Design Camp: Patch and Badge Making for 11 to 14 year olds

In this one-day workshop, young people will explore how patches and badges can be created from upcycled and dead-stock textiles. They will use their imagination to create unique, one-off print designs to transform their clothes and reflect their personal style and identity.

Patches and badges can serve to decorate garments or communicate a message, whilst having the potential to repair damaged garments.

Working with reused fabrics and pre-made patches from Sadie's studio, participants will hand-paint their own designs before applying them onto fabric using a heat press. They will be able to use heat transfer ink to transfer their designs onto sparkly lurex, and explore simple stencilling methods to create striking metallic foiled prints onto denim.

Throughout the workshop, participants will consider scale, colour and placement of the patches and badges to customise their intended garments. By the end of the session, they will have a selection of unique patches and badges ready to transform their wardrobe. If attendees wish to customise specific garments, they can bring them along and get personalised advice from our knowleagable facilitator.

Learning outcomes:

• Learn about garment customisation possibilities with badges and patches

• Learn two different techniques to transfer hand-printed designs onto textiles

• Considerations for patch design and placement

Please note:

• Participants will be using heat transfer ink throughout the session, so long or flowy sleeves or delicate clothes are not recommended. We will provide aprons to protect clothing for the duration of the session

• This workshop is suitable for young people aged 11 to 14. All participants must be dropped off and picked up by an adult. You can find additional information in the sections below

• Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment

• All equipment and materials will be provided, but participants will need to bring a packed lunch

• All participants must be dropped off and picked up by a parent, carer or responsible adult. A member of our team will greet you on arrival and sign participants in

• We ask all bookers to provide an emergency contact name and number. Please ensure this person is available for the duration of the session

• The workshop content is tailored to a specific age group. Participants outside the advertised age range may find the session less accessible or engaging

• If there’s anything we can do to support your child’s participation, whether around mobility, communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation or anything else, you’re welcome to let us know at checkout. Sharing access needs is entirely optional and helps us prepare the session in the most inclusive way

• This session has capacity for up to 20 participants, led by one or two facilitators, with a typical adult-to-child ratio of 1:10

• If your child receives additional support in their education setting, you are welcome to bring a supporting adult with them at no extra cost. Please note that we are not able to provide one-to-one support ourselves

• If you have any questions or want to discuss specific access requirements, please get in touch with the team at DMAcademy@designmuseum.org

Background image: Courtesy of Sadie Williams archives.