Easy way to sew on 2nd lt. insignias?

[swater96]

Hello, i am wondering if theres an easy way to sew on the cloth insignia on you hat and BDU's. The first time i tried it didnt go very welllll. 

[DC]

Take an iron and press down the sides of the fabric so you have nice creases and all the excess material is folded up underneath the front. Then use straight pins to secure the insignia in place and sew it on.

I also recommend doing it by hand, I've found it easier than fighting with a sewing machine.

EDIT: I meant do your hat by hand, use a machine for everything else.

[swater96]

thank you! i never thought of ironing it, and thank you for the 2 second response

[1LtNurseOfficer]

The alterations shop is a good option.

[MIKE]

Try using some Elmer's white school glue to tack the folds down once you get the insignia to size.  It can also help to keep the insignia from shifting while you sew it down/remove pins... And it washes out when you are done and isn't as permanent as something like Stitch Witch.

[swater96]

Try using some Elmer's white school glue to tack the folds down once you get the insignia to size.  It can also help to keep the insignia from shifting while you sew it down/remove pins... And it washes out when you are done and isn't as permanent as something like Stitch Witch.

good idea!

i heard super glue is bad becuase the dot will show through the insignia

Merged - MIKE

[MIKE]

I'd only use white school glue.

[Hawk200]

At some hobby stores they market a "fabric glue" stick that washes out. It looks, smells, and feels just like the Elmer's Glue sticks that you see in the school supply isle. Of course, the Elmer's glue is cheaper, and more readily available.

I've used both, and they don't work any differently.

[swater96]

I'd only use white school glue.

yea, i have some from a few years ago =P

[DC]

The alterations shop is a good option.

In my experience they screw it up somehow, no matter how specific you are. The exception to that are military shops, but you can only go to those if you are blessed with living in relative proximity to a military base.

[DBlair]

As others have said, press each side down with the iron. I tend to find the steam setting produces a nice and crisp result. Use pins to place it on the uniform item and be sure to measure before sewing as they have a tendency to shift a bit through the process. Then, I suggest machine sewing as it produces a nicely finished and tight result and is overall less effort than hand-stitching. Ever since I discovered the wonders of machine sewing for patches/insignia, I've never looked back.

[Airrace]

If you live next to a military base then try the alterations shop on the base as they usually have a great price.

[Cecil DP]

If you live next to a military base then try the alterations shop on the base as they usually have a great price.

If you don't have "base access" there are usually military alteration shops outside the gate who are able to provide the same service. 

[swater96]

Thank you all!  :clap: 

[arajca]

Instead of glue, try Stitch Witchery. It's a fusable fabric. I use it to tack the insignia in place. You cut a small piece, place it between the insignia and shirt fabric (I use it for ALL my insignia, not just grade), and iron it. Let it cool and sew using your preferred method.

[Eclipse]

Instead of glue, try Stitch Witchery. It's a fusable fabric. I use it to tack the insignia in place. You cut a small piece, place it between the insignia and shirt fabric (I use it for ALL my insignia, not just grade), and iron it. Let it cool and sew using your preferred method.

There you go.  Elmer's glue?  I can't imagine the mess that would make.

This stuff is also referred to as "iron-on sizing" and usually comes in medium duty and heavy duty.  In a pinch the heavy duty can be counted on to last a day or so in fairly heavy use, not so the medium, however either is great for configuring a uniform and then taking it to the tailer and saying "please just sew these down".

[PHall]

Instead of glue, try Stitch Witchery. It's a fusable fabric. I use it to tack the insignia in place. You cut a small piece, place it between the insignia and shirt fabric (I use it for ALL my insignia, not just grade), and iron it. Let it cool and sew using your preferred method.

There you go.  Elmer's glue?  I can't imagine the mess that would make.

It's Elmer's School Glue, totally different from "regular" white glue. Water soluble and it washes out.

[Chief2009]

I've had trouble keeping the corners from blooming out. Did I just not iron them enough?

Also, how much excess blue would you leave for a Lt insignia? I know after it's folded it's 1/8th of an inch, but I'm curious to find what the best pre-folded length would be.

DN

[MIKE]

Try snipping them a little.

[SarDragon]

I try to leave about 1/4" to fold under. I also sew around the edge of the insignia before I sew it to the garment. Unless you get up really close, the extra stitching is hard to see.

[Nick]

I watch the alternations women at the base when do my uniforms -- their trick is to measure the 1/4" border on each insignia, fold the material under, and sew it by itself so you have a "pre-fab" rank insignia without having to worry about the excess material shifting, and then sew the insignia onto the uniform piece.

