric or clothing. Afterward, you’ll have to press the patch with a hot iron. As a result, the adhesive present on the back of the patch will heat and melt. Therefore, it would adhere to the surface of a fabric, ensuring that patches don’t get removed.
Remember, this heat-seal patch requires ironing, so it is also known as an iron-on backing. This method is straightforward to use; however, it has some longevity issues. Upon washing, the patch can be removed, which is a big drawback. You can use different fabrics, including denim, and this patch would work fine.
2- Pin Patches
As the name indicates, these patches come with a dedicated pin. This pin helps attach the patch to the fabric or clothing. Such patches are very comfortable to use and easily attach to clothing. They don’t need any gluing or sticky material for their attachment to clothing.
The easy fastening and removal of the pins makes these pins very user-friendly. Remember, these pins are sewn onto the backside of the patch. If the patch size is bigger, it can have more than one pin. However, they are a short-term solution for attaching batches to the clothing. You can use these pin patches on any type of fabric.
3- Self-Stick Patches (Peel-and-Stick)
Do you want patches that don’t need pins, glue, or heating? If so, these Self-stick patches are the best solution for you. These patches come with adhesive on their backside. Adhesion is highly sensitive to pressure. The adhesion remains covered with paper backing.
To use this patch, first remove the paper or sheet from its adhesive backing. Once done, place the patch on the desired spot and press it. Due to pressure, the adhesion will create a bond with the clothing. In this way, the patch will be attached to the clothing. However, this bond is not very strong, so the patch may fall off after several weeks of use.
4- Hook and Loop Patches (Velcro Backing)
Do hook-and-loop patches sound more complex and challenging to use? Right, however, they are a bit confusing as they consist of two parts. The first one is a hook, which is attached to the back side of the patch. The second part is a loop, which is sewn on the surface of clothing. Remember, this sewing requires some skill, making this patch less user-friendly.
These hooks and loops are pressed together, and they stick to each other. This patch backing is commonly used on uniforms. You can easily remove and swap out the hook and loop. After some time, the hook and loop lose their grip, which is a disadvantage. So when you press the hook and loop, they stick, but they get removed due to lack of grip. The sewing of loops on clothing is also a tedious task for those less technically inclined.
5- Plastic-Backed Patches
Have you ever noticed that patches start to deform over time? However, these plastic patches don’t undergo such an issue, regardless of how old they become. The reason is that they come with a layer made of thin, fused plastic material. This layer enhances the material’s durability and stiffness.
Are you wondering about the backing of this patch, as it has no glue on the back? These patches are sewn onto clothing using either a machine or manually with a needle and thread. These patches are durable due to the plastic layer and adhere to clothing through sewing. Due to their durability, this patch-backing method is used in sports gear.
6- Unbacked Patches
Unbacked patches are the simplest patches, with no backing material coat on their back. They are plain pieces with basic embroidered or printed designs. These patches are sewn onto the clothes, which is something that makes this option ordinary.
The sewing process is technical and can consume more time during their attachment to the clothing. You can use either hand or machine for sewing and attaching this patch to the cloth. As these patches are sewn, they permanently attach to the clothing. No matter how you wash the fabric or use it roughly, this patch won’t come off.
7- Magnetic Patches
These patches come with a magnet on the backside instead of glue or a hook. This magnet plays a key role in attaching the patch to the cloth. A small magnet remains hidden behind the fabric. When this patch is placed on the fabric, the magnet present on the patch attracts the other magnet located behind the fabric. This results in a strong attraction between two magnets.
So, the patch remains attached to the fabric. Remember, these types of patches are rare, costly, and less practical. As you know, the magnets have weight, which makes these patches less comfortable to wear. You’ll have to use two magnets (one on the patch, the other behind the fabric). Their combined weight will make the patches significantly heavier. It can also damage or weigh down the clothing.
Conclusión
So, which patch backing should you prefer? The answer depends on your needs. You should consider whether you want a patch to be permanent or short-term. I consider heat-seal and pin patches a suitable option for temporary use.
However, if you want a permanent solution, unbacked patches are the way to go. Remember, each patch has its pros and cons. You should consider both the pros and cons of the patch before making a final decision. My best advice would be not to use the magnetic patches. They are heavier and can affect the quality of clothing due to their weight.
