Scouts and their parents will need to know how to sew on scout patches. Patches give scouts something tangible that displays their accomplishments. If you need custom patches, talk to American Patches. Our team will quickly look at your design and send you a free quote.

Tools

• An Iron
• A Sewing needle
• Needle threader
• Scissors
• Safety pins
• Sewing machine, optional

How to Sew on Scout Patches Beginning Steps

Whether you hand sew or machine sew, you need to prepare your patch and garment.

1. First wash and dry the garment to prevent shrinking after patch sewing.
2. Confirm with your scout leader the proper placement for the new patch.
3. Iron the garment.

Hand Sewing a Scout Patch Step-by-Step

1. Pin the patch in its proper location.
2. Put on the garment to see if it looks right.
3. Once you know you have it placed properly, you have the option of securing it with iron-on, adhesive fabric tape.
4. Cut pieces of tape and put them between the patch and fabric.
5. Put a protective cloth, like a bandana, over the patch and garment.
6. Press down on the covered patch with a hot iron to activate the adhesive.
7. Let the adhesive cool and cure for a few minutes.
8. If you choose not to use adhesive tape, keep the patch pinned in place for sewing.
9. Cut about 18 inches of thread that matches the color on the edge of the patch.
10. Thread a needle and pull about 1/3 of the thread through the eye. A needle threader is helpful. This small tool comes with most small sewing kits.
11. Tie a knot on one end of the thread.
12. Start on the inside of the garment and push the threaded needle upward through the fabric and patch edge.
13. Outside the garment, pull the thread until the knot catches on the inside.
14. Bring the needle back down through the patch and fabric about 1/4 inch from the starting point.
15. Repeat the straight stitches until you get all the way around the patch.
16. Pull the final stitch through to the inside.
17. Slide the needle beneath a stitch and leave a small loop of thread.
18. Bring the needle and thread through the loop and pull the knot tight.
19. Snip the thread within 1/2 inch of the knot.

How to Sew on Scout Patches With a Machine

1. Prepare the garment and secure the patch in the proper place with a safety pin or adhesive tape.
2. Consult your sewing machine’s book to identify the settings for a straight stitch.
3. Set the machine’s power and speed for working with thick fabric to accommodate the patch’s thickness.
4. Load a bobbin with thread the same color as your spool of thread.
5. Thread your spool of thread through the top of the machine and its needle.
6. With hand power only, turn the machine’s wheel toward you so that the needle goes down.
7. Turn the wheel until the needle’s thread pulls up the bobbin thread.
8. Slide your garment onto the machine’s arm beneath the needle.
9. Make sure that you won’t be sewing a sleeve shut or through the entire shirt.
10. Turn the wheel until the needle pierces the edge of the patch.
11. Lower the presser foot.
12. Working at low speed, push the pedal to turn on the motor.
13. Guide the edge of the patch under the needle as the machine works.
14. Sew over the first stitches for about 1/4 inch.
15. Put the machine in reverse and sew backward for 1/4 inch to secure the stitches.
16. Trim the threads free of the machine.

Custom Patches for Your Scout Group

Trust American Patch to make premium-quality, custom scout patches. You can always ask us questions about choosing a patch material. We make patches in almost any shape or size. Simply send us your original design, and we’ll prepare a free quote. You also get a physical free sample for your inspection. Once you approve production, our turnaround times are fast, and U.S. customers get free shipping. Contact us for your scout patches today.