How to Iron on Air Force Patches
The Air Force patches on your uniform represent your specific unit, its members, its accomplishments, and its equipment. When attaching patches to your uniform, you must place them in the proper location according to the Air Force's "Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel" manual. Ironing on your Air Force patches is an alternative to sewing. Repairing and adding on new Air Force patches is an easy task if you have the right bonding material and a hot iron. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Safety pins or double-sided tape
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Clean pillowcase
- Fusible webbing
Instructions
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1
Place and pin the specific patch you want to install on your uniform with a safety pin or a strip of double-sided tape. Only work with one patch at a time.
Your "Command Patch" or "U.S. Air Force Shield" goes on the right breast of your uniform; your name tag patch goes on the left breast; your unit patch goes on your right sleeve; your Higher Headquarters, American flag and Morale patches go on your left sleeve. Officers' plastic encased and subdued rank patches go on the shoulders of your uniform.
For the placement of other patches, see the Air Force's "Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel" manual.
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2
Put on uniform and adjust the patch to make sure it is aligned properly.
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3
Remove uniform and lay it to side gently to prevent the patch from coming off.
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4
Plug in iron and set the garment/temperature control to "cotton" or highest temperature setting.
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5
Cut some fusible webbing, left the patch gently and place it on the back of your Air Force patch.
If you used double-sided tape when positioning the patch, leave it in place--it won't hurt the fusible webbing. If you used safety pins, remove them.
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6
Adjust and align the Air Force patch carefully to make sure it is level.
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7
Place the pillowcase on top of the patch.
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8
Press iron down firmly on the pillowcase. Let stand for at least 25 seconds.
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9
Check the bond. If bond is not strong, add some more fusible webbing and repeat Step 9.
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10
Remove iron and pillowcase. Let the garment cool before handling.
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11
Repeat steps for other patches you need to install.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Fusible webbing is available at your local crafts or fabric store. Make sure you use a pillowcase or other clean cloth between the iron and the uniform or garment.
Don't use the steam function on your iron when applying patches. If you smell something burning or another odd smell while applying the iron to the garment, remove iron immediately and check the uniform or garment.
