Alaska State Flag Iron-On Patch

The Alaska state flag, embroidered at about 3.5 by 2.5 inches: eight gold stars on deep blue — the seven of the Big Dipper plus the North Star. It is one of the few state flags designed by a schoolboy, chosen from a territorial contest in 1927, and one of the very few that would look at home on a jacket even if you had no connection to the state.

Why it works small

Stars on a plain field survive scaling down better than almost anything else. There is no seal, no lettering and no fine linework, so at 3.5 inches the flag reads exactly as it should.

Surfaces that take the adhesive

Cotton, cotton blends, denim and cotton canvas. Denim jackets and cotton totes press most reliably.

Surfaces to sew

Nylon and polyester shells — which covers most cold-weather outerwear, and cold-weather outerwear is exactly where this patch tends to go. Check the label. Coated fabric, leather, faux leather and vinyl also need stitching.

Application

Iron the area flat, position the patch, cover with a thin cotton cloth, and press with firm dry heat. Let it cool all the way down before moving the garment, then stitch the border if it is going on something worn outdoors.

Care

Inside out, cold, gentle, tumble low or hang. No bleach, no softener.

Questions we get

Will it hold on a down jacket? Almost certainly not with an iron — nylon shells need sewing.

More states? State flag patches.