How to Apply Boy Scout Insignia: Patches

The Boy Scouts of America has always prided itself on its use of uniformity to create a sense of pride and belonging to a cohesive unit. The uniform symbolizes a multitude of good traits that scouting hopes to instill in its young men: personal fitness, character development, good citizenship and developed skills. Like the military, specific placement guidelines are used for any insignia that is affixed to the uniform. Once you have referenced the official placement guideline, you can attach any patches to the uniform in several different ways. It really just depends on your own comfort level with your craft skills.

Sewing on Boy Scout Patch With a Sewing Machine

• 1

  Thread the sewing machine with clear or coordinating thread.

• 2

  Lay the uniform out flat, and referencing the official guide, place the insignia onto the uniform in the proper area and pin in place.

• 3

  Stitch around the edge of the patch, leaving the pin inserted to make sure the patch stays in place.

• 4

  Remove the pin(s) after finishing stitching around the patch.

Hand Sewing on a Boy Scout Patch

• 1

  Refer to the official guide for placement of the patch

• 2

  Pin the patch into the proper place.

• 3

  Thread the needle with clear or coordinating thread.

• 4

  Stitch around the outer edge of the patch.

• 5

  Remove pin.

Gluing Patches onto a Boy Scout Uniform

• 1

  Read all instructions for the use of fabric glue. Follow all of the manufacturers directions. Following the official guide, place the patches in the proper area and carefully glue them in place.

• 2

  Tear a small piece of masking tape, larger than the actual patch, and place it across the patch while it is drying. This will ensure that the patch will not move out of place.

• 3

  Remove the masking tape when the patch is completely dry

Ironing On Boy Scout Insignia

• 1

  Place the uniform onto the ironing board or the protected surface so that the area you are ironing is facing up.

• 2

  Turn your iron onto the appropriate heat setting. Most Boy Scout uniforms are cotton. Allow the iron to heat up fully.

• 3

  Using the official guide, put the patch on in the appropriate place. You can pin it to the uniform to ensure it doesn't move out of place.

• 4

  Place wax paper over the patch and area to be ironed. This will help keep you from scorching the patch or uniform while ironing. Place the iron over the patch and move it around with light pressure for approximately 25 to 30 seconds.

• 5

  Press along the edge of the patch using the tip of the iron. This helps secure the edges of the patch.