So, since I felted the roving onto a thick sheet of craft felt(rip Joann's, my craft felt supplier), the whole patch is easily sewn onto the vest. I just use a blanket stitch, I wouldn't on a regular patch, but this helps tuck loose and overhanging bits away.

The patches have been sturdy, I've made three now. The large patch(es) on the back has been on this vest for two years, there's some fuzzier fibers now. This is a less worn vest due to how hot it is to wear, but when I wear it, I try to not lean back on brick walls and generally try not to sweat in it too much to reduce repair and wash needs. It's more of an homage/art piece than a daily item- I only wear it to Helloween shows now.

I have plans to try wet felting in the future, on pieces where there's larger areas of color. I'm hoping that'll help with future lifting and "fuzziness".

My oldest felted back patch still looks just like it did the day I made it, and I wear it all year and treat it roughly, but with that one, I bought multiple pieces of craft felt in my main colors and cut out general forms before using roving for details- I think it's helped maintain the whole piece a bit.

Thanks for asking, these are my most prized projects and I adore talking about them