Collection: Embroidered Iron On Patches for Tote Bags, Hats & Denim

Embroidered iron on patches are the easiest way to make a canvas tote, denim jacket or ball cap look like nobody else's. Our 130+ designs lean coastal, Southern and a little sassy: oysters and lobsters, espresso martinis, game day footballs, and sayings like "Y'all" and "Stay Salty." Each patch has a heat-activated adhesive backing, so most go on with a household iron in under a minute.

Shop Iron On Patches by Style

• Coastal & Beach Patches (lobsters, oysters, starfish, lighthouses, palm trees and surf sayings like "Salt Water Heals Everything"). Made for beach bags and boat totes.
• Cocktail & Brunch Patches (espresso martinis, Aperol spritz, mimosas, tequila sunrises and Bloody Marys). A favorite for bachelorette party totes and girls' trip gifts.
• Game Day & Football Patches (Game Day patches in red, orange, blue, green and white, plus "Saturdays in the South" and "Touchdowns and Tequila"). Built for stadium bags and tailgate denim.
• Southern & Western Patches ("Y'all," "Yee Haw," "Coastal Cowgirl," "Ain't My First Rodeo," lucky horseshoes and God Bless Texas).
• Funny & Sassy Sayings ("Can't Even," "A Lil Bougie," "Perfection Is Boring," "Do Not Disturb" and more). For when your bag should do the talking.
• Little Icon Patches (sequin cherries, red lips, gold stars, smiley faces, hearts, peaches and daisies). Small enough to cluster three or four together.

The Best Bags for Iron On Patches

Iron on patches bond best to sturdy cotton canvas, which is why a canvas boat tote is the classic place to start. Our Boatkin Bag is a structured canvas boat tote with plenty of flat space for a full patch layout. Looking for something with history? Our vintage L.L. Bean Boat and Totes are heavy canvas classics that take a patch beautifully.

Where to Put Your Patches

Hats are curved and thick, so an iron can't press evenly. Use a few stitches or fabric glue instead.

How to Iron On a Patch: Step by Step

1. Prep the fabric. Lay the item flat on a hard, heat-safe surface and press out any wrinkles.
2. Set your iron. Use the cotton setting with the steam turned off. Moisture keeps the adhesive from bonding.
3. Position and cover. Place the patch face up and cover it with a thin pressing cloth, cotton towel or parchment paper.
4. Press firmly. Hold the iron straight down for 30 seconds. Don't slide it back and forth.
5. Press the back. Turn the item inside out and press over the patch area for 15 seconds.
6. Cool and check. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then test the edges with a fingernail. If an edge lifts, repeat steps 4 and 5 for 10 more seconds.

Iron On Patch FAQs

How do you put an iron on patch on a canvas tote bag?

Turn your iron to the cotton setting with no steam. Place the patch on the tote, cover it with a pressing cloth, and press firmly for 30 seconds. Then press from inside the bag for 15 seconds and let it cool for 5 minutes before you use it.

Why is my iron on patch peeling off?

There are three usual causes: steam was on, the iron didn't press hard enough, or the fabric was synthetic. Press it again through a pressing cloth for 15 seconds. For high-wear spots like straps and pocket edges, a few stitches around the edge will hold it for good.

What fabrics can you iron patches onto?

Iron on patches bond best to cotton canvas, denim, twill and heavy linen. Don't iron onto nylon, polyester or silk, because high heat can melt or scorch them. Sew the patch on or use fabric glue instead.

Can you iron on sequin, glitter or chenille patches?

Yes. Always use a pressing cloth so the iron never touches the sequins, glitter or chenille directly, and press from the back of the fabric when you can.

Do iron on patches stay on in the wash?

Yes, if they're applied well. Turn the item inside out, wash on gentle in cold water and air dry. If an edge loosens over time, a quick press will reactivate the adhesive.

How many patches should I put on a tote bag?

Three to five patches is the sweet spot for most boat totes. Start with one larger patch as the focal point, then add two or three little icons around it. Lay them all out before you iron so you can play with the arrangement.