If the thought of looking just like everyone else drives you crazy, embroidered iron patches can be your best friend! All thanks to its designer, patches provide us with a way to customize our belongings. Otherwise, considering the abundance of mass-produced stuff today – we would all be stuck looking like peas in a pod!
However, have you ever wondered what the roots of this fashion trend are? It couldn’t have just popped up out of nowhere, right? Well, let’s put all your queries to rest today. This article is all about educating you on the fashion history of embroidered iron-on patches!
The True Origins Of Embroidered Iron-On Patches
- Early History Of Embroidery And Its Applications
We all know that embroidery is perhaps the oldest craft for adorning fabrics. But did you know the origins of embroidery can be traced back to 30,000 BC? Sure, it was not at all that popular and readily accessible during that period. But yes, it existed!
Of course, there were no sewing machines back then. So, it goes without saying that embroidered fabrics were only accessible to the rich due to the extensive labor cost of hand embroidery.
- Invention And Development Of Embroidered Iron-On Patches
Would you believe it if I told you that embroidered patches were basically the invention of the poor? Jog your memory and recall every homeless person you have ever seen in a movie. Their typical getup is always torn-up clothes with patches to hide those holes. So yeah, not everything we see in movies is fiction. Sometimes the creators pick up on something that has already happened or been happing in the real world!
But then, the world evolved with the invention of iron. And everyone silently agreed that sewing on the patches was too much work! So, they decided to attach a layer of heat-activated glue behind these appliques and called it a day. That’s how we got custom iron on patches!
- Initial Uses Of Embroidered Patches In Fashion
Believe it or not but iron-on crests were not always a fashion statement. Initially, they were only a part of military wear. Army officers would be given a patch to attach to their uniforms that would denote their name, rank, or unit.
Hence, for years, iron-on emblems were only associated with military fashion. People would affix them to camouflage jackets or bags to feel what it’s like to be in the military!
Fashion Trends And Influences Of Iron-On Patches
- Popularity Peaked In The Mid-20th Century
You may have come across many peace signs, heart, or rainbow patches. But what you don’t know is that these rose to popularity in the 20th century – thanks to the various social movements of that time.
The free-spirited protestors took up the world by storm by standing up for gay rights, feminism, and civil rights. They would wear an iron-on patch with a message in support of whatever social movement they associated themselves with. Even today, many people wear iron-on crests to support unity, social change, and equality,
- Patches As A Form Of Self-Expression And Rebellion
In the modern day, patches serve as a canvas for self-expression. Individuals take them as an opportunity to display their exclusivity and interests via their outfits. You can use patches to declare your love for your favorite movie. Or, you can wear custom patches with the slogan of your favorite political party.
Moreover, unlike other fashion accessories, embroidered emblems don’t restrict your options. Their DIY nature is perhaps a major reason for their popularity. If you can’t find something according to your tastes, you can simply design your own patch.
Also, many people also resort to patches in order to show their rebellion against mass-produced stuff. This allows them to distance themselves from mainstream trends, giving them an opportunity to establish their own style!
- 80s And 90s Fashion
In the 80s and 90s, iron-on patches became really popular in fashion, especially for denim clothes like jackets and jeans. People loved denim during that time as it was a fashion staple back then. With the “do-it-yourself” trend growing, patches allowed people to show off their own style and interests.
Music fans put patches of their favorite bands on their clothes, while others added images of famous characters and movies, bringing back fun memories. Emblems also became a way to say something important, like funny jokes or messages about social issues.
The cool and rebellious streetwear look became renowned, and many famous people and celebrities wore patched denim clothes.
Process Of Attaching Iron-On Patches
In my opinion, the reason iron-on patches continue to be a fashion trend even after so many years is their ease of application. We can have a difference of opinion, of course.
But what I love the most about these appliques is how easy they are to put on. Plus, the process of attaching these patches has seen no alterations ever since their invention! Here’s how simple and easy it is to affix an iron-on patch:
- Switch on the iron. While it heats up, lay out the fabric on a table or iron stand.
- Start by applying gentle heat to the surface where you wish to apply the emblem.
- Now position the crest on the fabric. Make sure it is properly placed, and the alignment is correct.
- Next, conceal the upper/embroidered part of the badge with a pressing cloth. This will protect your patch from damage in case the iron is too hot.
- Finally, apply heat over the area. However, this step requires the most consideration. You want to make sure you apply enough heat to perfectly stick the patch while being careful of not causing damage to the fabric or the patch itself from high temperature.
Additionally, it’s important to apply even pressure throughout, particularly the edges. Otherwise, the cresting will lose its stickiness over time and will come off.
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Final Thoughts: Will Iron-On Patches Ever Make An Exit From The Fashion Industry?
Iron-on patches are a great way to unleash your creativity and experiment with your clothes and accessories. So, as long as they are affordable and people keep preferring customized stuff, I don’t see an end to it.
There are many businesses that offer customized iron-on patches. All you need to do is show them a design, and they will make a patch for it. But what’s even better is that you can easily design your own emblem at home with a few supplies. Hence, if you have not joined the crowd yet, it’s time to hop on the bandwagon!