Homemade Patches

What You Need:

• Fabric scraps, any color or design
• Fabric scissors
• Permanent marker
• Iron-on fabric adhesive, iron-on fusible web, or iron-on patches
• Iron and ironing board
• Optional: disappearing-ink fabric pen, available at fabric stores

What You Do:

1. Sit down with your child and pick a shape to make the patches in. She can pick a familiar shape like her own initials, or more playful shapes like animals, flowers, or geometric shapes.
2. If you're using iron-on patches, have her simply draw her shape on the patch with a permanent marker. Hand her the scissors and have her cut along the lines, then follow the package directions regarding ironing the patch to her clothes. Voila! A pretty patch to liven up worn-out clothes.
3. If you want to use fabric, have your child choose fabric in a fun pattern she'd like to wear. Have her draw the outline of her chosen shape onto the fabric with a permanent marker or disappearing-ink fabric pen and cut it out.
4. Next, have her cut out pieces of fusible web or fabric adhesive big enough to put on the back of her fabric shape.
5. For fusible web or fabric adhesive, follow the package directions regarding bonding it to fabric. After the fabric has been bonded and cooled or the adhesive has dried, carefully trim away any excess fabric or web with the sewing shears.
6. Sew or fuse the patch to clothing to cover up any holes. Once the patches are in place, your child will be proud of her bold fashion statement and proud of her handiwork!