Got patches, but not sure how to display them? In this post, I’ve gathered the best ways to display patches. Patches make wonderful mementos; why not show them off and share them with others?
If you have a patch collection gathering dust and tucked away in a corner at home, check out these awesome patch collection display ideas! Patches take time, energy, and money to accumulate. Be proud and display your favorite patches at home or on your favorite items!
If you are looking for ways to decorate with stickers, or creative displays for pins and buttons, I wrote posts about them!
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Creative Ways To Display Patches
In this list, I’ve gathered creative products and items to put patches on and display your collection. Alongside several ideas, I’ve also selected products I felt had great value for the price. I hope this list gives you some inspiration on ways to display patches.
Best Products To Display Patches
1. Patch Organizer
Looking for creative ideas on how to display patches? If you have multiple patches in your collection, consider displaying them in a patch organizer. Many patch organizers are easy to use and made of materials that patches can easily stick on.
Patch organizer products are one of the ways to display patches. Although they aren’t the most creative thing to put patches on, they do the job. You can find patch organizers in various sizes and colors on Amazon, so I highly recommend finding one that fits your collection.
If your collection consists of mostly velcro-backed patches, I highly recommend using a board patch holder to display your collection. This tactical patch display board from Amazon is great at holding up velcro-backed patches without any additional adhesive (tip: you can use velcro dots for ones that don’t!). Not only is the quality excellent, but it’s also massive!
2. Jacket
A jacket is a creative way to display your favorite patches. I recommend selecting a plain denim jacket, like this trucker jacket from Levi’s (my favorite jacket!). Most jackets look awesome with patches, so try using a jacket you already have before you buy a new one.
Although you might not be able to display your entire patch collection, jackets are a great way to show off your favorites. Try adding patches to the front, back, and shoulders. I recommend taping patches with double-sided tape on your jacket first, before sewing or ironing them on!
3. Patch Display Book
OneTigris Flip-Page Patch Book | Amazon
If you collect patches as mementos, I highly recommend checking out a patch display book. Like the patch organizer above, patch display books work well with velcro-backed patches (you can use velcro dots for that ones that aren’t). These display books are great for people who want to keep their entire collection in one spot.
This item is a creative display idea for people who like to show off their collection with others or keep their collection organized, clean, and portable.
This flip-page patch book from OneTigris has four double-sided pages and a removable metal ring to keep your collection always organized. For people who have a growing collection, you can always add more pages as you collect more patches. This is a great product for people who love organization!
4. Canvas Banner
Canvas banners make excellent displays for pins and buttons. Why not use them for your patch collection? Banners are great ways to display patches as wall art at home!
To attach the patches on the banner, you’ll need to either use an adhesive, velcro tape, iron, or thread and nail. I recommend using a velcro adhesive if you plan to remove or rearrange patches often. Otherwise, this is such a creative patch collection display idea for your home!
This two pack canvas banner set from Amazon is intended to display pins and buttons, but it will also work well for patches. If you are looking for an inexpensive item to put patches on, I highly recommend trying out a wall display banner like that one. You could also DIY your own banner with a fabric of your choice.
5. Backpack
Looking for creative ideas on how to display patches? If you don’t want to put patches on clothes, try placing them on a backpack or daily bag! Attaching your patch collection on a backpack is a great way to show off your patches, as well as, personalize your backpack.
Patches are a great way to decorate an otherwise plain backpack. Some tactical backpacks, like this one from Samurai Tactical, have outer velcro strips for easily patch display.
To display and securely attach patches on a regular backpack, I recommend either ironing or sewing them on. You don’t want them falling off! Since bags are heavily-used and exposed to weather, I would expect your patches to get dirty or worn out overtime. If you don’t mind this, backpacks or other fabric bags are excellent candidates for your patches!
6. Collectible Display Case
Looking for a sophisticated display for your patch collection? Collectible display cases are creative ways to display patches! They are a great place to store and protect your precious items such as pins, brooches, or jewelry. No more dust gathering on your patches!
If you want a fancy item to display your patches on your desk or shelf, try out a glass top display case like this one by Mooca. Most display boxes tend to be small, so use one if you plan to store only a few of your most treasured patches.
The display case from Mooca is absolutely beautiful! The wooden box comes with a glass top lid, sturdy latch, and removable velvet pad. This is an excellent quality display case for the price. It also comes in other wood stains!
