Wondering whether to use a stick and stitch pattern or an iron-on embroidery pattern?
Both are brilliant for transferring designs onto fabric, but they suit different projects, materials, and styles.
In this guide, I’ll explain how each method works, the pros and cons of both, and how to choose the best option for your next embroidery project.
Stick and Stitch Embroidery Patterns
Stick and stitch patterns are printed on a water-soluble stabiliser. You simply cut out your design, peel off the backing paper, stick it onto your fabric, stitch over the design, and then soak it away when you're finished, leaving just your beautiful embroidery.
Pros
- Super easy to apply, just peel and stick
- Works on all fabric colours - including darks and patterned fabrics
- Ideal for tricky fabrics like wool, felt, stretchy clothes, or textured materials
- Dissolves completely in water after stitching
- Beginner-friendly - no ironing needed
Cons
- You’ll need to soak your finished piece in water
- Single-use only
- Not suitable for materials that can’t get wet (like leather or paper)
Iron-On Embroidery Patterns
Iron-on embroidery patterns are heat-transferred directly onto your fabric using an iron. The design stays visible while you stitch, with no washing or soaking needed afterwards.
Pros
- Quick and permanent transfer
- Can be used multiple times (2-5 times depending on your fabric)
- Best for light-coloured fabrics where the design shows up clearly
- Great for smooth fabrics like cotton, linen, or denim
- Perfect for layering - combine multiple patterns to create your own design
- No need to wash or soak your finished embroidery
Cons
- Not suitable for wool, felt, or textured fabrics
- Best on light fabrics, the transfer will not show well on dark materials
- Placement is final - no re-positioning after ironing
- Needs high heat - not suitable for some delicate or synthetic fabrics
Stick and Stitch vs Iron-On: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Stick and Stitch | Iron-On Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Best Fabric Types | Wool, felt, clothes, textured or stretchy fabrics | Cotton, linen, denim, smooth fabrics |
| Fabric Colour | Works on all colours — light or dark | Best on light colours for clear visibility |
| Application | Peel and stick | Transfer using an iron |
| Removal | Dissolves in water | Permanently stays on fabric |
| Reusable? | No — single-use only | Yes - between 2 and 5 times depending on your fabric |
| Best for Beginners? | Yes — easy to apply and stitch | Yes - especially for smooth fabric projects |
| Extra Benefits | Perfect for tricky surfaces like clothes and textured materials | Layer multiple patterns to create your own design |
Which Embroidery Pattern Should I Choose?
The best pattern for you depends on your project:
- Stick and Stitch Patterns — perfect for clothes, wool, felt, dark fabrics, or anything tricky to iron. Brilliant for beginners and for stitching onto textured or stretchy materials.
- Iron-On Patterns — ideal for quick transfers on light-coloured, smooth fabrics like cotton or linen. Great if you want to layer multiple designs together and create something unique.
Explore My Embroidery Patterns
Ready to start stitching? Browse my embroidery patterns and kits designed to make embroidery simple and fun:
