Sew a Scout Patch Pancho

Overview:   Sew Warm Contest Entry for Instructables.com
 

Title:   Sew a Scout Patch Pancho & Hat / Blanket & Pillow
 

Introduction:    This instructable contains written and pictorial directions to make a Pancho & Hat / Blanket & Pillow that I designed to be simple, functional, and create no wasted material. It fills a need by being a display background for our kids’ patches. The total cost should be under $20 using all new and easily sourced materials. The construction is VERY simple; my 10 year old assisted with it. The design is meant to be customized easily; our kids will grow, as they do they’ll only need to move the ‘sew on’ snaps to keep it fitting correctly.

Step 1 Abstract

Abstract:   Here in the US the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs have an incredible amount of awards and recognitions that the scouts can earn yet aren’t displayed on a uniform. Although the BSA organization offers an “official” patch vest, it appears to be a flimsy felt thing that has no purpose other than hang in a closet. When I was a scout, my troop took a trip / tour to the Pendleton Woolen Mills in Oregon and the troop purchased each of the scouts a plain black 100% wool blanket. Some of the troop moms hemmed the edges and added the respective scout’s patch awards to the blankets.   Now that I have a boy in scouts, it is his favorite blanket and we use it as “bling” to promote scouting; however it is still something that spends most of its life on a bed. As he started to earn more recognitions than his uniform had room for, I wanted to do something similar for him (and my daughter) yet I wanted something even more useable and displayable; so I came up with the Pancho & Hat / Blanket & Pillow idea.

Comments

[howarthe]

I love this! But I don't understand the word bias in this context.

[hpstoutharrow]

 An excellent way to display patches.  An active scout throughout his scouting path will quickly run out of room for patches on the conventional vest.  I like the practicality of a dual purpose achievement display, and foul weather gear.  Nothing like "Being Prepared".

[11steve11]

Thanks for the positive comment. My son will cross over from Weblos to Boyscouts soon; at that time I will strip his blue uniform of the patches and award and add it to the pancho and should have an updated picture posted on this instructable by the end of April.

[sokamiwohali]

Remember that the only patch allowed to cross over onto the Boyscouts uniform is the Arrow of Light Award. Tell him to keep trucking on in the scouting program NO MATTER HOW DIFFICULT it gets. when he obtains the rank of Eagle, it is an exhilarating feeling of accomplishment for he will be in a group of ppl in which only 2% of Boy Scouts make. I would know cause i am an Eagle Scout. If you ever need any questions answered about scouting, i can help. also, i have a book that i could give you (its an ebook) that has nothing but knots and ropework in it. if you would like to take me up on that offer just PM me and i will get it to you. thats an important skill in Boy Scouts.

[chrysa]

Oh my gosh this is brilliant! I'm a Girl Scout and we have similar issues with extra patches and overflowing vests. I would love to recommend this idea to friends.

[11steve11]

Thnak you for the 'brilliant' compliment. I would really encourage you to make one ore more for the 'BLING' effect this creates when recruiting for scouts.  Recruiting can be difficult because kids don't pay attention to another adult talking yet you throw this thing in front of potential scouts (and their parents) and they respond.

[scoochmaroo]

Very well written! And a good tip on making bias tape.
In professional shops, we have fancy "bias tape makers" in all different sizes, but I still prefer to use the pin method!

[11steve11]

Thanks for the compliment, I wrote it using a standard report format. The pin / iron method for making bias tape was revolutionary for me, I learned it on the internet.