Adding Patches To A Backpack

Buying a backpack is typically a long-term investment. Whether you plan to use this bag for school, work, or traveling the world, the aim is to purchase a bag that will last. It’s meant to be something reliable that you pull out of storage when you need to carry a heavy load.

For that reason, people sometimes buy backpacks in plain, solid colors. While picking a bag in a timeless style can help with longevity, after owning it for many years, a plain design can get a little boring. That’s where patches can come in handy. They are a fantastic and easy way to personalize your backpack without buying a whole new bag.


Types of backpack patches

The most common sight in hostels is a traveler with a backpack shrouded in patches. By buying a patch from every city they visit and attaching it to their bag, they can create a portable mosaic of all their journeys.

But there are other ways to use patches to show off your personality. If you’re an avid concert-goer, you can collect a patch from every musical event you’ve been to. If you’re a sports fan, you can showcase that passion with patches as well. You can also add patches of your child’s favorite cartoon characters to their school bag to make going to class more enticing.



How to put patches on a backpack with glue

There are various ways to attach patches to a bag, and glue is the most straightforward. It requires almost no skills and can be done on the go.

In addition, most backpacks are made of nylon, which interacts well with fabric glues. However, you should consider that the adhesive might loosen over time, especially if the bag is exposed to water.


For this method, you’ll need strong fabric glue, a pencil, your patches, and a heavy object.

  1. Decide on the location. Put the patches on the bag and arrange them to your liking. Outline with the pencil a few millimeters behind the edge of the patch so they don’t show while the patch is on.
  2. Apply the glue to the backpack. Spread the fabric glue directly onto the bag, within the parameters of the pencil lines. Fill the entire area, but don’t go over the markings. This way, the glue won’t spill over when you apply the patch.
  3. Position the patch on the glue. Position it gently to ensure it’s in the right location. Then press it down, paying extra attention to push the edges of the patch.
  4. Place a heavy object on top. Put the bag on a flat surface, and position something heavy (like a book) on top. Leave it for at least an hour until it dries.

How to iron on patches on your backpack

Ironing on patches is relatively uncomplicated and is much faster than gluing. But, like glue, it can wear off over time. In addition, since it involves heat, you need to ensure that your backpack can sustain it.

It’s best to select a bag made of non-synthetic material, such as cotton, denim, or polyester.


For this approach, you’ll need a hand-held iron, a pressing cloth, and iron-on patches.

  1. Position the backpack on a flat surface. An ironing board is too soft for this task, so look for something solid and heat-resistant.
  2. Iron the backpack. Before you arrange the patches on the bag, run the iron on the bag. It’ll help the patches stay in position when you iron them on. Ensure that you don’t use steam, only dry heat.
  3. Position the patches on the bag. Place the pressing cloth on top and iron (without steam) in circular motions for approximately 30 seconds. Make sure you get the edges. Wait about a minute, and you’re done.


How to sew patches on a backpack

Sewing is a foolproof way to attach the patches to your backpack. With the previous two methods, there’s a good chance of them detaching. You can also use the first two methods as a first step to make it easier to sew the patch to the right place and make it look neater.

However, if you don’t have an iron or glue, this is how you hand sew a patch, step by step.


Pin the patch to place

To ensure that the patch doesn’t move while you sew, use safety pins to temporarily attach it to the backpack.


Pick your thread

Get a needle and thread, preferably in the same color as your patch, so it doesn’t show. Pull the thread through the needle, cut it, and double-knot it at the end. To make the thread stronger, you can make the knot with the two ends together. This will also ensure it doesn’t come off the needle while you sew.


Start sewing

You can hand sew with a running stitch (also called a straight stitch) or an overcast stitch. Here’s a short explanation of each one:


How to sew a straight stitch

  • to sew a straight stitch
  • To start a running stitch, push the needle from inside the backpack through the patch.
  • Move a few millimeters to the left, and push the needle through the patch back in the bag.
  • Move a few millimeters to the left again, and push it back out.
  • Continue in the same motion, adjusting to the edges of the patch.
  • The result should be a stitch that looks like a horizontal line that breaks up.

How to sew an overcast stitch

  • An overcast stitch is a little fancier than a straight stitch. Start the same, from inside your bag to the patch - a few millimeters away from its edge.
  • Now, move up to the edge of the patch, and insert the needle right above it.
  • From the back, move to the left and insert out and into the patch again.
  • Move up, insert the needle, and continue this way along the patch.
  • The result should be a stitch that looks like a row of vertical lines.

Finish up

When you reach the last stitch, go over it a few times, and add a knot at the back to secure it. Cut off any excess thread and remove the pins.


Start your next patches project

Hopefully, this excited you about putting interesting patches on your backpack and making it your own. Don’t have a backpack that would fit this project? Then it’s time to look for one.