When we think of embellishing our clothes, backpacks, or any other fashion accessory, let’s not just limit it to embroidered patches. Embroidered patches are handmade with love, but they do not provide such incarnate detail. Designers have turned towards creating a sublimated patch for this purpose.

A sublimated patch uses a dye sublimation process to transfer ink onto fabric. No threads are woven into the fabric to make designs, rather, think of it as a printer to get the job done. Custom sublimated patches allow you to add the detail of another level to the patch. It adds more character and personality to the fashion accessory.

The process of creating a sublimated patch is similar to printing on paper. In this article, we are going to walk you through the process of how to create a sublimated patch.

What do You need?

• Sublimation transfer
• Burlap piece (made of 100% polyester fabric)
• Heat transfer adhesive
• Heat press
• Butcher paper
• Pair of sharp scissor
• Weeding tool
• The fashion accessory of your choice

What to do?

• The process of printing onto the fabric requires some preparation to do beforehand. Cut the heat transfer and sublimation transfer of the same size and shape. Then take your burlap piece and cut it a bit larger than the sublimation transfer.
• Now let’s begin the actual process of printing.
• Firstly, you have to sublimate the pattern or design you need to transfer onto the burlap piece. You have cut it into the size of sublimation transfer earlier.
• For this purpose, y need a heat press. It would enable the sublimation to work effectively. Experts recommend holding the heat press down at a temperature of 385 degrees, for around 45 seconds.
• Remember not to apply too much pressure during the process.
• When you finish with the first step, cover the heat transfer with the piece of butcher paper you have at hand. Take care to not let the heat transfer change its position until the completion of the sublimation process.
• Now, you have to distress the design. Cut a piece of polyester burlap. It can be in any shape or design you prefer over your preferred design. Some like to make it slightly larger than the original design. The larger size helps with the distressing of the design.
• Take anything pointy, like the weeding tool you have at hand. Then you have to start distressing the edges of the burlap pieces. Pull-on its edges with the weeding tool.
• Keep on repeating it unless you reach your desired results.
• After that, use the heat press and transfer the heat transfer adhesive piece onto the fashion accessory of your choice. Some fashion goods like scarves, totes, or hats come with care instructions. Follow these and press hot iron onto the surface. Keep pressed for up to 20 seconds. Then peel off the heat transfer paper.
• Finally, you have to layer the sublimated patch you have just created over the heat transfer 0adhesive on the desired surface. Press it similarly as in the previous step, but repeat it with butcher paper.
• Just go through the edges you distressed earlier to give it a chic look.

Final Word

Creating a sublimated patch is not a difficult task to perform. It is a convenient way to add personality to your clothes, bags, or even stationary. Just pay attention to the details, and you will get the hang of it.