Carrying a regular backpack can be a bit of a drag if you love standing out from the crowd. If your bag makes you feel dull and uninspired, it’s time to flair it up with custom patches!
These fabric badges are the ultimate solution to add a splash of creativity and self-expression to your backpacks. Also, they have the power to transform your plain and mundane bag into bold and extraordinary. And if you don’t know your way around patches, don’t worry – we’re here to help you out!
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through three simple and easy ways to put on a custom patch on a backpack. From some essential dos and don’ts to secret tips for always getting it right – we have you covered!
So, get ready to unleash your creativity!
Three Fantastic Methods To Add A Patch Attachment To Your Backpack
Method 1: Use Hot Iron To Attach A Patch
Using a hot iron is, hands down, the easiest way to put a patch on. So, if you’re newly acquainted with these unique appliques, we suggest starting out with this method. But for that, you will have to particularly look for iron-on patches since they are the only ones that have an adhesive attachment at the back.
Once you’ve got your hands on some custom iron on patches NZ for your backpack, gather the supplies. You will need a flat iron, a pressing cloth, and of course – a bag! Here’s a step-by-step guide to attaching a patch using hot iron:
Step 1: Preheat the iron to the maximum temperature. Meanwhile, you can lay the bag flat on the iron stand or any other level, hard surface.
Step 2: Decide on the attachment location and warm up the area using the iron to ensure flawless bonding.
Step 3: Place the patch on the heated-up area and cover it with the pressing cloth. Covering it up with a pressing cloth is essential to ensure the cresting’s design remains unharmed.
Step 4: Once you’re all set, apply heat over the entire area using the iron, ensuring equal pressure throughout. Emphasize more around the edges since that’s where the appliques are more likely to lose their adhesiveness first.
Step 5: Remove the iron and allow the area to cool down. You can start using your customized backpack after the attachment has completely settled!
Dos And Don’ts Of Ironing Patches:
- Ensure the backpack is made up of a non-synthetic material. Otherwise, it will melt or warp under the heat.
- Don’t forget to create a barrier with a pressing cloth between the hot iron and the bag.
- Apply heat on the patch in circular motions to ensure even heating. Repeat the process for at least 45 seconds. No need to rush through it!
- Don’t use a steam iron to attach the patch since it can diminish its stickiness.
Method 2: Sewing The Patch On The Bag
While this method requires some sewing skills, it’s the most practical and durable method for attaching embroidered patches to a backpack. The best part about sew-on motifs is that you only need a thread and a sewing needle to make this work. Here’s how:
Step 1: Begin by deciding on the position and alignment of the patch.
Step 2: Place the patch in the right location and start stitching around the edges.
Step 3: Lock the thread by making a knot at the start and end to ensure the emblem is perfectly in place.
Step 4: Cut the excess length of the thread for a neat, smooth appearance.
Dos And Don’ts Of Sew On Patches:
- Pick a thread that matches the color of the patch. This will make the stitches blend with the inlays’ color theme and save you the hassle of worrying about neatness.
- Don’t start sewing right away. Use some pins to secure the patch in place so it doesn’t move when you start stitching.
- Use a sewing thimble if you’re new to this. It will keep you from getting pricked.
- Don’t cut a small length of thread or you will have to pause midway. Instead, cut at least 30 cm so it can last throughout the process.
Method 3: Using Glue To Put On The Patch
This last method is my favorite! It’s easy, fun, quick, and inexpensive compared to the previous two. Plus, it doesn’t require you to have any skills – great for a first-timer experimenting with their backpack. Refer to the steps below to learn how to attach a patch to a backpack with the help of glue:
Step 1: Buy a good quality fabric glue. You’ll come across a huge variety in the market. But choose the adhesive that strikes the perfect balance between price and effectiveness.
Step 2: Clean the bag to ensure it is dirt-free. Then, place the patch on it to determine the ideal location. For this method, I recommend using custom PVC patches NZ since they adhere well to fabric glues.
Step 3: Use a pen or a marker to make an outline of the patch on the backpack. Try creating the outline a millimeter behind the actual edges. This will be your safety net.
Step 4: Remove the patch and apply glue directly to the bag. Make sure to cover the entire outline generously. Don’t bother spreading it outside the lines since it will only create a mess later on.
Step 5: Put the patch over the glued area and press it lightly to ensure a wrinkle-free coverage. Next, use your hand to smoothen the surface and pop any air bubbles that may have found their way inside.
Step 6: Once it’s properly attached, place a heavy object on top. Leave it there until the glue has fully dried and the patch has completely attached.
Dos And Don’ts Of Using Glue To Bond The Patches:
- Always draw the outline with caution, ensuring you don’t overdo or miss out on something.
- Don’t use a lot of glue. Apply generously but NOT excessively.
- Make sure the glue does not extend beyond the drawn outline, or it will ooze out from behind the patch.
- Avoid water exposure as much as you can to make the attachment last longer.
Conclusion: Which Patch Attachment Method Is The Best?
Congrats on learning three different ways of putting a patch on a backpack. If you’re wondering which of these three methods works the best, remember that there’s no one-size fits all solution. You will need to consider some key factors, like the material of your backpack, the durability you’re after, and the kind of look you want.
So, it’s time to let loose your imagination. Consider this as an opportunity to reflect your inner uniqueness. Get your hands on some customized patches today to make your backpack steal the show!