Patches will last as long as they are treated properly. They may even last longer than the items you attach them to. There are various factors to consider when you sew on a patch. Patches on uniforms, caps, bags, clothing, etc., can last for decades or even longer if given the right treatment. If the item where your patch is attached is used daily, expect it not to last a very long time, especially when you use it for rough jobs. The kind of material you use for your patch will also define the length of time it will last. Using low-quality materials for your patch will not make it last as long if you use high-quality materials for your patch. The placement of your patch also plays a big factor in its longevity. If the patch is placed on a clothing item that constantly experiences friction, it will surely not last long. A patch on a hat may last for many generations to come as compared to a patch over the knee of a child’s pair of pants which may not even last a year.