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Can You Reuse Iron on Patches Full Guide of 2024

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It seems like an endless question: can you reuse those previous iron-on patches? Iron-on patches are a great way to repair clothing that is damaged and needs to be repaired quickly. There are several ways people reuse their iron-on patches.

The first option is to use scissors to cut the old patch before applying a new one. But this method works best if there isn’t too much dust around the hole. That’s because it’s easier for someone else to put an accurate replacement patch in place.

Can you reuse iron-on patches?

Yes, iron on patches are reusable. To reuse them, glue or sew the patches to the other fabric. But it’s challenging to remove the stuck part of the material that we previously attached the patch to.

How do you remove the previous iron-on patch for reuse?

Applying an iron-on patch is one of the easiest things to do. But removing it to reuse it later can be trickier than you think. Here are a few ways to reduce the task.

Method 1: Remove with an iron

Any piece of clothing comes with a tag to represent applicable and inapplicable processes. First, assess your garment and determine whether you can use heat on it.

How much should the heat be? To do this, find an inconspicuous part of the garment. Then use this section to test the effects of heat on it.

Step 1: Place a dish towel in the area you need to test. Then press it down with a preheated iron and let it sit for 15-20 seconds. Then lift the iron and remove the dishcloth. Check for damage. For delicate fabrics, you need to set your iron properly.

Step 2: Go to the area you need have to work on right now. Lay your cloth on a flat surface with the area to work on that will . In addition, you can place a thinner dishcloth or wax paper over this patch. Also make sure you work in a clean place.

It must be free of dust, dirt, and other substances. You don’t want any unnecessary coloring.

Preheat the iron. Do this in the highest position. Press the iron on the dishcloth or wax paper covering the patch. Let it rest for 15-20 seconds.

Lift the iron and remove the rest of the cover. The patch doesn’t always come out the first time you press it.

If you notice the glue and the patch won’t come off, reapply your iron On. In addition, do not exceed the sitting time. Do this in pieces to give the glue more time to weaken.

Step 3: Pull the patch as soon as you notice the adhesive is weaker. Start by lifting the edges. In addition, hold the garment in one hand. Then use the other to peel and lift. Sometimes the edges can be difficult to lift even if the other parts are already loose.

Use tweezers to make it easier. If you are working on a larger patch, you may need to keep repeating the steps.

Method 2: Using Adhesive Remover

Not all adhesive removers are safe in dust. Please consider this when purchasing one. If you don’t know what to choose, settle for orange oil removers.

The glue should penetrate the garment. If you buy large quantities, do them in a spray bottle.

But if you can’t get glue remover, buy rubbing alcohol.

Step 1: You cannot go directly to the uninstall process yet. First, you need to patch the remover in an inconspicuous area of the garment. Therefore, use some cotton balls to dab the glue on the spot.

Let it soak through the spot. If set, rinse it. Make sure there is no bleaching, staining or burning.

Step 2: Use the area that is under the patch. Here you work inside out with the garment. So this is the right section to start the process.

Toss or spray the adhesive remover on the back of your cloth. Use enough and let it soak in. Then let it sleep for a few seconds.

The remove disintegrates the glue. You can lift the patch to make sure it is ready to pull out. If not, add some more remover to the section.

Step 3: Once the remove softens the glue, it’s time to pull it out. Turn the garment right side. Hold it and use the other hand to lift the edge of the patch.

Pull it out when it is soft enough. Some areas are stubborn. But you don’t have to worry much. Repeat the procedure until you can remove the entire patch.

Your glue remover may not work properly even after the first few tries. You can switch to another. And apply the same procedure.

Method 3: Remove Residue

Most patches have a very strong adhesive. Sometimes they leave residue after removing the patch. The area may also have spots. You cannot leave the garment this way.

Wash the garment if you used glue remover on it. Not always, but this can remove all stains and glue.

Step 1: Enter with adhesive remover. Apply a fair amount to the part you need to work on right now. Use your fingers to rub it in. Let it absorb into the area for a minute or two.

Some people don’t have access to adhesive removers but need to work on such issues soon. No worries. You could make your homemade glue glue.

Use two parts regular baking soda to one part coconut oil. Then add a few drops of your favorite orange essential oil.

Disclaimer: it will not work for removal of the iron-on patch of the fabric. But it works well for removing glue stuck to the fabric.

Step 2: Once you remove the fabric glue from the surface, wash your garment as you always would. You can do this in a washing machine or hand wash. For delicate items, the hand soak method is sufficient.

The glue may remain on the fabric. Use a soft brush to remove it. Avoid thorough sanding. Wash the garment again if you brush off the remaining glue.

Do not throw the garment in the dryer. Only do this after you have removed all the stains. Throwing the garment in the dryer before removing all the glue and stains can be a waste. The heat can also make it more difficult.

For stubborn stains, use some white vinegar. First, start with a spot treatment. If all goes well in this step, soak your garment.

If you are working with bleeding clothes, dilute the vinegar with water.

Note: White vinegar is the only recommended product. Using other types of vinegar may or may not work.

How do you reuse your previous iron-on patch?

Now we will explain the simple steps to reuse your old iron-on transfers.

Step 1: delete the old plaster your item by peeling it away. Be careful not to stretch or tear the fabric or leave any glue on the garment.

Step 2: Place a new piece of clothing in front of you with an ironing board behind it so that they are parallel. Place the previously used patch on the new fabric.

Step 3: Fold over a small piece. of dust. Use it to cover both patches. So that they come together and overlap by at least an inch on each side. The smaller piece prevents glue from being released when heated by the iron.

Step 4: Practice express with your hand or other object such as a spoon. Do this with the patch and fabric exposed by the smaller piece. This action prevents the iron from applying too much heat to the surface of your garment, damaging it.

Step 5: Place the iron on medium heat settings over the top of both patches for a few seconds. Wait until you see steam coming out of the fabric.

Step 6: Iron the patch for about 30 seconds. Do this without pressing it or moving the iron over the surface of your garment.

Step 7: After you with this, release the pressure by lifting your hand and let it cool before touching it. If any adhesive residue remains, use a damp towel to wipe it off easily without damaging the fabric.

You can sew in the iron patch if you are unsure about using it alone glue.

How long do iron-on patches last?

On average, a good iron-on patch can last 25 washes. Sure it could be more, but you can’t count on their reliability after 25 washes.

If you want them to last longer, you can choose to wash them in sewing. Sewing these patches in will attach the patch to the garment.

It also allows you to use the garment until the patch frays or comes off.

Should you pre-wash the garment before ironing on the patch?

Not required. But it’s great to make repairs on a clean garment. It ensures that you do not wash the patch more often than you should.

Working on a clean garment also prevents the risk of damage to the patch from the washing machine and dryer.. If you do not wash the garment, use other cleaning methods such as stains to remove dirt. It is relevant when dealing with light spots.

References
  • sewingmachinebuffs.com
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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief of sewingtrip.com, a site dedicated to those passionate about crafting. With years of experience and research under his belt, he sought to create a platform where he could share his knowledge and skills with others who shared his interests.