How to put patches on a backpack

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The most reliable way to put a patch on a backpack is to sew it on by hand through the outer layer only. Most backpacks are nylon or polyester, which can melt under an iron, so iron-on patches often don't stick properly and can damage the bag. Fabric glue and hook-and-loop panels are good alternatives. What usually goes wrong is ironing a synthetic bag, or sewing straight through the front pocket and the lining so the bag won't open.

What to check first

• The fabric. Look at the label inside the bag or on the maker's website. Most school and hiking backpacks are nylon or polyester. Canvas bags are usually cotton or a cotton blend.
• The care label. Only use heat if the label allows ironing. Many backpacks say not to iron at all, and nylon can melt or go shiny.
• What's behind the spot. Open the pocket or main compartment and feel where your patch will go. You want to reach behind the outer layer without catching padding, a laptop sleeve or a waterproof lining.
• The patch type. Never iron PVC or rubber patches. These usually have a stitching channel round the edge for sewing.

Choosing a method

How to sew a patch on a backpack

1. Empty the bag and open every zip so you can get your hand inside.
2. Position the patch on a flat panel, such as the front pocket, and hold it with fabric clips. Pins can leave holes in coated nylon, so use clips where you can.
3. Check what's underneath. Put your hand inside the pocket behind the patch. If there's a lining, try to sew only through the outer fabric. If you can't avoid the lining, make sure it's only the pocket's own lining and not the back of the pocket too.
4. Thread a strong needle with about 60 cm (2 ft) of polyester thread, doubled and knotted. Polyester copes with rain better than cotton. For thick canvas, use a heavy-duty needle and a thimble.
5. Start from the inside so the knot is hidden, coming up just inside the patch border.
6. Whip stitch round the edge, keeping one hand inside the bag to guide the needle back out without catching the other side. Space stitches about 3 to 5 mm (⅛ to ¼ in) apart.
7. Finish inside with two or three small stitches on the spot and a knot. Trim the thread.

For the full stitch, see how to sew on a patch by hand. A heavy-duty hand sewing needle set helps with thick canvas and webbing.

Nylon and polyester vs canvas

Nylon and polyester are thin and smooth, often with a waterproof coating on the inside. Each needle hole is permanent, so plan your position first and don't unpick and redo stitches more than you need to. If the bag is meant to keep out rain, glue may be better than sewing, because stitch holes can let water through. Some people dab a seam sealer over the inside stitches afterwards.

Canvas is thicker and tougher. It takes stitches well and hides small mistakes. If it's pure cotton canvas and the label allows ironing, an iron-on patch can work: use baking paper between the iron and the patch, and add stitches round the edge for anything that gets heavy use. See how to iron on a patch.

How to glue a patch on a backpack

Glue is useful where you can't reach behind the fabric, such as a padded panel or a sealed pocket.

1. Clean the area with a damp cloth and a little washing-up liquid, then let it dry fully.
2. Use a permanent textile glue that says it bonds nylon or polyester. A washable textile glue suits most bags.
3. Apply a thin layer to the back of the patch, keeping 2 to 3 mm (⅛ in) from the edge.
4. Press it in place and weigh it down with a book, with baking paper between, for as long as the instructions say.
5. Leave it to cure fully before using the bag. Follow the instructions that came with it.

Use solvent glues in a well-ventilated room, with a window open, and keep them away from children. For more on choosing one, see best fabric glue for patches.

Hook and loop patches

Many hiking, travel and tactical backpacks already have a loop (soft side) panel on the front. Patches with a hook (scratchy side) backing press straight on and come off just as easily, so you can swap them.

If your bag doesn't have a panel, you can sew a strip of loop fabric on yourself, using the same method as sewing a patch, through the outer layer only. Then sew or glue a piece of hook fabric to the back of each patch. Sew-on hook and loop is stronger than the self-adhesive kind, which tends to peel off fabric.

Don't

• Don't iron nylon or polyester. It can melt, go shiny or leave a mark, and the patch usually won't hold.
• Don't sew through both sides of a pocket. Keep a hand inside to stop it.
• Don't iron PVC or rubber patches. Sew them through the edge channel or glue them.
• Don't put patches over zips, seams or straps. They won't lie flat and they'll catch.
• Don't use superglue or hot glue. They crack when the bag flexes and can melt synthetics.

Common questions

Can you iron a patch onto a backpack?

Only if it's cotton canvas and the care label allows ironing. Most backpacks are nylon or polyester, which can melt, so sew or glue the patch instead.

How do you sew a patch on a backpack without sewing it shut?

Open the zip and keep one hand inside the pocket behind the patch as you sew. Guide the needle back out each time so it only goes through the outer layer.

What is the best glue for patches on a backpack?

A permanent, flexible textile glue that says it bonds synthetic fabrics. Avoid superglue and hot glue. Let it cure fully before you use the bag.

Will sewing a patch make my backpack leak?

Stitch holes can let in a little water on a waterproof bag. Use glue instead, or seal the inside of the stitches with a seam sealer.

Can I wash a backpack with patches on it?

Sewn patches cope best. Hand wash with a mild detergent where you can and air dry. Keep it out of the tumble dryer, which can loosen glued patches and damage synthetic fabric.

Based on manufacturer instructions and established sewing practice. How we write our guides.