[Major Carrales]

Why don't they just sell the cloth insignia with a "merrowed edge," of sorts that would be easy to sew on?  I would recommend this if we are to keep the BDUs.  Have the edge "merrowed," like the old cadet rank chevrons were so that people don't have to play this sort of guessing game when sewing them on the uniform.

Just a quick image that entered my mind.

[Nick]

Why don't they just sell the cloth insignia with a "merrowed edge," of sorts that would be easy to sew on?  I would recommend this if we are to keep the BDUs.  Have the edge "merrowed," like the old cadet rank chevrons were so that people don't have to play this sort of guessing game when sewing them on the uniform.

Just a quick image that entered my mind.

It would make sense to me ... but, it's going to raise the retail cost of the devices because they're now "finished" rather than unfinished pieces of cloth that they just chop up after they come out of the embroidery machine.

[DC]

The Hock SHop tried that with some cloth breast insignia. Not only was it more expensive, but IMHO it looks like crap.

Pre-sewing it sounds like a good idea. I've never tried it, but I might the next time I need to sew something on.

[Major Carrales]

Why don't they just sell the cloth insignia with a "merrowed edge," of sorts that would be easy to sew on?  I would recommend this if we are to keep the BDUs.  Have the edge "merrowed," like the old cadet rank chevrons were so that people don't have to play this sort of guessing game when sewing them on the uniform.

Just a quick image that entered my mind.

It would make sense to me ... but, it's going to raise the retail cost of the devices because they're now "finished" rather than unfinished pieces of cloth that they just chop up after they come out of the embroidery machine.

Maybe the trade off is worth it.  It is costing me, and each CAP officer, a pretty penny to have the patches professionally sewn.

As for the issue you mention, DC, I am sure that a merrowing of reasonably small gauge might eliminate that effect.

[SarDragon]

Maybe the trade off is worth it.  It is costing me, and each CAP officer, a pretty penny to have the patches professionally sewn.

As for the issue you mention, DC, I am sure that a merrowing of reasonably small gauge might eliminate that effect.

Learn to use a sewing machine. I've been doing almost all of my own CAP sewing since I was 16. It's not hard, really.

[Major Carrales]

Maybe the trade off is worth it.  It is costing me, and each CAP officer, a pretty penny to have the patches professionally sewn.

As for the issue you mention, DC, I am sure that a merrowing of reasonably small gauge might eliminate that effect.

Learn to use a sewing machine. I've been doing almost all of my own CAP sewing since I was 16. It's not hard, really.

A moot point since any transition away from BDUs will likely not require sewing on rank.

One characteristic of being an adult is knowing one's limits, my sewing skills (both with and without machine) are less than stellar; thus, to appease the Reichsministrie of Uniform Wear agents that we seem to have in CAP, I am willing to pay.   But never needlessly

[DC]

Maybe the trade off is worth it.  It is costing me, and each CAP officer, a pretty penny to have the patches professionally sewn.

As for the issue you mention, DC, I am sure that a merrowing of reasonably small gauge might eliminate that effect.

Learn to use a sewing machine. I've been doing almost all of my own CAP sewing since I was 16. It's not hard, really.

A moot point since any transition away from BDUs will likely not require sewing on rank.

One characteristic of being an adult is knowing one's limits, my sewing skills (both with and without machine) are less than stellar; thus, to appease the Reichsministrie of Uniform Wear agents that we seem to have in CAP, I am willing to pay.   But never needlessly

ABUs still require insignia to be sewn on, ACUs are the only current uniform that uses velcro insignia and patches.

[Mustang]

I watch the alternations women at the base when do my uniforms -- their trick is to measure the 1/4" border on each insignia, fold the material under, and sew it by itself so you have a "pre-fab" rank insignia without having to worry about the excess material shifting, and then sew the insignia onto the uniform piece.

Except that you end up with double-stitching.  I use thin (1/8" or so) strips of "stitch-witch" heat-sensitive adhesive tape to prep my cloth insignia; this way, the pre-ironing suggested by others stays down flat. Nin uses some sort of Scotch spray-on cloth adhesive the same way.

[PhotogPilot]

If you live next to a military base then try the alterations shop on the base as they usually have a great price.

If you don't have "base access" there are usually military alteration shops outside the gate who are able to provide the same service.