7. Caps
Love wearing caps? Caps are one of most creative ways to display patches, because you can transform any plain cap into a stylish piece in your wardrobe. Although caps won’t be able to display an entire patch collection, they are a great way to wear and use one of your favorite patches.
For patches, I highly recommend using UltraKey’s Military Tactical Cap. This unique cap has a built-in velcro holder for easy patch display.
To attach a patch on a regular cap, and iron or sew the patch to front of the cap. Since caps don’t have a flat surface, you’ll need to make sure all edges of the patch are fastened securely onto the cap to prevent any awkward bumps or gaps.
8. Cork Board
Looking for a creative place to put patches on? Why not display your patch collection on a bulletin board at home? A cord board is a great idea to show off a large collection of patches.
You can find cork boards in various sizes and shapes on Amazon or at an office supply store. Compared to other items on the list, you can easily customize a cork board to your liking. Staple a fabric of your choice on the cork board to add a pop of color.
If your cork board doesn’t have a frame, you could even cut the board or add more cork boards to turn it into the shape and size of your choice. To attach patches, trying gluing them on or use a heavy duty double-sided tape (if you don’t prefer the look of pins).
This large bulletin board is excellent for people who need a large surface area to display a huge patch collection. A framed cork board looks more sophisticated, but you can always go for one that is frameless for easier customization. Before buying, I recommend double checking the measurements to make sure you select the right size to fit your entire collection.
9. Mini Patch Board Stand
For people who only have a small collection or just want to display a few of their most favorite patches, I recommend using a mini patch board stand like this one by OneTigris. A patch board stand is similar to a picture frame, but can hold velcro-backed patches up without any additional adhesive.
This is one of the best ways to display patches for people with a small collection. I recommend putting this patch board stand on a desk, shelf, or side table. This is a great way to subtlety incorporate your patches into your home decor.
This mini patch board stand is a great product to gift or use yourself. The picture frame design allows you to show off your patches horizontally or vertically. This patch stand is intended for a tabletop. It doesn’t have a hook to hang on a wall, so if you are looking for a wall display instead, check out the other display ideas for patches from this list.
10. Shadow Box
A shadow box is a creative place to show off and protect a collection of sentimental items. For people who are fond of their patches or want a sophisticated patch display idea, I recommend trying out a shadow box. Shadow boxes come in multiple sizes and colors, so you can find one that works well with your collection. A shadow box is a great idea on how to display patches in your home or office.
You can find decently priced ones on Amazon or from an arts and crafts store. Since larger shadow boxes are more pricey, I recommend using a smaller shadow box to display your favorite patches. To display patches in a shadow box, line the back of the shadow box with a fabric of your choice. Then either sew, iron, glue, or tape the patches securely onto the fabric.
This shadow box by Muzilife is well-crafted and has an elegant touch. It comes in multiple frame colors such as brown, honey, textured gray, walnut, and white. It has hooks on the back for easy wall mounting (although it would also look great standing on a desk or shelf!).
Best Products To Display Patches
- Tactical Patch Display Board
- OneTigris Flip-Page Patch Book
- Samurai Tactical Wakizashi Tactical Backpack
- UltraKey Military Tactical Cap
- OneTigris Mini Patch Board Stand
Tips For Displaying Patches
1. Pick The Adhesive
There are multiple ways to attach patches: gluing, using a double-sided tape, velcro taping, sewing, ironing, etc. Some adhesives are permanent and will leave behind residue if you try to forcefully remove it.
If you think you might remove or rearrange the patches in the future, I recommend going for velcro tape. For clothing and bags, go for either sewing or ironing to prevent patches from falling off. My favorite method is sewing because, although time-consuming, you can easily remove the patches without leaving behind noticeable marks on the patches or clothes.
2. Layout The Patches Before Attaching
For a large patch collection display, layout the patches on the board before attaching. Have a solid idea of where to put patches. It is easier to place and organize the patches to your liking before they are glued or sewed on.
Conclusion: Creative Ways To Display Patches
This post lists several ways to display patches. Some patch display ideas include placing patches on personal items and others on various types of displays.
For people looking for additional creative things to put patches on, I recommend visiting a local arts and crafts store. Since patches look great on most fabrics and canvases, consider what fabric items from the store or at home would look great with patches! Maybe even DIY your own patch display with your favorite fabric patterns!
Patches are fun items to accumulate and collection. However, some people may struggle with what to do with patches. I hope this post gave you some ideas on how to display patches!