Boring clothes, dull accessories, and plain household items don’t stand a chance when embroidered patches come into play. These tiny pieces of stitched art pack a punch of personality and give you full creative freedom.
From street fashion to home décor and everything in between, embroidered patches are no longer just for scouts or bikers, they’ve become the most versatile and artistic add-ons anyone can use.
In this blog, we’ll explore what to do with embroidered patches, where to place them, and how to use them in fresh, inspiring ways. Whether you’re into fun patches for clothes, planning to make patches for bags, or searching for creative ways to display patches, we’ve got every idea stitched together just for you.
Sprucing Up Clothing with Embroidered Patches
Patch Ideas for Jackets and Denim
Jackets and jeans are a timeless playboard for patch ideas. You can create a complete visual story using iron on patch ideas, think travel patches for a backpacker vibe, or music-themed artistic patches for a rock-n-roll edge.
Patch design ideas for clothing include layering different sizes, playing with colours, or arranging patches in a specific shape. Want a standout look? Go bold with oversized custom patches on the back of a denim jacket.
Revamp T-Shirts and Hoodies
If you’re wondering what can I put patches on, start with a basic tee or hoodie. Use embroidered patch ideas to add flair to the chest, sleeve, or even the hem. Ideas for iron on patches here include quotes, initials, or trendy motifs that reflect your mood or message.
Hoodies offer ample space to use custom patch maker skills, add patches to the hood, pocket edges, or sleeves to create an elevated streetwear look.
A look into: Ways For Creating Unique Custom Embroidered Name Patches
Turning Accessories into Glory
What to Put Embroidered Patches On – Bags and Backpacks
Looking for things to put patches on that you carry every day? Tote bags, messenger bags, and backpacks are perfect. These items become conversation starters when you apply creative patches that reflect your personality, think flags, bands, hobbies, or your initials in personalized patches.
Iron on patches ideas for bags:
- Symbols of your favourite destinations
- Icons representing your passions (books, animals, tech)
- Custom logos created via a trusted patch creator
Transform Hats, Caps, and Beanies
If you’ve ever asked what do you put patches on to spice up an outfit with minimal effort, hats and caps are the answer. A single patch on the front of a snapback or a side of a beanie instantly makes it pop.
Choose patch styles that are compact but eye-catching. A classic round logo, a flag, or a quote patch can be enough to amplify a basic hat into a fashion-forward piece.
Touchup to Everyday Items
Decorate Your Phone Case
Want to know what to do with iron on patches without actually ironing them? Slip them between your phone and a transparent phone case. This lets you showcase your patch without any permanent application.
Embroidery patch ideas for phone cases include emojis, abstract designs, or initials. The best part? You can change the patches out whenever you want a new look.
Creative Things to Put Patches On – Keychains and Lanyards
Make your keys or lanyards uniquely yours by attaching mini embroidered patches to them. It’s a subtle, affordable, and stylish way to carry a symbol of your identity every day.
If you’re still pondering what can you put patches on besides fabric, keychains are a clever hack. Just grab a patch, glue or stitch it to a blank tag, and voila, custom swag on the go.
Home Décor Gets a Makeover
What to Put Patches On – Cushions and Pillow Covers
You don’t need to redecorate an entire room. Just sew or iron embroidered patches onto throw pillows or cushions for a custom look. Think fun patches for clothes? Now apply the same style logic to your sofa.
Iron on patch ideas for home décor:
- Floral motifs for a boho vibe
- Monograms for a personal touch
- Pop culture icons for a playful twist
Lampshades and Fabric Art
If you’re into DIY or handmade interiors, lampshades are a unique place to apply creative patches. Use reflective threads or metallic patches to create visual interest under the glow of a lamp.
You can also build your own fabric wall hangings to show off your growing patch collection. It’s one of the most unique ways to display patches plus, it lets you switch out or rearrange pieces whenever you like.
Express Your Story Creatively
Turn Patches into Jewellery
Yes, you read that right. Patches can become wearable art in the form of pendants, earrings, or bracelets. All it takes is a little ingenuity and some basic craft tools.
Things to do with patches here include:
- Framing a mini patch inside a pendant locket
- Creating fabric bangles with stitched-in patches
- Turning oversized patches into brooches or pins
This is a great use of leftover or extra patches you may not want to sew permanently onto clothes.
