The Best Iron-On Letter Sets
For those of us who like to customize when we accessorize, iron-on letters are a must-have. Great for a wide variety of projects, these letters can be ironed onto a shirt in a jiffy and actually have a surprising hold. Many options can even be machine-washed after they're applied. If you're in the market for some iron-ons and overwhelmed by the huge selection, don't worry. We've done the research and found the best of the best.
What to Look For
Iron-on letters open up many creative possibilities, so it’s important to consider what kind of projects you plan on using them for before deciding on a set. But we suggest paying special attention to the size of the letters, the quantity included in the set, and the font. Other features, like machine washability, can be nice bonuses, but ultimately these qualities matter most. With that in mind, our favorite pick was SeBeauty’s set of 26 letters. It covers the alphabet and nothing more, but the letters are bold, clear, and machine-washable. It’s a great one-off buy. For anybody who plans on using iron-on letters frequently, though, we recommend Boao’s set of 104 pieces, which offers the alphabet four times over. To learn more about these and the rest of our favorite iron-on letter sets, keep on reading.
SeBeauty Letter Iron On Patches, 26 Pieces
Beautiful and simple
This alphabet set from SeBeauty has everything we look for in iron-on letters and more. The adhesive works wonders to keep a strong hold on a variety of fabrics and surfaces. That means you can put your message on backpacks, t-shirts, denim, and more. And if you want more guarantees, you can also easily sew the patches right on. Each letter is about 2 inches in height, so you can rest assured that your message will be seen with SeBeauty letters to spell it out.
Pros
- Available in a variety of colors, so they’re a great choice for school pride
- The machine-washable cotton material makes sewing on the letters that much easier
- High-quality at a fair price
Cons
- Only the 26 letters of the alphabet, so you’ll have to buy multiple packs if you want to spell out words with repeating letters
Boao Iron-On Letter Patches, 52 Pieces
Clear as could be
Another fantastic overall option, this pick from Boao is worth it for those that need something with a little extra craftsmanship. Each of the 52 letters is made out of non-woven fabrics, so it’s a classic style that you’ll have no problem rocking in the 21st century. They iron on easily and they’re even our top choice for sewing on. Admirers won’t even be able to guess that your garment didn’t come with the letters already affixed. Best of all, these letters are about 2 inches in height, so it’s a good option for anyone looking to stand out in a crowd.
Pros
- Tall letters
- Classic font
- High craftsmanship
Cons
- The glue may not keep its hold after many repeated washings, so you may want to sew them on to be sure
Boao Iron-On Letter Patches, 104 Pieces
Again and again
If you want to spell out words with repeating letters or decorate multiple garments, you’re going to need more than just the regular 26-letter alphabet. That’s where this fantastic value buy from Boao comes in. This 104-piece set has four of each letter and is available in several different color options. Each letter sports the quality craftsmanship we’ve come to expect from Boao as well as an adhesive backing that forms a strong hold.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Easy to iron on
- Cool font with high visibility
Cons
- It’s unlikely you’ll use all the letters so you may end up with a lot of extra, unused letters
Magfolk Iron-On Letter 3/4-Inch, 8 Sheet
The magic hold
We aren’t sure what ingredients Magfolk used to manufacture these iron-on letters, but we’ll be darned if they don’t get the job done. These letters stay in place. Better yet, they are machine-washable, so you don’t have to think twice about tossing your customized garment in with the rest of the laundry. They’re also the perfect size for visibility without being too obnoxious. At 3/4-inches tall, these uppercase letters will be readable from a distance but still leave room for a full word or sentence.
Pros
- The quantity of each letter is based on the frequency of usage, which is pretty nifty
- The adhesive won’t come off in the wash
Cons
- No numbers
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to iron the letters so that they stay on?
Ironing on letters is a simple procedure, but we do have a few tips to make sure you get the best performance out of your purchase. Firstly, the glue has the best hold on cotton. Polyester and wool shirts can burn easily and may even melt under the heat of the iron. Secondly, set your iron to the right setting. If it has a “cotton” setting, this is your best move. Some irons may require a quick web search to find their ideal setting for such a project. Steam and very high heat levels are not recommended.
Finally, practice patience. Each letter may take a thorough ironing of anywhere from thirty seconds to a minute, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Can you wash iron-on letters in the washing machine?
In most cases, the answer is yes. As long as you are using a gentle cycle with cold or tepid water temperature, the letters should stay put. Some are even rated to withstand a drier, but we suggest letting your garment air dry. However, we recommend that you double-check the packaging, as some of these products work best when washed by hand.
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