I have people ask me, “How do you sew Girl Scout patches on so perfectly?”. I decided to share here. It is really easy to sew on scout badges, if you have a ‘sew in the ditch’ or ‘edgestitch’ foot for your sewing machine.
Have your bobbin be the thread color of the vest, and the top thread the best color to sew the patch on. I try to use the thread color of the edge of the patch. Here is how to sew on scout badges:
How to Sew On Scout Badges
Secure scout badges with top stitching on uniforms. It's quick and easy - and you don't need to worry about them falling off.
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Materials
- Thread, top thread to match the badge and bobbin to match the uniform
Tools
- Sewing machine with top stitch foot, sometimes referred to as 'edgestitch' or 'stitch in the ditch' foot, on Bernina it is #10
Instructions
- Place the patch where you'd like to sew it. Line the vertical edge of the top stitch foot along the inside edge of the badge. Slowly sew, raising your presser foot as needed to stay within the inside edges.
- Continue to sew slowly around the badge until it is secure. Here are all of the badges I have sewn onto the vest.
- And, because I used bobbin thread that matched the vest, the inside looks nice, too.
Notes
Your scout can have all of their patches sewn on looking like they were done professionally, in a matter of minutes at home! It doesn't take much - the biggest secret is to have an edge stitch foot for your sewing machine, and thread that matches the base vest color for your bobbin.
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What is the best stitch sewing girl and boy scout badges on?
The straight stitch on your machine is the best and easiest. Just follow along the outside of the stitching with the straight stitch, using a similar color thread for your top thread and a thread color to match the uniform on the bottom thread. Some people recommend the zig zag stitch but I find it stands out too much. I prefer the straight stitch.
My patches are iron-on. Do I still need to sew them?
No, you don’t need to sew them. I prefer to iron them on first and then use the straight stitch to make them secure for the life of the uniform. Sometimes the iron-on patches tend to come ‘un-glued’ and fall off.
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