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How to Repair Mesh Backpack Pockets in 3 Easy Steps 

 July 29, 2023

By  Keith Terrell

If you're like most of us, your backpack is your most important item: books, laptop, snacks, and anything else you want to take with you. And while our trusty backpacks can get us through almost anything, they can sometimes be a little fragile and hit a few snags along the way. One common problem is mesh pockets that are torn, ripped, or otherwise damaged.

To repair the mesh pockets of your backpack, you can either use self-adhesive fabric patches or sew up the tears and holes with needle and thread. If neither of these options is practical, it may be best to buy a new bag.

If you've ever faced this problem, you know that finding a replacement can be costly - and that trying to DIY your way out of a jam can seem impossible. But fear not: with a few simple steps, you can repair your mesh pocket and have it back in order in no time!

So let’s get started right away: here’s how to fix your mesh pocket in three easy steps.

Fixing Mesh Backpack Pockets

Torn or ripped mesh pockets are a common problem with backpacks; fortunately, you don’t have to throw them away. With a little patience and a few simple materials, you can fix mesh backpack pockets in three easy steps. Repairing mesh pockets usually involves either patching small holes or securing large tears with stitching and adhesives.

When patching, it is advisable to use small pieces of fabric that match or complement the color of the mesh. Adhesives such as glue or a combination of fabric and liquid adhesive are also often used to patch meshes together.

For stitching, you should use a strong thread, preferably made of synthetic material like nylon or a polyester blend thread. Depending on the size and location of the tear, you may need to remove some parts of your backpack before you start the repair.

Whichever method you choose — patching, sewing or both — a good pair of scissors and tools such as pliers and tweezers are also essential. If you take care to stretch larger sections evenly when patching or sewing, you can greatly improve the overall result as the fabrics will adhere to each other better.

At this stage, you have covered two crucial steps in repairing damaged mesh pockets: patching and stitching. The last step is to identify the damaged areas on the pocket so that optimal positioning can be achieved when applying adhesives or thread.

take a close look at your backpack and mark each damaged area with a fabric pen before proceeding. This will ensure that as little damage as possible is done during the repair and maximize your effort and the result.

Whether you are patching holes or reinforcing larger sections of the fabric, knowing your options for repairing your backpack pocket will undoubtedly give you quick and efficient results. With these considerations in mind, it’s now time to learn how to identify the damaged areas!

Identifying Damaged Areas

Identifying the damaged areas on backpack’s mesh pockets is perhaps the most important step in the process. It is important to properly identify the areas to be repaired before proceeding to ensure that the work is done correctly and safely. If a damaged area is overlooked and not repaired, it can lead to further damage or wear to the pocket, or even cause accidental tears.

When inspecting mesh pockets, look for possible damage to the material, tears, fraying, or weak seams. Also look for loose stitching, holes, or replaced pieces of fabric. These are all signs that a repair is needed.

In addition, inspecting the straps and buckles of the backpack helps to look for other tears or signs of wear that may have been caused by long use as these put more stress on the pocket itself.

In some cases, it may also be helpful to turn the pocket over to get a good look at any possible damaged areas. Although this might mean that you have to reattach the Velcro-fastened parts after the inspection, it will also allow you to examine areas that cannot be seen when the pocket is turned inside out.

Also look to see if the color has faded due to excessive use in the washing machine. If the fabric has been badly worn in this way, it may need to be completely replaced rather than mended.

If you use all these methods together, it should be easy to quickly find any problem spots in the pockets of your backpack. So once you know which areas need to be repaired, you can get down to the business of preparing to patch or sew those problem areas!

Preparing to Patch or Sew

Now that you have identified the damaged areas of your mesh backpack pockets, it is time to prepare for patching or sewing. When repairing a pocket, patches offer an aesthetically pleasing way to repair minor tears and holes. Patches are easy to apply and require little time, making them a practical solution.

However, if the damage to your pocket is more extensive, sewing may be a better choice. Sewing offers more scope and allows you to adjust the size and shape of the different parts of your pocket better than a patch. Sewing is also more durable than patches and results in a longer lasting repair.

The best fabric for patching and sewing depends on the type of mesh material you are working with. If it is particularly delicate, consider using an iron-on adhesive or similar fabric adhesive.

Also consider the color of the thread or type of patch that best matches the existing design of your backpack while providing lasting protection damage.

Now that you have obtained all the additional materials you need for your repair work, it is time to start sewing or patching. Strong stitching and knots will ensure that your backpack stays in good condition for years to come. So pay close attention when you start assembling the parts to repair the pocket of your backpack.

Sewing and Maintaining Seams

Now that you have the necessary materials, it's time to begin sewing or patching the mesh pockets of your backpack. Creating strong seams is crucial in repairing the pocket as it will ensure its structural integrity. There are two main methods you can choose from when creating these seams: sewing by hand or using a sewing machine.

