You loved the ice cream elbow patches, so this time we’re making balloons. With back-to-school season approaching, this Cricut project is a quick, fun DIY to personalize a child’s sweater or cardigan. Balloon elbow patches add a playful touch any day of the year—and they’re especially festive for birthdays. Ready to make them?
Supplies:
Cricut Explore or similar cutting machine
Heat-transfer (iron-on) material in your chosen balloon colors
Sweater or cardigan to customize
Embroidery needle and thread in the color you want for the balloon string
Pins
Iron and ironing board
Instructions:
1. Open the balloon project in Cricut Design Space and cut the shapes from your iron-on material following the machine’s guidelines. Once cut, remove the excess iron-on from the clear liner so only the balloon shapes remain. While the machine is cutting, try on the sweater and mark the elbow positions with a pin.
2. Position a balloon (right side up, liner still attached) centered over the pinned spot, then remove the pin.
3. Press the balloon in place with your iron, following the heat-transfer material’s instructions for temperature and timing. Allow it to cool slightly before removing the liner.
4. Stitch the balloon string: Thread your needle with embroidery thread in the color you chose and use a backstitch to sew from the bottom of the balloon down to the cuff of the sweater. Secure the thread with a knot at each end to prevent unraveling.
All photos by Studio DIY
These elbow patches look best when the wearer pretends they’re holding the balloons—silly fashion, elevated.
For more party fashion DIYs, check out other projects on the site.
This post was created in partnership with Cricut™. All content and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that help keep Studio DIY going.