I’m a new Girl Scout Daisy troop leader. I wasn’t a Girl Scout growing up so I’ve been learning about Girl Scout traditions with my kindergarten Daisies. One of the first tasks I tackled as a troop leader was ordering our Daisy uniforms. When you purchase a new uniform, you need to apply the insignia to the front of the tunic, vest or sash, including the American flag, council ID set, and troop numerals. Here’s a tutorial for applying badges and patches using a Cricut EasyPress.

What’s the Difference Between a Girl Scout Badge and Patch?

Girl Scout badges are earned for learning a new skill, and placed on the front of the uniform. For example, first year Daisies learn about the Girl Scout Law and earn ten daisy petals. Explore the Girl Scout badges by grade level.

Girl Scout patches are given for participating in an activity or event, and placed on the back of the uniform. My Daisies receive a Happy Birthday patch during their birthday month.

Temperature Setting and Time for Girl Scout Badges and Patches

• First, preheat your Cricut EasyPress to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the EasyPress has reached the desired temperature, press the uniform to remove any wrinkles and moisture, and improve adhesion of the badges and patches
• Place your badges on the uniform based on the Girl Scout uniform guide
• Then, press the front of the badge for 30 seconds; apply light pressure
• Turn your uniform inside out and press the back of the badge for another 30 seconds; apply light pressure
• Allow the uniform to cool on a flat surface

How to Convert a Sew On Patch into an Iron On Patch

Badges are iron ons. Patches can be either sew on or iron on. Convert a sew on patch into an iron on by applying Heat N Bond Ultrahold adhesive to the back of the patch.

To apply the adhesive to the patch:

• Preheat your Cricut EasyPress to 320 degrees Fahrenheit
• Place the patch on the adhesive sheet and trace its shape onto the sheet using a pencil
• Cut out the patch shape
• Place the adhesive sheet on the back side of the patch with the paper side facing up
• Press the patch and sheet together for 3 seconds
• Allow the patch to cool
• Remove the paper backing from the back of the patch
• Press the front of the patch for 30 seconds; apply light pressure
• Turn your uniform inside out and press the back of the patch for another 30 seconds; apply light pressure
• Allow the uniform to cool on a flat surface

Tips:

• Use an EasyPress Mat. You’re able to press your projects on any hard flat surface. Purchase a mat larger than your EasyPress (i.e. I use a 20″ x 16″ mat with my 9″ x 9″ EasyPress).
• Iron a center seam on the back of your vest and place the fun patches to the left and right of the seam. You’ll be able to easily fold your vest without creasing the patches.

Show your Girl Scout Pride with an Official Adult Vest

Troop leaders and volunteers can show their Girl Scout pride by wearing their adult vest to meetings and events. My co-leader and I wore our vests to our first troop meeting and discussed the meaning of the vest with the girls. Whenever a girl doesn’t want to wear her vest, we remind her that we all wear our uniforms with pride because it unites us as Girl Scout sisters.

Insignia Application Service Available at Girl Scout Central

If you don’t have a Cricut EasyPress and live or work near mid-town Manhattan, check out Girl Scout Central. Girl Scout Central is located at 420 Fifth Avenue in New York City; entrance is located on 37th Street. They have a heat press and apply the insignia to uniforms for only $5; badges and patches for $1 each. Plan ahead if you’re having multiple uniforms done, because it takes time to properly place and apply the insignia to the uniforms. It’s worth the trip.

I hope you find this tutorial for applying badges and patches with a Cricut EasyPress helpful. Being a new troop leader can be overwhelming. Find a mentor and don’t be shy about asking questions. I’ll share more tips and projects as the troop year progresses.

For my fellow Cricut crafters, here’s a post with vinyl projects you may enjoy.

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