Maryland State Flag Iron-On Patch

The Maryland state flag, embroidered — and unmistakably the most distinctive flag in any state collection. It is a true heraldic banner of arms, quartering the black-and-gold Calvert arms with the red-and-white Crossland cross, and nothing else in the fifty looks remotely like it.

The collector's centrepiece

If you are building a jacket or a display of state flags, Maryland is the one that breaks the pattern. Almost every other state flag is a seal on blue; this is pure heraldry, high contrast, and busier than anything around it. That argues for giving it a position of its own — a chest panel, or the anchor of a row — rather than burying it mid-sequence where it will fight its neighbours.

Fabrics that take the adhesive

Cotton, cotton blends, denim and cotton canvas. Denim is the most forgiving.

Fabrics that need sewing

Nylon, polyester shells, coated and waterproof outerwear, leather, faux leather and vinyl. Polyester needs a cooler iron, a pressing cloth and a test on a hidden seam.

Application

Iron the area flat, position the patch, cover with a thin cotton cloth, and press with firm steady dry heat. Cool completely before moving the garment. Stitch the border on uniforms and anything washed weekly.

Care

Inside out, cold, gentle, tumble low or hang. No bleach — the white quarters show it first. No fabric softener.

Questions we get

Is the pattern sharp at patch size? The bold quartering is what makes it work; there is no fine linework to lose.

Collecting states? See state flag patches.