Custom Iron-On Badges
Custom iron-on badges from DTF Owl are small, full-colour printed designs on EU-made PET film, applied to fabric with heat. Used for scout troops, cadet units, school houses, sports teams, and workwear identification. Any design, any colour, from a single badge to hundreds - starting at £2.99 per A5 sheet.
Badges vs Patches - What Is the Difference?
In practice, "badge" and "patch" describe the same physical product. The difference is in how people use the terms. Badges are typically smaller (2-6cm across) and serve an identification or achievement purpose - a scout achievement badge, a school house badge, a sports captain badge. Patches tend to be larger and more decorative - a back patch on a biker jacket, a brand logo on a hoodie.
At DTF Owl, you order the same product regardless of what you call it. Upload your badge design, set the size, and we print it on PET film with heat-activated adhesive. The production process, pricing, and durability are identical to our iron-on patches. The only thing that changes is the size you choose.
What People Use Iron-On Badges For
Scout & Guide Badges
Troop badges, district insignia, event badges, and award markers in full colour. Print crests with fine detail that embroidered badges cannot reproduce.
Cadet Force Badges
Squadron badges, rank insignia, and unit identification for Army Cadets, Sea Cadets, and Air Cadets. Accurate colour matching for regimental crests.
School Uniform Badges
House badges, prefect badges, sports team badges, and school crest badges for blazers, jumpers, and PE kits.
Sports Captain & Club Badges
Captain armbands, club crests, tournament badges, and league patches for football, rugby, cricket, and athletics kits.
Workwear ID Badges
Company logos, department identifiers, and role badges for polo shirts, overalls, hi-vis jackets, and aprons.
Event & Charity Badges
Fundraising badges, memorial badges, awareness badges, and event identification for charity walks, runs, and community events.
Ordering Badges for a Group
If you need badges for a scout troop, school class, or sports team, the most cost-effective approach is to arrange multiple badges on a single sheet using our gang sheet tool. A 31 x 100cm roll sheet can hold dozens of small badges, and you cut them apart yourself after they arrive.
For larger quantities or recurring orders, our bulk ordering page covers volume pricing and repeat-order options.
Iron-On Badges FAQs
What is the difference between an iron-on badge and an iron-on patch?
The terms overlap, but badges are typically smaller (2-6cm) and used for identification or achievement markers - think scout badges, school house badges, or captain badges. Patches tend to be larger and decorative. At DTF Owl, the product is the same: a full-colour print on PET film with heat-activated adhesive. You choose the size and design.
How small can an iron-on badge be?
We can print badges as small as 2cm across with clear, readable detail. Very fine text (below about 6pt) may lose sharpness at that scale, but logos, crests, and icons reproduce well. For tiny badges, a PNG with a transparent background at 300 DPI gives the cleanest result.
Can I fit multiple badges on one sheet?
Yes. Use our gang sheet tool to arrange several badge designs on a single sheet. An A5 sheet (148 x 210mm) at £2.99 can hold a surprising number of small badges. This is the most cost-effective way to order badges for a group.
Will iron-on badges survive school uniform washes?
Yes. Our badges last 50+ washes when applied correctly. School uniforms are typically washed at 30-40°C, which is well within the range our transfers handle. Wash inside-out for maximum longevity.
Can I sew iron-on badges on as well?
Yes. Many people iron the badge on first for a secure bond, then sew around the edges for extra durability. This is especially common for scout and cadet badges on blazers and shirts that see heavy use.
Ready to Order Custom Iron-On Badges?
Upload your badge design, set the size, and get custom iron-on badges delivered to your door. No minimum order. No setup fees.
Start Your Order