Use simple hand-stitching to attach a Boy Scout patch.
Boy Scouts earn patches for mastering a variety of activities, including survival, first-aid, crafts and sports. Once a Boy Scout earns his patch, it must be attached to his uniform shirt according to Boy Scout guidelines. The simple process of sewing patches to a uniform involves a basic hand-stitching technique.
Instructions
1. Determine the proper placement of the Boy Scout patch on the uniform by consulting the "Boy Scouts Handbook" or Scouting.org, the official website of the Boy Scouts of America. The position varies according to type: If the patch is part of the basic uniform, including a troop number or flag, Scouting.org's Insignia Guide explains the exact position of the patch; if it is one of the 130 activity patches earned and is not specifically listed in the Insignia Guide, consult your troop leader for correct positioning.
2. Match your thread color to the color of the patch's border.
3. Place your thread into the sewing needle hole and pull enough thread through the hole to stitch your patch. Match the length of the thread on each side of the needle and cut the thread so you have one long piece on each side of the needle. Tie the ends of the thread together in a small knot and cut away from the spool.
4. Place the patch on the Boy Scout uniform and pin into place with a sewing needle. Be sure to place the pin in the middle of the patch, to allow you to sew around the edges.
5. Start your first stitch by pushing the needle through the inner edge of the patch border from the inside of the uniform. Pull the thread through until the knot at the end of the thread sits firmly against the back of the patch. Push the needle through the front of the uniform shirt slightly underneath the patch and across the patch border. Pull the thread through until the stitch is pulled tightly against the patch.
6. Continue stitching every 1/8 inch until you have stitched around the entire patch. Keep the patch completely flat against the uniform shirt while stitching.
7. Finish your stitching by pushing the last stitch through the uniform shirt. Tie a knot in the thread and pull it tight so it sits firmly behind the patch on the inside of the uniform shirt. Cut the thread close to the knot.
Tags: uniform shirt, patch border, thread through, each side, each side needle, inside uniform
