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Installing an Iron-on Patch

Introduction

When you want to fix a hole in a pair of jeans quickly and with a minimum of fuss, go for an iron-on patch. They’re easy to use (like patching a bike inner tube) and durable. Be sure to purchase a patch that’s clearly labeled as an “iron-on."

For replacement parts or further assistance, contact Patagonia Customer Service.

What you need

  1. Installing an Iron-on Patch, Iron-on Patch: step 1, image 1 of 2 Installing an Iron-on Patch, Iron-on Patch: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Examine the damage – cut off any long threads and clean off any debris.

    • Grab your iron-on patch.

    • We are using a contrasting patch for visibility, but you may want something that matches with your jeans or a fun contrasting color.

    Edit

  2. Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 2, image 1 of 3 Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 2, image 2 of 3 Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Preheat your iron according to the recommended settings found on the packaging information included with the patch.

    • Take a scrap of denim and place it inside the pant leg, beneath the hole.

    • This scrap material will keep your patch from sticking the front of your jeans to the back, which would effectively seal the leg opening shut (not a good thing...)

    Edit

  3. Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 3, image 1 of 2 Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Measure the length and width of the hole in your jeans, including any damaged area around the hole.

    • In our case the hole is about 1.5 inches by 2 inches.

    Edit

  5. Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 4, image 1 of 2 Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Add at least a half-inch in both directions to get your final patch measurements.

    • Mark your final patch measurements on the patch with tailor’s chalk.

    Edit

  6. Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 5, image 1 of 2 Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Cut the patch along your marks.

    • Round the corners of the patch, to prevent them from peeling up.

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  7. Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 6, image 1 of 3 Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 6, image 2 of 3 Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Lay your cut patch over the hole and position it where you want it.

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  8. Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 7, image 1 of 2 Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Iron the patch according to the package instructions, usually from between 30-45 seconds. Keep the iron moving and try to apply even heat to the whole patch.

    Edit

  9. Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 8, image 1 of 2 Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Run your finger around the edge of the patch to ensure that all the edges are completely bonded to your jeans.

    Edit

  10. Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 9, image 1 of 3 Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 9, image 2 of 3 Installing an Iron-on Patch: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Turn the pant leg inside out.

    • Gently try and lift the scrap of fabric from the inside of the pant leg.

    • If the scrap comes off, you no longer need it.

    • If the scrap is held firmly in place by the patch, simply trim away the excess fabric from where the scrap is adhered with your scissors, leaving the remaining scrap in place.

    Edit
Conclusion

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Brittany McCrigler

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5 Comments

This is useful, but I hope we can see more. In particular, my kids have many holes in polar fleece pants that they love. You can't do an iron-on patch with fleece (the synthetic fiber can't take the heat), and sewing on a patch doesn't seem like a great idea since the material is stretchier than the patch. Does Patagonia have advice on how to repair these?

Raphael Sperry - Reply

Just a little video I put together how your your step by step procedure in video formats is done Hope it helps https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T9iCnIr5Su...

ristuccia.daniel - Reply

what we men need is some way to fix pockets….. that flimsy stuff wears through in no time…

abrogard - Reply

Instead of a scrap piece of denim, I put another patch on the inside and iron them together.

Ken Eisman - Reply

Nice instructions for patching jeans, but need a video on how to patch a hole in a fleece jacket. Guessing we can't just put a denim patch on fleece material, as ironing would melt the fleece. Would love suggestions.

Thanks!

leslie.herrmann1@gmail.com - Reply

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