PATCH IDEAS • INSPIRATION • DIY
10 Fresh & Creative Ways to Use Patches
Patches can do far more than decorate a denim jacket. Use them to personalise bags, rescue tired clothes, create gifts, customise uniforms or turn something completely ordinary into something much more you.
One little patch. Lots of possibilities.
Whether you're starting with a ready-made patch from our catalogue or having your own design produced, patches are one of the easiest ways to add colour, personality and texture to something you already own.
Here are ten ideas to get you started — plus a few practical tips so the finished result actually stays put.
PICK YOUR PERSONALITY
Start with a patch you love.
Cute, sparkly, bold, fluffy, weird, wonderful — there are plenty of ways to make something feel more like yours.
UPCYCLE IT
Give old clothes a second personality.
Jackets, jeans, hoodies and overshirts are perfect patch territory. Add one statement design or build up a collection over time.
Patches are especially handy when something still fits perfectly but feels a little tired. Instead of replacing it, customise it.
Denim • hoodies • jeans • overshirts • workwear
MAKE IT PERSONAL
Build a gift that couldn't come off a shelf.
Patch letters and numbers make brilliant personalised gifts. Add initials to a wash bag, spell a name on a tote, mark a birthday year or build a themed patch set around somebody's interests.
For something completely unique, you can also have a custom patch made from your own artwork or idea.
Name + initial + favourite motif = very difficult to accidentally buy twice.
LOOKING FOR THE PATCH FIRST?
Browse hundreds of ready-to-go designs.
Letters, numbers, animals, dinosaurs, flowers, stars, slogans and plenty of wonderfully random things.
HOME, BUT PATCHIER
Add texture to fabric home décor.
Cushions, banners, fabric storage baskets and children's room décor can all become patch canvases.
Just check the material before reaching for the iron. Heat-sensitive fabrics may be much better suited to sewing or another attachment method.
Not every surface is suitable for heat application.
SMALL ITEM, BIG CHANGE
Upgrade bags, hats and accessories.
Tote bags, backpacks, caps, pencil cases and fabric accessories are ideal when you want to experiment without committing to an entire outfit.
Mix finishes too — embroidered, chenille, rhinestone and pearl patches can create completely different looks.
A plain tote or backpack makes an excellent first patch project.
GET THE GROUP MATCHING
Use patches for teams, clubs and events.
Patches can identify staff, mark achievements, celebrate an event or simply make a group feel like a group.
Existing letters and numbers work brilliantly for names, roles and team kits, while custom patches can carry your own club logo, mascot or event artwork.
Teams • clubs • societies • events • staff • campaigns
BEFORE YOU APPLY IT...
Iron-on? Sew-on? Not sure?
The right application method depends on the patch, backing and fabric underneath it. Our Patch Academy explains the options properly.
CRAFT DRAWER MATERIAL
Add patches to creative projects.
Patches can add texture and dimension to textile art, banners, memory projects, display pieces and other mixed-media crafts.
You don't always need to permanently attach them either. Stitching, pins or removable mounting can work beautifully for pieces designed to change over time.
Mix patches with ribbon, fabric, embroidery and appliqué.
TECH, BUT SOFTER
Personalise laptop sleeves and fabric cases.
Laptop sleeves, tablet cases and fabric organisers are much better candidates than applying heat directly to electronic devices or hard plastic cases.
As always, check the material and construction first before choosing your attachment method.
Decorate the fabric sleeve — not the laptop.
THEIR BAG. THEIR RULES.
Let kids personalise clothing and school gear.
Dinosaurs, animals, space, unicorns, names and initials make it easy for children to turn everyday bags and clothes into something recognisably theirs.
Names and initials also make similar school bags much easier to spot.
SEASONAL SWITCH-UP
Give familiar pieces a seasonal makeover.
Halloween jackets, festive bags, themed event outfits and seasonal accessories are an easy excuse to bring out patches that might feel a little excessive in March.
If you want to reuse the base item, consider sewing patches on lightly or using another removable attachment.
One jacket. Different patch theme every season.
THE PRACTICAL ONE
Hide a hole, stain or worn patch of fabric.
Sometimes patches are decorative. Sometimes they're rescuing the favourite hoodie from an unfortunate encounter with paint.
Choose a patch large enough to cover the damaged area properly and make sure the surrounding fabric is still strong enough to support it.
The best cover-ups look like they were always meant to be there.
NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT QUESTION
Which patch should you choose?
Want fluffy chenille? Traditional embroidery? Something flat and detailed? Or are you simply trying to work out whether a patch can be ironed onto your particular item?
That's exactly what the Patch Academy is for.
Explore the Patch AcademyREADY TO PATCH SOMETHING?
Find one you love — or make one nobody else has.
Shop our ready-made catalogue or send us your own artwork and we'll help turn it into a custom patch.