The Power of Patches
Patches, patches, patches…it’s all we’re talking about in the sustainable fashion world.
Sustainable Fashion Week have spearheaded #Mend it May (check out my Couture Applique Patches in Sustainable Fashion Week shop ) and we were mending in public for Fashion Revolution Week.
When I hosted a Mending Workshop at Yalham Hayes beautiful Cowshed Barn for Fash Rev, there was a wonderful intimacy, about the act of hand sewing and mending in a small group. The conversations revolved around our feelings, as women, time (or our lack of it), the guilt we feel when we take time out of the day, simply for ourselves…and moreover we talking about illness, health, grieving…it was an incredible and fascinating three hours where we not only learnt more about each other, but we learnt about ourselves too.
We left for home feeling MENDED, and a little bit shiny and new.
That’s why I’ve designed my beautiful couture patches. Patches and mending can look a little ‘practical’ and I feel that covering up a stain or an ugly tear, should be celebrated with a BEAUTIFUL patch! It has a story and if soomeone should notice your patch, you should be able to recount the reason why you mended it (and not be ashamed of it). Generally, those marks and scrapes have a funny story - mine DEFINITELY do!
So if you’re one of those lucky people who has one of my unique patches, please do read on on how to apply them to your clothes and how to care for them too.
HOW TO: APPLIQUE PATCHES
If you've been lucky enough to buy one of my exclusive unique couture applique patches from the Manchester Art Gallery Shop, or even from the Sustainable Fashion Week shop, then this is the information you may need.
You may have also recieved one of my
Star Sequin Applique Patch
or even a
Heart Sequin Applique Patch
and this info is relevant too! Please read on…
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How to Iron On Applique and Embroidered Patches
Applique / embroidered patches can be attached onto anything you can iron: shirts, jeans, hats, pants, skirts, etc.
Make your backpack or tote unique! With an iron on design (as this is) you can create a new look instantly. It's soooo easy!
Iron on applique / embroidered patch setting instructions:
Step 1: Set your hand iron at the hottest temperature setting. But remember, DO NOT USE STEAM DURING APPLICATION or it won't adhere to the fabric.
Step 2: Place your applique / embroidered patch in the desired position and place a pressing cloth (such as a handkerchief, sheet or pillowcase fabric) over the top.
Step 3: Press the iron on it for three minutes with as much constant pressure as possible. Move iron lightly back and forth to ensure all corners of patch is applied and does not overheat.
Step 4: Turn the garment inside out and repeat steps two and three.
Step 5: Allow the applique patch to cool down for a minimum of five minutes before checking the glue has adhered.
Step 6: Machine or handsew applique in place (please check the info below on how to care for your unique applique and garment so it'll live on and on).
SMALL PRINT:
Heat seal only to polyester/cotton fabrics. Do not apply to rainwear (waterproof), highly elastic, rayon, nylon or tri-acetate fabrics.
Once applied, applique is permanently attached to garment and is washable, dryable and dry cleanable.
We highly recommend sewing the patch in place. However if unable to sew patches on, please only hand wash garments.
For machine washing, wash on a low heat and turn garment inside-out before washing and drip drying - avoid tumble drying.
**BLOG about me and my patches by BLUE PATCH