How do I Iron Patches on a Leather Jacket?

Patches on leather jackets are associated with motorcycle groups.

Iron-on patches have become a popular way for people to advertise an affiliation with a club or brand without the need for sewing. These types of patches are applied by putting the patch on a jacket and heating it with an iron to melt the adhesive. However, this method cannot be used on leather as the heat will cause the material to pucker and weaken. Any patches applied to leather will have to use an alternative method of application. A similar effect can be achieved using adhesives applied without heat.

Things You'll Need

• Leather adhesive
• Chalk
• Paint brush
• Small dish
• Cotton swab
• Paint thinner
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Lay out the jacket on a flat hard surface to make the application easier. Make sure the area where the patch is to be attached has no wrinkles in the leather.

2. Place the patch on the jacket where you would like for it to be applied and trace around it with some chalk or a similar type of marker. Chalk is best as it can easily be removed later.

3. Put some leather adhesive in a small dish then apply the adhesive to the chalked off area using a small paintbrush. Use this method to ensure there are no areas where the glue is applied too thick. Pay special attention to the edge of the chalked off area as this is the most likely place where a patch would start to come off.

4. Apply additional adhesive to the back of the patch itself and lay it over the chalked area to ensure it is exactly within the chalk lines. Press the patch down so it begins to bind with the adhesive.

5. Press down on the patch for a few minutes so the adhesive will bond with the patch and the leather.

6. Remove excess glue that has escaped from the sides of the patch with a cotton swab dipped in paint thinner. Use as little paint thinner as possible and wipe away afterwards with a dry cotton swab. By applying the glue in thin layers this will be avoided as much as possible. This will also remove the chalk outline.

7. Leave the patch to dry on the jacket as per the manufacturer's guidelines on the adhesive.

8. Sew on the corners of the patch using a needle and thread. This will ensure that the patch will not fall off and will add extra support.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the adhesive to make sure it is suitable for leather. Glues not developed for use on leather will most likely have a negative effect on the jacket.

References

• 1 Ferrets Treasures: How To Apply Patches & Appliqués
• Atlanta MSBL: Instructions for the Iron On Patches