In terms of thermal protection, hand stitching is the way to go as it offers the highest level of heat resistance due to the tight stitches. On the other hand, a sewing machine allows for a much faster production process and ensures uniformity, which improves durability in the long run. Whether you choose hand stitching or a sewing machine is a matter of personal preference.

In any case, regardless of the type of fabric or thread, make sure that all stitches are securely fastened and evenly distributed for optimal strength. This way, you can maximize the durability of your freshly sewn pockets.

After you have made sure that your seams are sturdy and well-made, it's time to move on to the next step -— replacing the zippers on your mesh backpack pockets.

Replacing Zippers

To properly repair mesh backpack pockets, you may need to replace the zipper. This will help prevent your pockets from falling down and the zipper from getting stuck. It’s important that you first buy a new zipper that is exactly the same size as your old one if you are going to replace it completely. When replacing the slider (or bottom part) of the zipper, measure its length and make sure you buy one in the same color for a seamless look.

For stubbornly stuck zippers, it may be cheaper to use tools such as WD-40 or a paperclip instead of buying a replacement. To try this repair method, use a few drops of WD-40 and gently move the slider along the tracks until it comes loose. If you’re using a paper clip, carefully bend it open and pull with it like a needle on one side of the stuck zipper until it moves freely again.

When deciding whether to replace or fix your backpack’s zipper, you should weigh up how much time and effort each option will take — if it’s already corroded or beyond repair, it is best to replace it. On the other hand, if repairs can be made relatively quickly with commercially available tools such as WD-40 or a paper clip, repair is the more economical option.

In any case, it is important for the longevity and safety of your backpack that the zippers are in good condition. Now that we've talked about replacing and repairing zippers, let's move on to the question of which materials are best suited for repairing mesh pockets.

You can repair mesh backpack pockets either by replacing or fixing the zipper. If you replace the zipper, make sure you buy one of the same size and color for a seamless look. For stubbornly stuck zippers, you can use tools such as WD-40 or a paper clip instead of buying a replacement.


Consider how much time and effort each option requires before making a decision. Lastly, consider the materials that are best suited for mesh pocket repair.

Materials for Repairing Pockets

Before you start repairing your pocket, it is important to know what materials you will need in order to fix your mesh backpack pockets. Depending on the type of repair, the materials can vary greatly. However, a general list of items you might need to repair a mesh backpack pocket includes the following:

  • Needle and thread – Use this to either sew back together seams that have come loose or attach new fabrics. Make sure that the needle and thread match the type and color of your fabric as it will show through after sewing.
  • Mesh fabric of similar color and shape – If you want to replace part or all of the fabric on a pocket, you need to match the material exactly for the new piece. Different types of fabric behave differently when sewn or stretched, so if you use something different from what was originally used, it could cause complications in the repair and appearance of the finished product.
  • A plier set – Depending on how many fittings need to be replaced, a plier set may be required as all zippers, buttons, and snaps need pliers to release them from the pocket fabric before they are replaced.
  • Zippers – Depending on how much needs to be replaced, it is important to get new zippers of the same length and shape as the old ones to complete the look.

Whether you are replacing an entire pocket or just repairing a few loose seams, the right materials are always crucial for a good result when repairing your mesh backpack. Before starting the repair work, make sure you have all the materials you need so as not to delay the progress of the repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools do I need to repair a mesh pocket?

To repair a mesh pocket, you need a few basic tools: scissors, needle and thread, and possibly some fabric glue. The scissors are necessary to cut into the edges of the mesh pocket so you can see where you need to make the repairs.

The needle and thread are used to repair tears in the mesh pocket. Depending on the size and shape of the tear, you may need fabric glue to fix the pieces back in place. With just these basic tools, you can successfully repair your mesh pocket!

Are there any special techniques for repairing a mesh pocket?

Yes, there are some special techniques to follow when repairing a mesh pocket. One important step is to use a needle threaded with nylon thread or dental floss to ensure that the pocket is strong and does not unravel easily. Additionally, you can use a fabric patch to strengthen the repair and make it more durable.

If necessary, you can also add some reinforcing fabric behind the mesh to strengthen it. When all repairs are completed, you should work the pocket several times with a steam iron or a medium heat iron to mend frayed edges and achieve a seamless look.

What materials do I need to repair a mesh pocket?

To repair a mesh pocket, you need a piece of sturdy mesh, such as nylon or polyester, a pair of scissors, a needle and thread, either a strong upholstery thread or a normal all-purpose thread, and a seam sealer.

You should also have a ruler, a marking pen, an iron, and an ironing board. With these materials, you can easily follow the three simple steps described in this guide to repair your mesh backpack pocket!

About the author

Keith is a one bag traveler and the owner of Backpacks Global. His go to backpack is the Osprey FarPoint 40.

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