Patch Installation & Care

Installation instructions for The Belt Patch and our 44 Delta Lockpicking Iron-On Patches.

The Belt Patch

Your purchase includes the decorated patch with hook backing and a separate matching soft loop backing piece. The two pieces pull apart so you can remove or swap the patch.

Use an existing loop panel, or sew the included loop backing onto suitable gear. Sewing is our recommended home installation method when your gear has no loop panel. Heat application is an optional method for customers with a suitable heat press and compatible fabric. We do not recommend a household clothes iron for this backing.

If your gear already has a loop panel

  1. Pull the separate loop backing piece off the patch and keep it for another mounting location.
  2. Remove lint from the loop panel on your bag, hat, or other gear.
  3. Position the patch and press firmly across its entire surface, including the corners. No heat or glue is needed.

Recommended home installation: sew on the loop backing

  1. Separate the supplied loop backing from the patch. Place it on your gear with the soft loop surface facing outward.
  2. Hold it in position and sew around its perimeter using small, closely spaced stitches and thread suitable for the fabric. Sew only the loop backing to the gear, not the decorated patch.
  3. Secure the thread ends and press the patch onto the loop backing. The patch can now be removed or swapped.

Keep pockets and linings clear while stitching. Sewing punctures waterproof layers, so use an existing loop panel on waterproof gear.

Optional: heat-press installation

The separate loop backing has heat-activated adhesive. Install this piece on your gear first; the decorated patch then attaches to it and remains removable.

  1. Separate the loop backing from the decorated patch and set the decorated patch aside.
  2. Check the fabric’s care label. Use this method only on fabric that can tolerate 300°F (149°C). Avoid heat-sensitive coatings, waterproof layers, and materials marked “do not iron.”
  3. Place clean, dry fabric on a firm heat-press surface. Remove any adhesive release liner from the loop backing, then position it adhesive-side down with the soft loop surface facing up.
  4. Cover the loop surface with a protective pressing sheet; never place the hot platen directly against the hooks or loops. For a single-platen heat press, use 300°F (149°C) for 50–60 seconds with medium pressure as the adhesive’s published starting setting. These are starting settings, not a guarantee for every fabric; test heat tolerance in an inconspicuous area first and ensure the backing sits flat without seams or zippers underneath.
  5. Let the backing and fabric cool completely without moving them. Gently check that the edges are bonded before attaching the decorated patch.

44 Delta Lockpicking Iron-On Patches

These patches have TPU heat-activated adhesive on the back. There is no clear protective film to peel off.

  1. Prepare: Check that your fabric can tolerate heat. Place clean, dry fabric on a firm, heat-resistant surface. Position the patch adhesive-side down.
  2. Cover: Fully cover the patch with baking parchment (not wax paper), a thin, clean, dry cotton cloth, or a Teflon pressing sheet. Avoid thick towels and synthetic cloth.
  3. Apply heat: For these iron-on patches, the heat-press starting setting is 280°F (138°C) for approximately 16 seconds. Test for compatibility with your fabric and equipment. If using a household iron, turn steam off and apply steady pressure through the cover. Household iron temperatures vary, so the heat-press timing is not an exact household-iron setting.
  4. Cool and check: Let the patch and fabric cool before checking the edges. If necessary, repeat a short press through the protective cover. Never place the hot iron or platen directly against the artwork.

Care

  • The Belt Patch: Remove the patch before washing your gear. Clear lint from the hook-and-loop surfaces to maintain their grip.
  • Both patch products: Gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth and allow to air dry. Avoid soaking, harsh solvents, and abrasive scrubbing.
  • Iron-on patches: If an edge lifts, follow the protected pressing steps above. Check the fabric’s heat tolerance before reheating.