Looking for The Best Way to Easily Attach Badges for Girl Scouts? Or looking for a Badge Magic Alternative?
Hello Campers and outdoor enthusiasts! Over the years both as a Girl Scout and a mom of Scouts, I have tried many, many methods of attaching merit badges to sashes, vests, tunics and Boy Scout uniforms. I’ve also witnessed a few methods that I never thought to try. People will go to some pretty serious lengths to avoid pulling out a needle and thread. Regardless of your preference, the very best way to attached badges and patches to fabric is to teach your Scout how to sew. If for some reason this is not an option, here are the best (and worst) ways to glue, iron, and sew on boy scout and girl scout badges, in no particular order. Whether you’re webelos, daisy girl scouts, brownies or cub scouts there are Badge Magic Alternatives.
Staples:
I will start with a true Girl Scout confession of mine. When I was a Junior Girl Scout and I wanted to quickly add some badges to my sash, I resorted to the stapler. Here’s how that went…
Pros: Very fast, fairly permanent in a pinch.
Cons: Everyone can totally see that you tried to staple your badges to your sash. (Safety pins would fall into the same category.)
Hot Glue Gun:
I only know that people try this one by the sad empty glue spots where pretty lost badges once lived.
Pros: Rapidfix and looks great…
Cons: …for 5 minutes
Fabric Glue/Fabric Adhesives: People swear this is their favorite method. It works best if your badges have fabric backs. The “iron-on” backing/residue will not stay glued.
Pros: Fast and looks great…
Cons: but not for long.
Follow Iron-On Patch Directions:
I’ve had one person tell me that they simply followed the ironing instructions that came with the badge to press patch and it had worked perfectly. Witchcraft! I don’t believe it. And don’t leave me comments that it works. No, it does not.
Pros: Bragging rights that you are a master ironist. And also fast and durable, if you are a witch.
Cons: Stop bragging.
Badge Magic:
This is a sheet of adhesive that requires no sewing or ironing of patches. There is also a pack that come pre-cut to the standard shape badges. Simply remove the paper layer. Sounds amazing, right? The reviews praise this product and while I’ve heard it’s easy at the start, after several washes, the badges begin to peel up at the corners and eventually fall off. You can buy this at the girl scout store or the Boy Scouts of America Store or on Amazon and follow Badge Magic operations. The employees at the shops will answer your questions.
Pros: Easy solution to get started. If you plan to never wash your vest/tunic/sash, you have a shot at hanging on to those hard-earned cub scout badges . Is it worth the risk?
Cons: A temporary fix only, for most.
Hand Sewn:
This method is time consuming but it’s the best way to teach the kids to sew on their own badges and it can be a portable project. Match the background or try invisible thread.
Pros: It’s a classic, it works, forever.
Cons: Takes a long time and if your stitches are not close to the edge, the patch will appear to peel up, even though it’s secure. Is there a better way?
Machine Sewn:
Yes, machine sewing badges is the best solution. I’ve tried zig-zagging the edge, changing thread color, and invisible thread, here’s what I’ve learned.
Zig-zag over border:
Pros: looks great, secure.
Cons: thread changing and mad sewing skills required.
Sewing inside border with matching thread:
Pros: Looks good, secure.
Cons: thread changing required.
And without further adieu…
The best way to easily attach Girl Scout badges is to machine sew with invisible thread.
The key is to use invisible thread on the front and traditional thread in the bobbin. If you use invisible for both, it will jam up, bunch and break.
Pros: Quick, forgiving, secure. Looks great!
Cons: none!
If you are a den leader, troop leader, or scout, you might want to try this! These tips will also work for military sales, cosplay fashion performers and comic-cons costumes on a mission to attach their rank boasting fabric additions.
