How can I mend holes or tears on my backpack?

deuter Rucksäcke and one other contributor

Last updated on October 23, 2024

No estimate

Moderate

Community-Contributed Guide

Introduction

Go to step 1

Your backpack has a hole, a tear, or a worn spot? No problem! You can easily repair or cover these small damages with a patch.

In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to do it yourself. Let’s get started!

Safety Instructions and Disclaimer

Please review deuter’s safety instructions and disclaimer before using this repair guide. The guides on iFixit are for informational purposes only, and using them is at your own risk. Be sure to follow all applicable safety precautions carefully, and seek professional advice if in doubt. deuter accepts no liability for any damage, loss, or injury resulting from the use of the described repair methods.

What you need

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Step 1 Mending holes with a patch

How can I mend holes or tears on my backpack?, Mending holes with a patch: step 1, image 1 of 1

Measure the size of the hole or tear: Measure the length and width of the hole or tear. Make sure to note down the dimensions.

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Step 2

Create a template for the patch: Two templates will be made: one for the inner patch and one for the outer patch.
Determine patch size: The patch can be cut in any shape. It's important that the outer patch is at least 1 cm larger on all sides than the measurements of the hole or tear. The inner patch should be at least 1 cm larger on all sides than the measurements of the outer patch.
Transfer the finished template onto the patch fabric (e.g., using a chalk marker). Do not place the template directly against the fabric edge; instead, leave some space around it. Do not cut the fabric yet! (see Step 3)

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Step 3

Roughly cut out the drawn patch shapes. The fabric piece shown here is cut into a rectangle.
Cut the double-sided fabric adhesive to approximately the same size and shape as the fabric piece, ensuring that both patches are fully covered. (The cutting of the adhesive is not shown here; see Step 4.)

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Step 4

Ironing Step 1: Place the double-sided fabric adhesive with the film side facing the left side of the fabric and iron it on. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the adhesive. Let it cool.
Right and Left Side of the Fabric: The right side is often referred to as the "pretty" or "outer" side. It is usually finished more carefully, has a more appealing texture or pattern, and is used for outer visibility. The left side is the side that will be on the inside after processing.
The double-sided fabric adhesive typically has one side coated with silicone paper (Ironing Step 2) and one film side that is not coated with silicone paper (Ironing Step 1).

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Step 5

Cut out the patch along the drawn lines.

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Step 6

Remove the silicone paper from the cut patch before placing it over the hole or tear in your backpack and ironing it on (see Step 7). Start with the inner patch.

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Step 7

Ironing Step 2 for the inner patch:
Place the inner patch on the inside of the backpack with the adhesive side facing down, centered over the hole or tear. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the fabric adhesive when ironing.
If possible, lay the fabric with the patch flat on your ironing board. If not, use an ironing pad for assistance.
If necessary, place a thin fabric (e.g., a cotton cloth or parchment paper) between the iron and the patch. This fabric will protect both the iron from the adhesive of the patch and the patch itself from direct heat exposure to prevent damage.

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Step 8

Ironing Step 2 for the outer patch:
Place the outer patch on the outside of the backpack with the adhesive side facing down, centered over the hole or tear. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the fabric adhesive when ironing.
If possible, lay the fabric with the patch flat on your ironing board. If not, use an ironing pad for assistance.
If necessary, place a thin fabric (e.g., a cotton cloth or parchment paper) between the iron and the patch. This fabric will protect both the iron from the adhesive of the patch and the patch itself from direct heat exposure to prevent damage.

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Step 9

For better hold, the patch can also be sewn around the edges. This should be done from the right side / outside.
Not all areas of the backpack can be reached with a flatbed sewing machine. If available, this step can be done with a free-arm sewing machine.

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