A DIY Backpack Compromise

We’re gearing up for a big milestone around here: LJ is about to start kindergarten!

A few weeks ago we were in Target getting school supplies and had an unexpected meltdown in the backpack aisle. I wanted to buy a backpack that would last all the way through elementary school at a minimum, but LJ saw a Sonic backpack and immediately decided no other backpacks would do.

LJ loves Sonic . . . for now. But what about next year? I wanted to prioritize sustainability and I just know that in a year or two (if not even sooner!) he might be tired of Sonic and want something else. But according to his impassioned pleas as he literally laid his body down in the middle of the aisle in protest, he will always love Sonic forever and pleasemommyIonlywantthisbackpackIpromiseI’llnevergettiredofit. We were at an impasse.

It is important to me that he likes his backpack and feels some level of autonomy in these decisions, so I wanted to try and come up with a solution that worked for us both. And then I had an idea – a DIY idea!

I researched various backpack options and landed on Terra Thread. Their backpacks are high quality, fair trade certified, and sustainably made so that made me happy. I got this backpack in Tidal Blue, which is the color of Sonic, and that made LJ happy. And then, for the final touch . . .

. . . I bought a Sonic iron-on patch! LJ gets Sonic on his backpack, I get well-made, long-lasting quality, and the best part is whenever he does get tired of Sonic, it’s easy to remove. Win, win, win!

I had never used an iron-on patch before and it took just a bit of trial and error, but overall was an easy little project to complete. Here’s what I did:

I initially thought I wanted Sonic in the very center, but ultimately landed on having him stand on top of the logo. I think it seems unexpected and fun there!

Once the patch was exactly where I wanted it, I covered it with a tea towel.

The directions said to use a tea towel and high heat, but I wasn’t exactly sure how high to go so I started on the cotton setting (medium-high) since the backpack is cotton canvas. That was not hot enough and the patch easily peeled off. I truly needed HIGH heat to fully activate the glue and have it adhere properly. I turned it all the way up and placed the iron on top of the tea towel over the patch and pressed firmly for a full 60 seconds.

I also opened up the bookbag and firmly pressed the iron onto the patch from the other side of the fabric for another 60 seconds.

Lastly, I firmly pressed the edges of the patch for 2-3 seconds at a time. This wasn’t in the directions but I think it helped ensure the edges were firmly adhered. My mom suggested throwing in a few stitches (she did live through the 80’s so she’s a patch expert! 😉 ) and I might do that if I notice the edges coming up over time but for now it doesn’t seem necessary.

Voila! A Sonic backpack that will actually grow with LJ. This truly was the best compromise for both of us and he is SO happy with it. He’s already talking about adding other patches like Tails and Mario and honestly, I’m fine with that! He can personalize this with as many patches as he wants and I’m looking forward to how the look will evolve over the years.

Now on to kindergarten!