Unique Ways to Display and Collect Patches
Shadow Boxes and Patch Boards
Ask any seasoned collector and they’ll tell you that the best way to display patches is in shadow boxes. This protects your collection from dust while creating a focal point for any room.
Alternatively, hang a fabric board in your workspace or bedroom. Velcro or pin your patches to it, it’s a flexible, artistic way to show off your collection and rotate patch styles over time.
Customize Event Apparel and Uniforms with Embroidered Patches
What Can You Put Patches On for Events?
Hosting a fundraiser, family reunion, or company retreat? Personalized embroidered patches can instantly unify a group and add a professional touch. Apply them to T-shirts, caps, aprons, or even tote bags for a coordinated yet creative look.
Think custom patches with names, logos, slogans, or event dates. These not only serve as wearable branding but also double as keepsakes. You can even create patches ideas for jackets as limited-edition memorabilia.
Create Branded Workwear
Branded patches are a powerful yet low-cost way to upgrade work uniforms. If you’re running a coffee shop, bookstore, or home services business, use iron on patch ideas or sew-on designs on aprons, hats, or shirts. This creates a polished look without the need for expensive custom printing.
A professional custom patch maker can help translate your logo into a durable, embroidered piece, perfect for promoting your identity wherever your team goes.
Patches as Personalized Gifts and Memorabilia
Creative Patch Ideas for Gifting
Still unsure what to do with patches that you haven’t used? Turn them into unique gifts! Gift a patch collection to a friend who travels, loves fashion, or enjoys handmade art.
You can also:
- Include a patch in a birthday card
- Add patches to a scrapbook
- Give iron-on patches alongside a plain tote or T-shirt for a DIY project
These are thoughtful, budget-friendly gift ideas with a creative edge.
Turn Travel Memories into Patches
If you’ve been wondering what to do with travel patches, try stitching them onto a fabric map, tote bag, or scarf. Travel patches can represent cities visited, festivals attended, or favorite hiking trails conquered.
This creates a patch journey, a living memory stitched in thread. You can even use custom embroidered patches to represent places not typically found in souvenir shops.
Upcycle Old Clothing with Patch Design Ideas
What Can You Put Embroidery Patches On That’s Already in Your Closet?
Don’t toss that old shirt or those worn-out jeans just yet. Patches can cover stains, holes, or fading fabrics while also adding flair. This approach is both sustainable and stylish, giving garments a second life.
Use patches ideas to:
- Cover elbows on jumpers
- Reinforce knees on kids’ trousers
- Add fun graphics to faded tees
By doing this, you’re reducing waste and injecting your wardrobe with personality at the same time.
Incorporating Artistic Patches in DIY Projects
Unique Ways to Display Patches in Crafts
Need ideas for patches in your next craft session? Try integrating patches into handmade bookmarks, fabric journals, or DIY pencil cases. These smaller items offer a lot of room for creativity without requiring advanced sewing skills.
Create personalized patches with initials or inspiring quotes, and apply them using glue or stitching. It’s a great way to experiment with patch placement and test out patch styles on a small scale.
Trending: Top 5 Custom Embroidered Patch Designs You’ll See Everywhere in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Embroidered Patches
What are some things to put Embroidered patches on besides clothes?
Try them on tote bags, caps, lampshades, notebooks, phone cases, lanyards, and even water bottles with adhesive backings.
What is the best way to display Embroidered patches?
Use shadow boxes, patch boards, or fabric banners for display. These options allow you to rotate and reorganize your patch collection while protecting them from wear.
Can I iron on Embroidered patches to any fabric?
Not all fabrics handle heat the same way. Cotton and denim are perfect for iron-ons, but for delicate materials, opt for sew-on or adhesive patches to avoid damage.
What are some unique ways to use travel Embroidered patches?
Create a patch travel map, stitch patches onto a travel backpack, or display them in a framed memory board. Each one marks a place, a memory, and a moment in time.
Where can I get custom embroidered patches made?
For premium, creative, and durable custom patches, work with a professional patch creator or custom patch maker like Patch Makers UK.
Make Your Style Speak with Every Stitch
Your creativity doesn’t have to be confined to paper or screen. With embroidered patches, you can wear your imagination, decorate your space, or personalize everyday items in ways that are meaningful, fun, and entirely unique to you.
At Patch Makers UK, with an array of patch styles including iron-on, sew-on, chenille, woven, and sublimated options, we’re your go-to custom patch maker in the UK. Start creating with Patch Makers UK today, where ideas turn into iconic patches.
