I outfitted the front MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) webbing surface of my backpack with M-Tac’s Morale Patch Boards (3″ square and 4.5″ x 3.5″ rectangle) so that I could swap and change embroidered patches that I sewed hook backing to along the outer border of the patch.
I enjoy displaying patches that mean something to me. Maybe someone else will see them and get a boost. But for myself, it’s carrying a little morale with me wherever I go.
I cut slightly more hook material than needed, positioned the patch on the opposite side of the hooks, sewed around the border of the patch through the hook material, and finally, trimmed the excess hook material.
Unless you’re planning to tape where you’re sewing patches directly to your bag, using hook-and-loop attachments like this will maintain its waterproof/water-resistance.
Pro Tips:
- Verify what you need to attach to your patches (hook or loop backing) before you sew!
- Use a sharp needle of size 2, 3, or 4 as patches are generally heavier fabric and some have thermal heat backing.
- Absent a thimble to help push the needle through the fabric, use the corner of the table, a LEGO brick, or something else sturdy and not easily damaged by the back of the needle pressing into it.
- A cheap travel sewing kit with a few needles (though they might be smaller gauge needles than ideal), different color thread to match the border of your patches, and a needle threader should get you started. But, you can create your own kit with a spool of black thread, a pack of needles, and a thimble.
Dynamic Subspace 