How to Make a Letter Patch

Use bright colors to create letter patches for kids.

Patches can be made in any shape or size using an iron-on backing. The iron-on backing has a peel-off paper on one side and exposed adhesive on the other. Fabric is attached to the exposed adhesive by heating them with an iron. Patches in the shape of letters are a way to personalize items by using a person's initials, or to encourage literacy in smaller children by introducing them to letters early on in life.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Pins
• Fabric
• Wax paper
• Iron-on adhesive backing
• Iron
• Towel

Instructions

1. Draw the shape of the letter onto a piece of paper to make a template.

2. Cut out the paper template.

3. Pin the template to the fabric you want to make a patch out of.

4. Cut the fabric around the template.

5. Put a piece of waxed paper on an ironing board and place the cut-out fabric letter right side down on the wax paper.

6. Cut the iron-on adhesive backing a little larger than the cut-out fabric letter and place over the letter, paper side up.

7. Put a towel over the wax paper, fabric and iron-on adhesive backing and apply pressure using a medium heat for about 45 seconds. Keep the iron moving to avoid scorching the towel. Check carefully that the glue has attached to all areas of the fabric and iron for a little longer if needed.

8. Allow to cool and then trim the edges of the iron-on adhesive backing to match the letter shape.

9. Remove the backing from the letter patch and iron onto your desired location.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not let the hot iron touch the exposed adhesive.

References

• New Mexico State University; Rags to Riches; Susan Wright; 2010
• Cut out and Keep; Iron On Patches