How to Iron on Your Raddish Kids Patches Like a Pro

One of the highlights of opening a new Raddish Kids box is earning that month’s themed patch. Watching your little chef’s apron fill up with colorful culinary badges is a fun record of every box they’ve mastered!

Applying iron-on patches to apron fabric is straightforward, but a few quick tips will ensure they survive the washing machine after messy kitchen time.

What You’ll Need

• Your child’s Raddish Kids apron

• Your monthly Raddish Kids patch

• An iron (no steam!)

• A thin cloth or piece of parchment paper (to protect the embroidered threads)

• A flat, heat-safe surface (an ironing board or a folded bath towel on a table)

Step-by-Step Patch Attachment

1. Prep the Apron Surface: 1 min

Iron out any wrinkles on the apron where you plan to place the patch. Preheating the fabric for 5–10 seconds helps the heat-seal adhesive grip the cotton right away.

2. Position the Patch: 1 min

Place the patch design-side up in your desired spot. Most families start lining them up in rows starting near the chest or along the lower hem of the apron.

3. Cover and Apply Heat: 30–45 seconds

Cover the patch with your press cloth or parchment paper to prevent burning the embroidery. Turn off steam on your iron and set it to Cotton/High. Press down firmly with the iron directly over the patch for 30 to 45 seconds without moving the iron around.

4. Seal from the Back: 30 seconds

Flip the apron over so the backside of the patch area faces up. Press the hot iron firmly onto the back of the fabric for another 30 seconds. Heating from behind melts the adhesive directly into the apron fibers for a long-lasting hold.

5. Cool and Test: 2 min

Let the apron cool completely. Gently test the edge of the patch with your fingernail. If any corner lifts, re-cover with your press cloth and apply firm pressure with the iron for another 15 seconds.

Pro-Tips for Busy Kitchen Families

The Washing Rule: Wait at least 48 hours before washing the apron for the first time so the adhesive cures completely. Always wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, and air dry or tumble dry on low heat to keep the edges crisp.

• No iron? No problem: Fabric glue (like Aleene's OK to Wash It) works well as an iron-free alternative, though heat-setting is always the strongest method.

• For heavy-use aprons: If your junior chef cooks multiple times a week, adding two quick hand-stitches through opposite sides of the patch provides extra security against frequent laundry trips.