How to Display Enamel Pins Without Damaging Your Bag
By THESE ARE THINGS® – Enamel Pins • Iron On Patches | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Tips & Care
Learn simple, effective ways to attach enamel pins to your bag without leaving holes or marks. Use rubber backings, pin locks, and placement tricks to keep both pin and bag in great shape.
Quick answer
Use the rubber backing that comes with the pin, choose a fabric area without loose threads, and add a pin lock or a felt patch behind the fabric to prevent the needle from tearing the bag.
Why backing choice matters
The small rubber backing included with most enamel pins does more than keep the pin in place. It creates a barrier between the sharp needle point and your bag's lining, reducing the chance of snags. Without it, the needle can catch on loose threads or weave, eventually creating a visible hole. If the rubber backing feels loose after a few wears, replace it with a locking pin back for extra security.
Placement is just as important as hardware
Avoid attaching pins to very thin or stretchy fabric areas like pocket flaps or mesh. Dense weaves such as denim, canvas, or nylon hold the needle better and hide any tiny puncture marks. If you must use a delicate fabric, place a small square of felt or leather on the inside of the bag behind the pin. The needle passes through the fabric into the felt, which absorbs the pressure and prevents the hole from widening.
Steps to display enamel pins on your bag safely
- Check the fabric weave: Choose a spot on your bag with a tight weave like denim, canvas, or nylon. Avoid mesh, thin linings, or areas with loose threads. A dense weave hides tiny holes and keeps the pin from pulling the fabric.
- Attach the rubber backing firmly: Slide the pin through the fabric, then press the rubber backing onto the needle until it clicks or feels snug. If the backing feels loose, replace it with a metal locking pin back. A loose rubber backing can fall off and let the pin scratch the bag or get lost.
- Reinforce from the inside for delicate bags: For thin or expensive bags, place a small piece of felt, leather, or heavy fabric inside the bag before pushing the pin through. The needle passes into the reinforcement instead of the bag's lining. This extra layer prevents the needle from creating a permanent hole in the lining.
- Rotate pin placement weekly: Move the pin to a slightly different spot each week so the fabric fibers have time to recover. This is especially important on soft leather or coated fabrics. Rotating placement prevents a single area from becoming stretched or permanently marked.
Products mentioned in this guide
- You Wish Pin: The You Wish Pin is a black nickel pin with colored enamel, rubber backing, and measures 1 inch. Its compact size and rubber backing make it ideal for attaching to bags without adding bulk or risking damage to the fabric.
You Wish Pin - Running From My Problems Pin: The Running From My Problems Pin is a black nickel pin with colored enamel, rubber backing, and measures about 1 inch. The rubber backing keeps the pin secure on bags, and the playful design adds personality without compromising the bag's condition.
Running From My Problems Pin - Ally Pin: The Ally Pin from These Are Things is a black nickel pin with colored enamel and includes a rubber backing. It measures about 1 inch. The included rubber backing means you can attach it right away to a bag or jacket without buying extra accessories.
