When planning my engagement shoot, I knew I wanted my photos to be personal and creative. I wanted to incorporate my future last name and our wedding date on the back of denim jackets. I went to The Salvation Army Thrift Store and purchased three denim jackets for under $20, and personalized them myself using my Cricut Maker machine, iron-on vinyl and peals.

Don’t have a Cricut machine? First, you can use pre-made applique, whether it be letters or emblems. You would put the applique in the position you like on your clothes, then cover the area you intend to iron with a press cloth and iron your applique in a circular motion for about 20 to 30 seconds applying firm pressure. Make sure the iron is on a high setting. If you do not have a press cloth, you can also use parchment or wax paper. Another way to iron on is using a fusible webbing adhesive. This method requires more creativity because you are creating the design yourself. You will need fabric that you do not mind cutting not into to make your applique.

First, draw out your typography or design on white paper, then flip it over and tape it to your window. You want to create a mirror effect; it is important to flip it over. This step is best done in daylight. Once taped, you will hold your fusible webbing adhesive paper against the white paper and trace your design. Be sure to draw on the smooth side and not the bumpy side. The side with the bumps is the glue that will melt when you iron it the fabric. After tracing your design to your adhesive, iron the adhesive to the fabric you are turning into applique.

Be sure to read the instructions of the fusible adhesive, as they all require different amounts of heat. Once that part is complete, you can cut out your design and peel the paper off the back. Measure out where you would like to iron your design on your clothes and place it shiny side down. Place your press cloth or wax paper and Iron it in a circular motion until it is thoroughly stuck. Then voila, you have completed your iron on!

This method is also fantastic if you purchased clothes from the Thrift Store that have a stain or hole you would like to cover.