Cloth Insignia

JCW0312 · November 13, 2007, 11:22:00 PM

Hi all. I'm back in CAP as a S/M after being a cadet many moons ago. Quick question for all. I know that the cloth rank for BDUs is supposed to be folded an sewn on (a slightly difficult task). I ordered the cloth EMT badge from the hock shop and it's really thick. Is it supposed to be folded as well, or???

Any hints on dealing with the cloth insignia is appreciated.

Thanks!

MIKE · November 13, 2007, 11:24:46 PM

This is why you are not supposed to buy cloth insignia from the Hock. JMHO. No, I am not a paid spokesman for Vanguard.

jimmydeanno · November 13, 2007, 11:25:11 PM

For best results, I would highly recommend folding it. When you fold it under, try to trim some of the excess away and iron it down, just watch those fingers!!!

If you don't fold it, the edges will fray unless you use one of those over edge stiching patterns they use on patches. (please don't

)

As for the border, 1/8" is what you want all the way around.

JCW0312 · November 13, 2007, 11:50:20 PM

So are the EMT badges from Vanguard thin like the rank insignia?

MIKE · November 13, 2007, 11:55:52 PM

Affirmative. The Hock also has the thicker grade insignia... Have gotten both styles when ordering at different times.

jeders · November 14, 2007, 12:02:51 AM

The Hock's can be folded down as is and look just fine on my uniform. However, if you strip off that white mesh backing, it becomes much thinner and less stiff.

Eclipse · November 14, 2007, 12:03:41 AM

If you use a really hot iron, you should be able to shape it correctly and make it easier for sewing.

I use iron-on sizing which, when done, results in a rigid square that can then be iron into place.

LtCol White · November 14, 2007, 01:22:02 AM

There is a fabric glue called Alene's Super Tacky Glue. I use the glue on the fabric and let it set for about 1 min, fold it then hold it for about 2 mins and its done. Then you can put glue on the back and position in on your BDU's. Once the glue is dry (invisible), you can take it or give it to someone to machine sew and it will be perfectly placed. The first time you wash your uniform, the glue dislolves and is completely gone and your BDU's look really sharp.

You can use it for every patch or insignia on your uniform to lock it down before you have it professionally sewn.

Eclipse · November 14, 2007, 02:00:27 AM

Quote from: LtCol White on November 14, 2007, 01:22:02 AM
There is a fabric glue called Alene's Super Tacky Glue. I use the glue on the fabric and let it set for about 1 min, fold it then hold it for about 2 mins and its done. Then you can put glue on the back and position in on your BDU's. Once the glue is dry (invisible), you can take it or give it to someone to machine sew and it will be perfectly placed. The first time you wash your uniform, the glue dislolves and is completely gone and your BDU's look really sharp.

You can use it for every patch or insignia on your uniform to lock it down before you have it professionally sewn.

That's basically the same thing I'm doing and is the way to go - especially if you're not doing the sewing yourself.

Just be careful with the fabric glue, if you use too much it can bleed through the patch and leave an ugly smudge on the front side.

Also, many commercially-made patches come with iron-on glue already on the patch - that's what that clear, semi-stiff backing is. Use an iron on high, and after heating, place the garment on something flat with some heavy books over the patch and let it cool.

In some cases you won't even need to sew it.

Cecil DP · November 14, 2007, 02:57:49 AM

If you want to avod all the hassles, take the uniforms to a base and have them sew it on at the tailor shop. Cost about $2 per patch. Actually most tailors or seamstresses can do it

JCW0312 · November 14, 2007, 03:21:19 AM

OK, I really appreciate all of the replies. Why doesn't someone just make all the insignia with finished edges at the correct 1/8" measurement? I'd pay an extra buck per patch for it just to cut down on some of the hassle.

Hawk200 · November 14, 2007, 03:29:17 AM

Quote from: JCW0312 on November 14, 2007, 03:21:19 AM
Why doesn't someone just make all the insignia with finished edges at the correct 1/8" measurement?

Because that would make sense. Which someone would most likely get fired over.

Yes, the above remark is tongue firmly in cheek. But from what I've seen, it's also pretty accurate.

O-Rex · November 14, 2007, 03:36:23 AM

Quote from: Eclipse on November 14, 2007, 02:00:27 AM
Quote from: LtCol White on November 14, 2007, 01:22:02 AM
There is a fabric glue called Alene's Super Tacky Glue. I use the glue on the fabric and let it set for about 1 min, fold it then hold it for about 2 mins and its done. Then you can put glue on the back and position in on your BDU's. Once the glue is dry (invisible), you can take it or give it to someone to machine sew and it will be perfectly placed. The first time you wash your uniform, the glue dislolves and is completely gone and your BDU's look really sharp.

You can use it for every patch or insignia on your uniform to lock it down before you have it professionally sewn.

That's basically the same thing I'm doing and is the way to go - especially if you're not doing the sewing yourself.

Just be careful with the fabric glue, if you use too much it can bleed through the patch and leave an ugly smudge on the front side.

Also, many commercially-made patches come with iron-on glue already on the patch - that's what that clear, semi-stiff backing is. Use an iron on high, and after heating, place the garment on something flat with some heavy books over the patch and let it cool.

In some cases you won't even need to sew it.

The problem with glue is if you have to change your patch or insignia, you're stuck. Changing some insignia means changing it's position. Example: you wear a ground team member badge and an aeronautical badge (wings) you upgrade your GTM to Ground Team leader, which with the star is a slightly bigger badge. Now you have to move the aeronautical badge up a bit, which you're not going to be able to do with glued cloth insignia.

Spend the money and have it done professionally: most glued stuff I've seen looks. . . . well . . . . like it's been glued.

If you are so inclined, invest in a sewing machine, and get auntie to teach you to use it. I got one for my birthday: my non-CAP buds laugh at me, fellow CAP'ers appreciate the need for one. I swear it's literally saved me hundreds of dollars that I would have spent at the dryclean/sew shop, not to mention repair and modification of field and flight gear that I wouldn't have dreamed of otherwise.

JCW0312 · November 14, 2007, 03:46:21 AM

I would never dream of just gluing on a patch without sewing it, but using the glue to hold the folds on insignia and hold the patch in place while you sew sounds like a good idea.

MIKE · November 14, 2007, 03:48:18 AM

ACUs and Velcro for the win!

JCW0312 · November 14, 2007, 03:57:42 AM

That's a little ways down the road I presume....

JCW0312 · November 14, 2007, 03:59:06 AM

And the BDU caps are supposed to have rank on the front of them now, right? I think I read somewhere that it had been changed since the last revision of 39-1.

MIKE · November 14, 2007, 04:02:59 AM

Link to the ICL on the BDU cap grade.

JCW0312 · November 14, 2007, 11:02:32 AM

Just when I thought there was enough sewing....

Eclipse · November 14, 2007, 01:07:45 PM

Quote from: JCW0312 on November 14, 2007, 03:59:06 AM
And the BDU caps are supposed to have rank on the front of them now, right? I think I read somewhere that it had been changed since the last revision of 39-1.

Yes - and THAT will definitely challenge your sewing ability, as will the epaulets on the M65.

In response to the glue - the iron-on sizing that I use does not leave any marks on removal, it is a very light adhesive. The fabric glue is more of an issue if you use too much.

The glue on the patches from the factory is a legit problem - this can leave the white marks you'll see on a lot of enlisted uniforms we get from DRMO, and sometimes it just won't come off.