Simple shapes for spray paint and screen print projects, free to print. You can also make your own patches, or appliqué, out of any scrap fabric. With appliqués, I suggest using a sewing machine on a close satin stitch to make patches and appliqué's that will stay secure.
If you don't have a sewing machine, then try using an iron-on adhesive fabric underneath your patches before you sew the edges. This adhesive fabric is called 'fusible web' and is available at any sewing or craft store.
This star is about 3" big. You can resize it however you like in your paint program and print a few in different sizes. I've used a few of these in a yellow fabric to trail down the leg of a pair of jeans. Use multicolored stars for a
Rainbow Brite effect.
This heart is about 3" large, but can be resized in your favorite paint program. Hearts look cute if sewn sloppily on the breast pocket of a shirt with a contrasting color of thread, or securely stitched to the back pocket of a pair of jeans. Use fabric markers to write in the name of your crush (or husband!) for some playful romance, or hey, draw a jagged crack in it. Black hearts with red fabric paint on them are my personal favorite.
Are you with stupid? Arrow patches come in handy to point out all sorts of obvious things. I have seen them used to scandalously point at body parts, or as a simple decorative tool.
I have used a large rainbow arrow patch and ribbon together to make a firecracker look. Find some glittery ribbon to sew in short strips around the arrow, then add some star buttons. This looks especially cool crawling up the side of a skirt.
The best part about this 3" smiley is that he is really just a circle, and therefore a cinch to sew. Use fabric markers to put in an emoticon face of your choice. My favorite thing to do with this guy is give him a set of horns and a cute little pointed tail. For this I would use black fabric. Add white eyes and a mouth with two little teeth.
A face really has no limits, make a clown or grumpy guy, it's up to you! This patch is rather large, and a good size to add to a hoodie. You can also scale it down in your paint program.
You can finally buy a pro-smoking t-shirt, because with this 'NO' sign, you can cross out anything. Cross out the rival team or that band you hate. Even print your brother's face out on an iron-on, put him on a t-shirt, and cross him out, too. Now you don't have to agree with anybody.
This patch requires some additional sewing because of the cut-outs in the middle. Be sure that this one is laid out nicely on your fabric before you begin to sew to prevent it from bunching in places.
If you ever watched the old Batman TV series, then you know the importance of 'POW!' and 'SOCKO!'. This patch is about 3" long, just big enough to make a statement. Due to all the pointy parts, be careful to secure it all the way around to prevent fraying. I suggest fusible web for this one to keep the points from fraying.
Use a fabric marker to write in your own fight scene, your name, or proclaim your own 'w00t!' words. This is a good one to have in place of a breast pocket or on your thigh. This one can actually be placed underneath the bottom of the arrow patch to create the firecracker look described above.
Pirate crossbones, yin-yangs, bombs, flowers, the cross, ohm symbol and more. These are fun and meaningful symbols that will tell a bit about who you are.
Adding a zodiac symbol to your clothes is a great way to customize. These look great spray painted in various sizes, screen printed to a hoodie, or patched in a fabric that contrasts with your clothing.
After you have your shape printed, you'll need to cut it out and sew it onto your clothing. Take a look at these quick instructions for cutting, placing and hand-sewing your appliqué designs.
