Ever since I spotted Andrew Bird donning a jacket with light-hued elbow patches, I’ve become somewhat obsessed with wanting to add the playful adornments to my clothes.  Since I didn’t want to toy around with jackets, and my wardrobe mainly consists of crop tops, sweaters and dresses, I landed on tights to alter.  It’s really simple, all you need is some sturdy paper, a brush and some screenprinting ink to make a new Autumn staple. Learn how to add some super cute no-sew knee patches to your tights after the jump.

You’ll need: scissors, a pair of tights (I used thick black knit ones), fabric ink, a paint brush, tape and an iron.

For the template:

Using a manilla folder, or another piece of sturdy paper that ink won’t bleed through, cut an oval out a little bit larger than your knees.

Make the tights:

Try on your tights and mark the area where your knees are with a piece of tape. Grab two scraps of cardboard and put them inside the tights right by where your markings are.  Mix your ink to the color you want, and then put the template over one knee of the tights and paint that area in.  Do the same to the next side.

Depending on the ink you’re using or the color, you might want to apply more than one coat.  When you’re finished painting them, leave the cardboard inside and let the tights dry.

Then, just iron them to set the print and you’re all set!