A travel patch is more than just a decorative accessory—it symbolizes the journeys you’ve taken, the places you’ve explored, and the memories you’ve made along the way. The small, colorful patches serve as tangible markers of your adventures for travelers, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a weekend getawayr.
In this article, we will explore four creative and meaningful ways to use travel patches to celebrate your experiences, turning them into cherished keepsakes and enhancing your travel gear.
4 Ways to Use Travel Patches to Celebrate the Adventure
1. Create a Travel Patch Jacket
Creating a travel patch jacket is one of the most popular ways to celebrate your travels with patches. Wearing a travel patch jacket as a statement piece is an excellent way to display your adventure-filled journey. The jacket serves as a wearable scrapbook that grows as you travel.
How to Create a Travel Patch Jacket
Choose the Right Jacket:
It is customary to use denim jackets for travel patches, but you can also use canvas or leather jackets.
Select Your Patches:
Use patches from places you’ve visited or experiences you’ve had. You can use patches from national parks, cities, cultural symbols, or even activity-based patches like hiking and surfing.
Arrange the Patches:
Arrange the patches on your jacket before attaching them. Some people prefer a scattered, random look, while others prefer a more organized grid.
Apply the Patches:
Patches can be attached to the jacket either by hand sewing or using an iron-on adhesive. Sewing is recommended for a permanent attachment, since iron-on patches might come off over time.
Why It Works
When you wear a travel patch jacket, you will be able to tell your stories of your adventures as you wear it again and again. Additionally, it’s a great conversation starter—each patch brings with it a story or memory that you can share with others. It adds a personal touch to your wardrobe and lets you showcase the places that have left their mark.
2. Adorn Your Travel Bags and Luggage
Whether it’s a carry-on, hiking backpack, or even a suitcase, patches can transform your gear into a unique and personalized travel companion.
How to Use Travel Patches on Bags and Luggage
Choose Your Bag:
You can apply travel patches to almost any bag, whether it’s a large suitcase, a small carry-on, a backpack, or a duffel bag.
Select Patches That Reflect Your Journey:
Choose patches that reflect your travels or memorable experiences, such as mountains climbed or beaches visited.
Secure the Patches:
Iron-on patches are easy to apply, but sewing them on will ensure their long-term durability.
Be Creative with Placement:
You can decorate the entire bag or just add patches to specific areas, such as the front pocket, top flap, or sides, depending on your style.
Why It Works
Your luggage will stand out from the rest at airports when you add patches, but it will also add an element of individuality to your luggage. Over time, as you accumulate more patches, your gear will begin to visually represent your entire journey. Each patch represents a chapter of your travel story, and your bags become a living document of your adventures.
3. Frame Your Patches as Wall Art
Framing your patches as wall art is a creative and beautiful way to display them for those who prefer to preserve them without attaching them to clothing or bags. Using this method, you can display your travel patches as a visual representation of your adventures.
How to Frame Your Travel Patches
Choose a Frame:
Make sure the frame you select is large enough to accommodate multiple patches. Deep-set frames or shadow boxes work well, as they let the patches stand out and will not press them flat.
Arrange the Patches:
Put your patches together in a pattern that tells a story or reflects the places you’ve been. You can organize them by country, region, or trip, or you can arrange them randomly.
Mount the Patches:
Patches can be attached to frames using fabric or foam backing. Either sew the patches directly to the backing or use fabric glue.
Display Your Artwork:
The best place to display your framed patch collection is in your living room, hallway, or even a travel-themed room.
Why It Works
When you frame your travel patches, you transform them into works of art, reflecting the places and experiences that have shaped your life. You can keep the memories of your trips alive and display a physical representation of them in your home. As your collection grows, you can keep adding patches to keep your wall art current.
4. Create a Travel Patch Quilt or Blanket
A travel patch quilt or blanket is an ideal way to celebrate your travels if you’re a quilter or want to combine creativity and sentimentality. Your patches can be incorporated into a cozy, functional item that keeps you warm while serving as a constant reminder of the adventures you’ve had by incorporating them into this project.
How to Make a Travel Patch Quilt or Blanket
Select a Base Fabric:
Your base should be a quilt or blanket made of a fabric that will hold the patches securely, such as cotton or polyester.
Choose Patches:
Choose patches that represent places or experiences you want to include in your quilt. Each patch will represent a square or section of your quilt.
Arrange the Patches:
If you prefer a more freeform arrangement, you can arrange the patches in a grid-like arrangement.
Attach the Patches:
After securing the patches to the fabric, you can quilt the entire piece, either by hand or by machine, depending on your skill level.
Complete the Blanket or Quilt:
Be sure to stitch and secure the edges of your quilt or blanket after adding the backing.
Why It Works
Your travel patch quilt or blanket combines the warmth and comfort of a cozy item with the sentimentality of your travels. It’s the perfect way to preserve your memories while also adding a unique and personal touch to your décor. As your travels continue, you can continue to add patches to your quilt, expanding it as you progress.
Conclusion
Creating travel patches is an enjoyable and meaningful way to keep memories of the places you’ve visited alive and to celebrate your adventures. You can incorporate these vibrant symbols of your travels into your life in a number of ways, from creating a travel patch jacket to adorning your luggage and framing your patches as art. Patches serve as reminders of the experiences, people, and cultures you’ve encountered along your journey, whether you wear, display, or even cuddle with them. Make your journey truly memorable by using travel patches to celebrate your adventure.
