Alternate to the Patch Vest

[ctablock]

The red Patch or Brag Vest is used as one place for scouts to display temporary patches. It is not an official part of the uniform, even though it is sold in the scout store.

 

Since it is personal clothing, can a pack, den, individual, etc. design a different temporary patch display method? What about a red felt sash similar to the Boy Scout merit badge sash? Or what about a red windbreaker?

 

Not being official uniform, it like the patch vest, could not be worn for uniform inspections and should be discouraged at formal ceremonies.

[ExperiencedUniforms]

Howdy ctablock:

 

Another alternative is a patch blanket. Take a small to medium size blanket, preferably red, fold it in half lentghwise, and cut a "T" shape slot at the fold, similar to a pancho. You can whip the raw cut, or sew a cloth border on the cut to keep the blanket from unraveling. Sew your patches on the blanket, and wear to campfires, use on your bed, or hang on a wall.

 

I have also seen imitation and real animal hides used as patch display. The skin is streched on a frame, and displayed on the wall.

 

Keep on Scoutin' ora

[SR540Beaver]

I believe the Scout Shop sells patch blankets.

[ExperiencedUniforms]

Hi KWC57:

 

you are correct. I checked the online catalog at http://www.scoutstuff.org and found this:

CLASSIC PATCH BLANKET

Display patches on this reproduction of a classic patch blanket. 100% acrylic blanket has a gold fleur-de-lis screened in one corner. Measures 63" x 46". WW55290 $20.00

 

Keep on Scoutin' ora

[redfrecklemom]

We had a couple of "grandmas" sew us some brag vests out of cheap ($1.88/yard),red, poly/cotton blend fabric from Walmart. They look just like the felt vests sold at the scout shop, but wash up and hold up much better. We simply took orders for them (as to which size for which boy and paid for them up front) at the first pack meeting in Sept and the "gramma's" had them sewn up and ready to go by the Nov Pack meeting. They were SO cheap to make, and of much better quality than those red felt ones!! I cannot remember what they charged for them - maybe $6-$7?? This more than paid for the fabric and thread and gave the women a little something for their time!

 

Something to think about, anyway......both Simplicity and Butterick make a pattern for vests cut similarly to the one at the scout shop.

 

YIS,

Darlene

Pack 234, Lowell, IN

Webelos Mom

Tiger Den Leader

Committee Advancement Chair

 

[ctablock]

I guess I should have been more specific with my question. Alternatives abound, but what is the "legal or approved" status of any option?

[GreyingWolf]

Our pack makes red-felt sashes on which the boys can put their patches. It works out to about $1.50 of material per boy.

 

Of course, the sashes aren't official uniform items, so the uniform police would probably grimace - but we allow/encourage the boys to use them to show-off their work. Now, having said that - only about 20% of the scouts use 'em.

 

Unfortunately sashes and active boys don't mix. They slip off shoulders; they get forgotten; they're HOT (not as hot as the vests, admittedly.) A favorite windbreaker would probably be more practical as a place to display patches.

[ExperiencedUniforms]

Hi ctablock:

 

You are correct in your first statement. You may design anything you want, but it is not part of the official BSA uniform. You may have the boys put the patches on a vest, sash, windbreaker, blanket, umbrella, stuffed animal, family car, or whatever.

 

What you can't do, is require all the boys to get the 'vest' (or any uniform item, for that matter). You can make them available, but you can't require them to wear them.

 

The only 'legal' (sic) or approved display is to put a temporary patch on the left front shirt pocket under the "Boy Scouts of America" strip.

 

Keep on Scoutin' ora