There was a time patching was part of the experience. Just like pumping tires, filling bottles etc.
I used to patch my tubulars - with needle and thread. It does save a bit of money and when you do it right, it works well. But I would screw something up 10% of the time.
I prefer to just get a new tube. If purchased ahead of time they might cost 50% of what they do when you really need them.