How to Make Your Backpack Look Unique

Add patches and appliqués. Iron-on patches or sew-on appliqués will make your backpack stand out from the crowd. Following the instructions on the back of the package, you can spell your name or add a cool and funky design to make your backpack your own.^[1]

Pin on badges, brooches, or key chains. You might like key chains dangling off your zips (a quite common idea, but never out of style), or you may like neat badges or brooches pinned on to the fabric.

• Choose keychains that show places you've visited.
• Find badges based on your favorite cartoons, shows, bands, or just something you think is cute.

Draw on the fabric. Some paints and pen marks will come out when you wash the backpack.^[2] Use one or several of the following materials, and be sure to draw only on the cloth part of the bag:

• Fabric paint, purchased online or from a craft store
• Colored permanent markers or fabric markers. Make sure the marker is dark enough that you can see it on a backpack.
• If you can find stencils at your local craft store, then you can apply a cool design with the fabric paint, or even glitter glue! Make your own stencil for a unique design.

Cover it in duct tape. You can buy decorative duct tape with all kinds of patterns from craft stores or school supply stores. Wrap it around the handles, cover the whole bag in stripes, or criss-cross strips of tape to make patterns.

• Try combining different thicknesses and patterns for visual interest.
• You can cut out hearts, stars, flowers or alphabet letters from the tape.
• Foam tape works as well.

Decorate with buttons. Buttons can make your backpack a little trip to you-heaven. You can purchase large bags of buttons at thrift stores and craft stores.^[3] Attach them to the backpack with needle and thread or hot glue.

• You can make your own buttons by decorating plastic objects and super-gluing safety pins to the back.

Sew on ribbons. Make a ribbon bow and sew it onto your book bag. Ask a parent or a friend to help if you don't know how to sew.^[4]

Add stick-on objects. Try adding some stick-on eyes, a stick-on nose and a stick-on mouth. Find these and other sturdy, stick-on objects at toy stores, craft stores, and novelty stores.

Braid patterns out of string. Use embroidery floss to make braids and other string attachments that you can hang from zippers or buttons. There are many styles and patterns to explore, including like square knots, loom knits, and fishtail braids.

Tie on pieces of cloth. You can tie pieces of cloth to your zipper tabs; you can emblazon this cloth with prayers, quotes, and any other words or images that you feel represent you. These are individual to you and are very easy to make. Find an old towel or sheet and cut it into strips that are big enough to write on. If the sheet isn't yours, make sure to ask permission.

• Try using men's ties. You can find racks of colorful used ties at many thrift stores, or you can ask your dad for an old tie that he never wears. Glue the ties onto the sides of your backpack, tie them onto the straps, or cut up the fabric to arrange a unique pattern.

Glue on rhinestones or studs. Are you a glam-girl or an edgy rocker? If you have some rhinestones or studs, you can easily apply them to a backpack with fabric glue or hot glue. Be careful when handling hot glue--it can scald your fingers and stick to the skin!

Make a pop-up figure. People will be amazed when you open your backpack to get something, and suddenly all your favorite TV characters and animals pop out at you. You will need to cut out and decorate pieces of paper, fold them, and tape them to the inside of your backpack.

Tape pictures onto the backpack. To make them more permanent, laminate them or cover both sides in clear tape.^[5] Attach them with strong tape or glue. You can also punch a hole in the photo (with scissors, a needle, or a hole-punch) and use a key-ring to attach the picture to a zipper.