Whether your aesthetics lean toward military chic, crossover vintage, or just about anything in between, patch-decorated clothing is definitely having a moment. This retro trend has been spotted on It girls like Yara Shahidi and in some of the best runway looks from Marc Jacobs, Gucci, and more. Of course, knowing how to iron on patches yourself can save you from the price tag of high-end designs while offering the satisfaction of creating something truly unique. To get started, grab your favorite jacket, jeans, or handbag and follow these four simple tips on how to iron on patches at home.

1. Prep the Iron

To properly affix a patch, be sure to turn up your iron to the highest heat setting. Before you get started, make sure your fabric is a match. Iron-on patches work best with materials like cotton and polyester but can seriously damage fabrics like nylon, rayon, or rain jacket material.

2. Position the Patch

It’s important to choose the perfect position for your patch. Skipping this step can result in your hard work going to waste. If you’re centering the patch, use a measuring tape to ensure it’s in the right spot. For sleeves and lapels, consider pinning the patch in place and checking yourself in the mirror to make sure the patch is upright and in a position you like.

3. Use a Pressing Cloth

To protect both the fabric’s surface and the patch, place a pressing cloth (you can also use a cotton pillowcase or handkerchief) between the patch and the iron. Press the iron downward and hold it in place for 30 to 45 seconds. Be careful not to move the iron around since this can inadvertently shift the position of the patch.

Dritz Pressing Cloth ($8)

4. Flip and Repeat

Once the patch is affixed to the fabric, turn the item of clothing inside out and lay it flat on your ironing board. Position the pressing cloth over the reverse side of the patch and repeat step three. Once the patch is securely attached to the garment, allow it to cool completely before wearing.

Shop Chic Patches

TKPatch Sunflower Flower Granny Chic Retro Boho Embroidered Applique Iron-On Patch ($2)

NiPitShop Beautiful Gold Blue Wild Flowers Pair Floral Boho Embroidered Appliques Iron-On Patches ($10)

Rocking Planet Woman Is Beautiful Flowers Patch ($7)

Zegins Love Sex and Dream Patch ($6)

Zegins Hands Touch the Creation of Women Patch ($7)

Dan Morris Celestial Peace Hand Fingers ($7)

Zegins Long Way Under Starry Night Explore Outdoor Patch ($6)

Zegin Good Luck Hand Symbol Patch ($6)

O’Houlihans Dream Big Iron on or Sew on Embroidery Patch ($8)

TKPatch Have a Nice Day 70s Iron-On Patch ($2)

Rocking Planet Ooh La La Patch ($6)

Now that you know how to iron on patches, see 16 cool patch ideas to customize everything you own.

This story was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.

This article originally appeared on Who What Wear

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