Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

I have attempted to add a one direction badge( I have a cutter) to the icing covering for the cake, this is the same method Paul uses with polka dots on the bow. My problem is that the badge gets flattened and misshapen when I roll it into the icing. any ideas on how to stop this?

Hello booboo64

There’s always going to be slight distortion of any image done in this way. I think I would cut lots of badges out and let them firm up a little before placing them on the covering icing. It wouldn’t hurt to put a tiny bit of tylose or CMC through the paste to help it set. Place the badges on the covering icing and gently run the roller over. Even then I think there will be stretching from the weight of the covering icing when you lift it up on your rolling pin. The badges will also stretch a little when you smooth them all down. Have a practice with a small amount first to see whether it works out.
Another way would be to cover the cake first and then cut out the badges and stick them on to the cake.