Velcro Update, Just Like the Army

[ThunderingWind]

I would like to see the BSA Supply Section update the uniforms to have velcro for attaching patches.

I will soon hold three different positions as an adult within the District under the Venture program. Advisor, Unit Commisioner and District Council Rep. (the last tow are in progress of final approval).

So this means I have to have three different shirts to be properly dressed and following the full BSA method. So this is now another $45.00 times two I must spend (shirts and patches)

I am glad that there are not different pants for the each position.

[riverwalk]

Don't give 'em the idea, about pants . Yeah I know several people that have used velcro for years as a multiple. I just get the cheaper shirts sometimes, to keep costs down. The problem I've seen with some friend's shirts, is they don't go far enough with their quick change. You'll see the position patch change, but not the loops or numbers.

I even have a good friend that uses one shirt for his District position and Troop position. Meaning the silver loops and District patch are worn, along with his Troop numbers.

But as I get closer to joining the State Guard here, I've seen what you describe with the velcro.

[wagionvigil]

I use the plasitic panels used for craft and cut it to size for the numbe of patches that need to be on it. I pic up clutch back pins at the local craft store also and glue the patches and clutches to the craft panels and just move from shirt to shirt.

[ronin718]

Is there anything that says you CAN'T use velcro on the patches? DIY!!! If enough folks do it, National might pick up on it.

[WeeWillie]

During the Viet Nam era Scouts began wearing the US Flag on their uniforms as a counter protest to flag burning. National got the message and we now have the flag on our right shoulder.

[riverwalk]

ronin, I'm not looking in my Guide now, and too ill to dig it out. I do know they don't want the Uniform altered. That's official, however a velcro area for different patches doesn't change the official Uniform appearance. Again, so many around the country do it, I say just do it in a presentable fashion, and remember the loops, haha.

[ThunderingWind]

Some one posts here quite often....."if it ain't written in the book, it ain't official"

thus the short moment on my soap box about spending nearly $100.00 dollars that I do not have to be in the proper uniform to set the proper example for the youth per the regulations of the BSA.

[pipestone1991]

I like the current uniform with my sewed on patches......however, perhaps the BSA could come out with a velcro patch kit like they did with the adhesive kit?

[Mrw]

As long as the proper insignia is firmly fixed to the proper place on your uniform, it really doesn't matter how it was affixed.

Velcro, sewing, pinning, gluing and stapling would all meet the letter of the law, although stapling looks a little cheap and trashy.

I have seen kids staple badges if they couldn't sew them. At least they got them onto the uniform!

[riverwalk]

Good show! Yep velcro can't hurt, and might even make patches last longer by not getting washed/dried every time, haha. But glue...I hate the glued ones. When I buy my "experienced" shirts with glued patches, I have to try and patch in the same spot. I got one recently, with the Brotherhood patch off-center. I'm living with that as a camp shirt, rather than have an ugly glue spot.

[ThunderingWind]

As long as the proper insignia is firmly fixed to the proper place on your uniform, it really doesn't matter how it was affixed.

Velcro, sewing, pinning, gluing and stapling would all meet the letter of the law, although stapling looks a little cheap and trashy.

I would greatly appreciate chapter and verse on this. I can not find the word velcro in the Uniform and Insignia guide at all. I find sewing and the BSA Patch glue, nothing else.

[OldGreyBear]

Brotherhood patch?

I didnt know there was such an animal?

[FrankJ]

Brother hood path is a OA flap with a red border.

If the uniform police ever criticizes how my patches are attached, they had better be ready for some good natured harassment. As long as the uniform is neat & patches are in approximately the right place, I am happy.

[Quailman]

I have seen kids staple badges if they couldn't sew them. At least they got them onto the uniform!

My son staples MB's to his sash. Its only temporary, though. I sewed the first three on for him and then showed him how to do it himself. In order to get them straight, he staples them and then sews them in place. His are all lined up much better than the original three.

Of course, he removes the staples when he's done.

[ThunderingWind]

I sew in an older style. I use my 6 inch steel seam ruler and pins to set my patches then use the machine. I have used a professional seamstress when I lived near an Army base for $2.50 a shirt. But here in Johnstown, they want $3.50 a patch.

My mom made me take sewing, cooking a typing in school so "her boys knew how to take care of themselves."

[riverwalk]

Sorry about that Bear, I was talking about the World Brotherhood one.

[Chief J]

I have found stapling the patches to the shirt to secure the location makes sewing alot easier. After they are sewn on, you pull the staples out of the patch.

Beats trying to line up the patches with pins,
Chief J

[riverwalk]

Now that's a clever idea!

[jr56]

I like the staple idea, I've always struggled with pins. My grandmother was a seamstress and showed me how to sew my own patches on when I was a kid, so I could do my own uniforms without waiting for somebody else to do it for me.

[Troop173Scoutmaster]

[quote="ThunderingWind"]I would like to see the BSA Supply Section update the uniforms to have velcro for attaching patches.

I will soon hold three different positions as an adult within the District under the Venture program. Advisor, Unit Commisioner and District Council Rep. (the last tow are in progress of final approval).

*********
Just last weekend, I saw a leader's shirt w/ a tan velcro "patch" on the arm where the position patch was. His had a SM patch at the time, but could quickly be changed to his "advisor" patch for his OA chapter. VERY COOL! Being a tan circle piece of velcro, exactly the size of the patch, I'm assuming this was something from a scout shop. I'll be looking!