If it’s a new uniform, make sure to wash and dry once before sewing on the patch, otherwise, the fabric will bunch unevenly under the patch after the first wash and dry cycle.  Many uniforms are made out of cotton. Cotton will usually shrink somewhat after the first wash. If you sew a patch onto your uniform before it has been washed then the fabric under the patch will shrink and pull your patch, bunching it. It is also a good idea to iron the area where the patch is to be placed before starting to sew. Ironing the area will remove any wrinkles. If you sew your patch over wrinkles then your uniform will be permanently wrinkled. Choose a thread that is either the color of the uniform or the color of the edge of the patch.  If you can’t find a thread that’s the same color as either, look for a darker color that’s as close as possible. Darker rather than lighter thread will blend better and not show up as blatantly. You can also get a clear thread to make it less visible. Some patches such as those on military uniforms need to be placed in a specific area.  For example, if you need to sew on an American flag patch you need to place it on the shoulder/bicep area of the sleeve. The flag also needs to be placed so it’s facing the right direction. The American flag should always be positioned so that when the wearer is moving forward, it gives the flag the effect of waving in the wind, moving forward.   Check with your superiors to make sure you are placing patches in the correct places. If you're not very familiar with sewing, you may want to start with a piece of thread no longer than 18 inches (45cm). Longer pieces tend to get tangled and are harder to work with than shorter ones.  Alternatively, you can try not cutting the thread and leaving it on the spool. This will help prevent the thread from getting tangled as well. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about running out of thread and re-threading your needle. Cut any loose threads that are hanging beyond the knot. You should leave a little thread about 1/2” (1cm) long. Leaving just a bit ensures that you don’t accidentally cut the knots. Tuck the thread under the patch.
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One-sentence summary -- Wash, dry, and iron your uniform before you begin. Get a sewing needle and thread. Position the patch in the correct placement. Cut a piece of thread. Cut the ends of the thread.


Think about what you want to do and how long it will take. For example, if you need to plan an outfit and shave your beard, you may only need an hour or so. However, if you want to do makeup and style your hair, you will need as much time as you can get. If you’re on a time crunch, try to do some things ahead of time. For example:  Plan your outfit the day before. Do your hair before you go to work or school. If you dye your hair, touch up your roots a few days in advance. A large part of looking great is being clean. While you shower, complete any other grooming activities, such as shaving your legs, exfoliating your skin, or touching up your roots with hair dye.  Remember to apply deodorant after showering. Other shower grooming activities include:  Conditioning your hair to give it a silky shine Taking a bath to help you relax for the party Scrubbing your skin with a loofah to rub away dead skin After showering, cover your skin with moisturizer to make your skin glow and repair any damaged skin cells.  This step is especially important if you like taking hot showers or if you have recently exfoliated your skin. Additionally, wait thirty minutes after moisturizing to apply any makeup or it may slide off.  If you’ve shaved your legs, moisturize with baby oil to give them a glamorous shine.  If your face is oily, use a special moisturizer for acne-prone skin. For special occasions, consider using a tinted or shimmering moisturizer. If you have long hair, you may need to blow dry it before styling it. If you have short hair, you can let it air dry. If you don’t know how to style your hair, there are many helpful YouTube videos that will teach you how. Alternatively, if you’re attending an especially formal event, consider getting your hair styled professionally.  To straighten your hair, you will need a blow dryer, a brush, a straightening iron, and soft styling spray. If you want to curl your hair, you will need curlers or a curling iron and some setting hairspray. Men can style their hair with pomade or gel for a finished look. If you’re planning on wearing makeup, apply it after your hair is styled. When doing your makeup, apply the foundation first, seal it with a layer of powder, and then add any enhancements such as blush or mascara. You can also enhance particular features on your face. For example:  To highlight your eyes, wear liquid eyeliner. If you want to enhance your lips, wear a bold lipstick. To emphasize smooth skin, wear a high-quality foundation. Everyone looks better with clean nails. If you want to keep it simple, clean the dirt from under your nails with soap and water. Next, trim your nails and file the sharp edge off the ends. If you like using nail polish, choose a bold color that will compliment your makeup and outfit. You can paint your nails at home or visit a nail salon.
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One-sentence summary --
Plan ahead. Take a shower. Moisturize your skin. Fix your hair. Apply any makeup. Groom your nails.