What can I apply my patch to?

While the adhesive backing on the patch is designed to stick specifically to wearables (including leather) and other fabric materials, you can also place your patches on non-fabric items such as a laptop, phone case, journal, and so on. However, we only recommend applying patches to those items if you are ok with a permanent application. For these kinds of items remember to apply heat with a hair dryer for at least 10-15 minutes to seal the bond. Of course be sure that the item you're applying the patch to can withstand the heat as well! See instructions below for removing patches from fabric items.

Let us know if you tried to apply your patch to a specific item/material and it didn’t adhere properly. While this is extremely rare we want to ensure we rectify any failed patch application experience.

How should I apply my patch?

If applying your patch to a new clothing item be sure to pre-wash the item beforehand (without fabric softener).

Peel off the paper backing behind the patch and lightly apply it onto your preferred item. You can still move the patch around at this point to get the right positioning.

Once the placement is juuuust right apply firm pressure, preferably using a hard object, to all areas of the patch (especially the edges). Pressure is the key factor for a strong bond!

To seal the bond, blow a hair dryer to the backside of the patch through the fabric for 10-15 minutes, or directly onto the patch if on a non-fabric item. For fabric items you can also throw them in the dryer for 15 minutes on low heat to seal the bond.

Wait 72 hours before machine washing and wash separately from other clothing when washing for the first time. Turn patched garment inside out before washing/drying and do not dry on hot setting.

Reach out if you need any help or have questions regarding patch application.

What shouldn't I do with my patches?

Don’t dry clean a garment you’ve attached patches to as the patches will come off during the process (unless you live in Vermont where dry cleaners don’t use PERC solvent).

Do not sew your patch on, the adhesive material will likely gum your sewing machine. Hand-sewing might work but will be a sticky process.

Since applying my patch, the corners have started to come up, what can I do?

If your patch is on a piece of clothing, your best bet is to press the corner(s) down from the backside of the patch, through the garment, and then apply heat from a blow dryer for a few minutes (use caution).

Generally, with some consistent pressure and renewed heat the corners of the patch should stick back down.

If for whatever reason your patch comes off completely during a wash cycle, the cool thing is that you can re-apply it by following these steps -

1) Machine dry the item of clothing and air dry the patch separately

2) Once both the clothing item and patch are dry, re-apply the patch using firm pressure, especially along the edges

3) Blow-dry or throw the item in the dryer on low heat for 15 minutes

What if I want to remove my patch?

The easiest method is to purchase an adhesive remover made especially for patches and follow the product’s instructions. With strong enough pressure you may be able to eventually rip the patches off the material as well. You can then use an adhesive remover to blot away any remaining adhesive on the fabric.

Something was wrong with my patch, can I get a replacement?

We apologize if you received a defective patch and if that was the case we obviously want to make it right. Patches found defective can be returned for a full replacement of the same or similar design, no questions asked. Simply email us (howdy@outpatch.org) with the email you made the purchase with and return your defective patch to the address below. Once received we’ll send you your new patch!

PO Box 198, Tunbridge, 05077, VT