How To Sew a Patch On a Backpack in Simple Steps

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Last Updated: April 26, 2022

Young adventurers collect patches from different countries and places of the world and attach them onto their backpacks. The patches are reminiscent of their journey, most memories are packed into a few small pieces that will age over time.

It is some sort of a trend to put patches on backpacks these days. People who do not travel also put them on their bags to make them look attractive and pretty.

Sewing the patch and using iron-on patches are the most used methods for putting it on the backpack.

Always choose the best quality backpacks that go with your patches. Keep check of the fabric of the backpack, as not every fabric can be used for iron-on labels. For example, a Jansport backpack or any other fiber or synthetic fabric backpack is delicate, and ironing is not suitable.

Iron-On Patches

It feels easy to put an iron patch on your backpack. But, it takes more effort than that to create the desired effect.

As easy as it looks, it takes more than just skills and adherence to make your bag stand out. Here are the steps that tell how to artistically use iron-on patches:

  1. Understand the fabrics. Iron-on patches can not be used on all types of fabrics, so you need to understand what fabric is in your bag and on which type of fabrics these patches can be used.
  2. Plan the arrangement of the iron-on label. Always plan before where to put your patches and arrange them in the right order, so it does not look bad.
  3. Set the temperature right. The temperature of the iron should be between 280-305 F.
  4. Place a towel over the area. This step is required to avoid wrinkled iron-on labels.
  5. Iron the area. Put the iron on the towel-covered area for 15-20 seconds and move it in a circular motion.
  6. Don’t forget to iron on the other side of the backpack in the same way for 10-15 seconds.

Your backpack patches will come out beautiful if you follow the steps correctly and also let the iron-on label cool down after the procedure. Don’t wash your backpack unnecessarily, and only wash it in cold water to avoid softening the adhesive.

How To Sew Patches On a Backpack?

Even though iron-on patches take less time and effort, some people prefer sewing the patches on the backpack. Even though it’s a tough process, you tend to mess up way less in this one than ironing the patch. A lot of people ask about the procedure of how to sew a patch on a backpack by hand. Here is a proper guide.

1. Select your thread

Select the thread you will use for the patch. You can use it in two ways. You can choose the thread of the opposite color of the patch or use a color or two that is similar to it. Remember to use your creativity and style, choose what you like and how you want your backpack to look.

2. Decide the arrangement of patch before sewing

Remember to plan where to put it before sewing. If you place your patch on a seam or pad area, it will make it even more challenging. If you are using symbols, alphabet, or number patches, always arrange them in the right order.

3. Pin the patch

If the ironing or glue method is not used, pin the patch with a safety pin. Using a pin will help keep it in its place as you continue sewing, making the patch still throughout the process.

4. Prepare the thread

Take a 16-20” thread and join the ends, like folding it in half. Take your needle eye and make sure both ends are significantly shorter by both loose ends. The folded edges should hang more.

5. Start stitching

From the outside of the bag, transfer the needle through the edges of the patch into the backpack. Then pull the needle and thread through the patch. 1” should appear at the top of the loop. It may be necessary to use the finger to push the needle, especially with thick patch. This step can be time-consuming, especially if you are new to sewing.

6. Secure the thread

Push the needle through the remaining visible thread from your first stitch. Tighten the thread and pull the needle along with the thread securely.

7. Stitch the rest of the area

Using an overcast stitch or running stitch, you can carry on with the rest of the patch. Make sure it is stitched properly and is tightly secured.

8. Make an overhand loop

When you are done sewing the patch, a simple overhand loop can be used to complete it. Push the needle from the outside to the inside of the bag, making sure the thread is not that tight. Now insert the needle through the now created loop and move it out of the bag. Then tighten. Loosen and repeat this step 3-4 times.

9. Take out the pin

Once the patch is done, remove the pin, and now it’s ready. You can continue attaching more to your backpack in a similar way.

Other than this, there is also one more stitching technique. You can use the Whip Stitch technique to stitch the patch on your backpack. It is done by grabbing some base of the bag and then a bit of patch, now repeat the technique until you start sewing.

After reaching the last point of the stitch, place the needle twice around the last loop, then pull the needle, and then cut the thread slightly away from the last loop of the thread.

Final Thoughts

Remembering the contrast and color coordination, you should choose the patch for your backpack accordingly. Be more creative and artistic and do it like how you love it because it is your backpack in the end. You can also use golden threads or sparkling threads. If you’re sewing the patch, it will make them pop.

Sewing the patches can be a bit tough, and not everyone can do that, you can use the iron-on labels as it is a more convenient method.