How to Sew Patches Onto A Brownie Scout Vest

If your daughter is like mine she's into every program she can be in. Right now it's all about the Brownies. Here's a list of the things you will need to do in order to keep her vest up to date with group standards.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A Brownie Vest
• Try-It Patches
• Fun Patches
• Troop Numbers
• Council Badges
• Girl Scout Pins
• Sewing Machine
• Thread
• Scotch Tape

1. A Brother Sewing Machine like the one I use. Break out the sewing machine. Make sure your bobbin is loaded and that you have thread that matches the colors of your patches and badges. At a minimum you will need white and brown thread to cover the basics.
2. Start by using the scotch tape to hold the flag patch to the vest. It is placed highest on the right shoulder and should be level to the ground, not in line with the shoulder seam. Sew the patch on with the machine, staying as close to the edge of the patch as possible.
3. Next, attach the GSA and local Council patches with the tape. These should be level with the ground as well. Your troop number goes in this area as well. Sew them on just like you did earlier.
4. Attach the Try-It badges with tape just like before. The badges are triangular in shape and have to be properly oriented. Make sure you don't have them sideways or upside down. You can easily get 10 badges across one side of the vest. Sew them on as with earlier badges.
5. Pin on any award or event pins you may have. The GS tab always goes on the top.
6. On the back of the vest add the Fun Patches using the tape and thread method just like on the front of the vest. These do not have to be in any arrangement or specific areas. Just make sure it looks neat and fun.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the lock-stitch when sewing the patches on. It will keep them from coming undone.
• Tape work better than straight pins when sewing on patches. The patches are hard to penetrate with a pin.
• Try to match your thread to your patch color.
• Always keep your eye on the needle. Don't poke yourself.
• Turn off AND unplug the sewing machine if you have to walk away from it. You don't want the kids accidentally hitting the foot pedal.