The holiday season ushers in crowds, parties, holiday foods and beverages, bright lights, and plenty of Christmas décor – all of which can be a sensory nightmare for those with autism. The holidays also bring an emotional attachment to friends and family that’s stronger than any other time of the year. That bonding often causes parents to seek out ways to get their autistic child involved.
Costs of autism treatments throughout the year make it difficult for autism families to afford Christmas, particularly decorations; however, embroidered iron-on patches are an inexpensive way to bring a unique twist to the season. Whether you’re looking for a way to introduce your child to the holidays or spark their interest in getting and staying involved, embroidered patches and iron-on appliqués that use your child’s major fascinations can add just the right touch.
How to Pick Out the Right Embroidery Appliqué Designs
When it comes to autistic children simple is always best, so look for appliqués and embroidered patches that do double duty. A single patch that utilizes both your child’s obsession and a Christmas theme, such as a teddy bear dressed up in a Santa Clause outfit or a dog tangled in a string of Christmas lights, will keep your holiday decorating less cluttered and more inviting. If your child is obsessed with trains, try to find a toy train that utilizes the Christmas colors of red and green.
That isn’t always possible, though. So if your child’s favorite colors or interest just won’t combine with a Christmas theme, even by color, always go with what your child would prefer. You can still place a lavender unicorn, an orange giraffe, or a brown and white football within a Christmas setting. The idea isn’t to have everything in your holiday décor match up perfectly, but to help your child find the Christmas spirit within his self.
Where to Find Inexpensive Embroidery Patches
Decorative patches and iron-on appliqués are sold in the sewing supplies section of material stores, general discount stores like Walmart, or anywhere that carries arts and crafts supplies. Cost varies widely, depending on the amount of detail in the patch, and can range from an inexpensive dollar to several dollars each. If cost is not a problem or if you only need a patch or two, it is simpler to find the patch locally, but buying online is also another option:
Laughing Lizards: Located in California, Laughing Lizards has been around since 1989. They offer a wide variety of inexpensive, uniquely embroidered and iron-on appliqués already mentioned above that would make great Christmas decorating ideas. They also have patches for Hanukah, Christian themes, and luxury designs with rhinestones and studs. Prices range from under a dollar to about $12.60 each, with many designs a couple of dollars or less.
Appliqué Buffet: This company is said to have the most life-like decorative patches around. They take pride in their constant search for the best quality the appliqué industry has to give, and offer unique items like dragonflies, ants carrying off a cupcake, and musical notes. Appliqué Buffet also has a special kids’ corner with over 300 designs in that section alone. Most items cost less than five dollars, with the average being about a dollar or two.
Emblem Works: Those who live in the U.S. can order from Emblem Works and get free shipping on all orders as well as fast delivery. Many of the appliqués are small and less detailed, but they offer several varieties of “Merry Christmas” wordings that would add a nice touch to any project. They have over 600 name tags, a great collection of boats, cars, hearts, and even blank patches you can design yourself. Costs are less than two dollars each.
Ideas for Cheap Christmas Decorations
Once you have a set of embroidered iron-on patches, you can begin to think about how to incorporate them into your holiday traditions. Cheap Christmas decorations don’t have to look inexpensive. In fact, if you spend a few pennies more and go with a detailed appliqué, the finished project will look like you paid a lot more. If you’re struggling for ideas, here are a few to get your imagination flowing:
- Place a matching set on your Christmas tablecloth, table runner, and cloth napkins.
- Cut heavy, colored poster board into placemats; attach the appliqué in a corner.
- Tape a couple of “Merry Christmas” wordings to garland or a paper chain; hang around the room.
- Attach with double-sticky tape to lampshades and add a couple of Christmas bows.
- Attach to a homemade fabric wreath with super glue.
- Glue to a heavy piece of construction paper; cut into name holders for Christmas dinner.
- Place on a Christmas stocking and hang on the wall or from the fireplace.
- Glue to a piece of poster board; cut into nametags for a Christmas cookie plate.
- Use to mark December 25 on a Christmas advent calendar.
- Attach to a winter knit hat or red Santa hat.
- Attach to last year’s Christmas cards and hang around a doorway.
- Glue to a Christmas cookie jar, bowl, or special plate.
- Fill a pretty bowl with candy canes and attach an appliqué to some of them.
- Attach to red velvet bows and pin to your curtains.
- Turn pinecones into a Christmas tree and use the appliqué as the tree topper.
- Glue to a heavy piece of poster board, cut into various shapes, and hang on the wall or tree with Christmas ribbon.
There is no end to the number of ways you can use an appliqué to usher in the Christmas spirit. Just remember to let your autistic child’s obsession be your guide. While some appliqués do not come with an iron-on backing, it’s easy to attach embroidery patches with hemming tape, mending tape, or tape made for sew-free pockets. In some cases, double-sided sticky tape or hot glue will work well too. Be careful though. Once you start decorating with appliqués, you might not want to stop.
Vickie Ewell - Vickie has worked with autistic individuals for 9 years. She has celiac disease and specializes in gfcf living.
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