Louisiana State Flag Iron-On Patch

The Louisiana state flag at about 3.5 by 2.5 inches: a white pelican feeding its young — the old heraldic image known as the pelican in her piety — above a ribbon reading Union, Justice and Confidence.

Hybrid print and embroidery, and why

This one is not pure embroidery. A pelican, three chicks, a nest and a motto is far more detail than thread alone can hold at 3.5 inches, so the design uses a hybrid of print and stitching: printed detail where the linework is fine, embroidery where it carries. The result keeps the bird recognisable at a size where a fully stitched version would blur. It also means the surface is smoother than a fully embroidered patch, which some people prefer on a shirt.

Fabrics it bonds to

Cotton, cotton blends, denim and cotton canvas.

Fabrics to sew

Nylon, polyester shells, coated or waterproof fabric, leather, faux leather and vinyl. Uniforms are frequently polyester — sew those, and check placement rules first.

Applying it

Press the area flat, position the patch, cover it with a thin cotton cloth, and apply firm dry heat. Because of the printed detail, keep the iron moving off the patch face and let the cloth take the direct contact. Cool completely before the garment moves.

Care

Inside out, cold, gentle cycle, hang or tumble low. No bleach, no fabric softener. Never iron directly across the face — press from the reverse.

Questions we get

Is the motto readable? Yes, that is what the hybrid construction is for.

More states? State flag patches.