Agreed, but be careful, I am very lucky, the shop I use on occasion, (If you live in San Antonio, Kim's Alterations, on Harry Wurzbach about a mile out side the Fort Sam gate) dose outstanding work, both in sewing on grade insignia, and uniform alterations at reasonable prices. I have used other shops, and had to make multiple returns to get insignia placed in correct orientation, position, etc. Do it yourself is great if you have the skill and desire, but hand sewing good looking patches and insignia is tedious work, and I stink at it. If you hire it out, check their work before you leave, it will save you hassel later.

[ascorbate]

Why don't they just sell the cloth insignia with a "merrowed edge," of sorts that would be easy to sew on?  I would recommend this if we are to keep the BDUs.  Have the edge "merrowed," like the old cadet rank chevrons were so that people don't have to play this sort of guessing game when sewing them on the uniform.

I learned a new term for the day: "merrowed edge"

And I had every one of those old cadet NCO ranks (with a merrowed edge) sewn on to the sleeves of my green fatigues years ago.

While I see the merit of potentially merrowing the edge of senior rank to prevent them from unraveling, I wonder how appealing they would look on the BDU collar lapel? On the sleeves... they looked just fine but there isn't that much real estate on the collar lapel!

[Eclipse]

Before anyone posts it, this:

is not a nametape.  It's intention is/was for use as a luggage tag.

[RiverAux]

Learn to use a sewing machine. I've been doing almost all of my own CAP sewing since I was 16. It's not hard, really.

Hmm, not sure that the cost of buying the sewing machine would be a better deal than paying someone to sew the patches every now and again.  Especially since I don't intend to sew anything else. 

Maybe a squadron sewing machine?  Tailor/Seamstress Officer?

[Hawk200]

Before anyone posts it, this:

is not a nametape.  It's intention is/was for use as a luggage tag.

Got a reference for that? Got a few cadets wearing them, but haven't seen anything forbidding it, so can't tell them to change them.

[Strick]

Why don't they just sell the cloth insignia with a "merrowed edge," of sorts that would be easy to sew on?  I would recommend this if we are to keep the BDUs.  Have the edge "merrowed," like the old cadet rank chevrons were so that people don't have to play this sort of guessing game when sewing them on the uniform.

Just a quick image that entered my mind.

If you contact 1800 name tapes, they can do that for you.

[Strick]

Before anyone posts it, this:

is not a nametape.  It's intention is/was for use as a luggage tag.

I was wondering about that tape, I have seen it since 92 on BDU'S.  Looks bad!!!.  Why the heck do they still make it?

[Strick]

............and why didnt they make a U.SCIVIL AIR PATROL LUGGAGE TAG

[Eclipse]

Before anyone posts it, this:

is not a nametape.  It's intention is/was for use as a luggage tag.

Got a reference for that? Got a few cadets wearing them, but haven't seen anything forbidding it, so can't tell them to change them.

I tried to provide that with the above, but couldn't find it on VG's site, though the last time I saw it they had text to that effect.  Part of the problem with the bookstore catalog was that it didn't say that, so many people bought them because they looked "nicer".

Let's see - different color, different edge, different font, and not quite the right size. Also looks ridiculous.
If that's not enough, I'm not sure one sentence in the catalog will help.

It'd be one thing if you could get a merrowed option for everything - in fact I've done that with a machine
a long time ago and it looks nice (though good luck getting them off), but having just one simply looks bizarre.

[O-Rex]

I'd stay away from hand-sewing: rank on the hat is highly visible, and unless you are very skilled with a needle & thread, it's going to look just that: hand sewn.

What makes LT rank hard to sew properly is that you cannot pin it to the hat (or collar, for that matter) with two pins to keep it from moving around while sewing,  as you would with other insignia.  The result is the insignia tilts or is off-center.

I had this issue when trying to machine-sew the unit CC badge (also very small) on my BDU's.  I solved the problem by placing the insignia exactly where I wanted it, and then very closely bracketing it with masking tape, which becomes a guide: if the insignia shifts, you'll know it.

Forget using seamstress's chalk: it smudges, and you're looking for pinpoint accuracy on something

Now, trying to explain this to someone in the sew shop might be a challenge in itself, but it actually works

[Eclipse]

I had this issue when trying to machine-sew the unit CC badge (also very small) on my BDU's.

Can you please cite a regulation or ICL that authorizes the Unit CC badge on BDU's?

[Chief2009]

Got a reference for that? Got a few cadets wearing them, but haven't seen anything forbidding it, so can't tell them to change them.

Let's see - different color, different edge, different font, and not quite the right size. Also looks ridiculous.

Try telling that to my squadron CC. That merrowed tape is what she gives our cadets after they join. Apparently one of the regular CAP tapes she ordered from the Hock Shop the Civil Air Patrol was longer than the pocket. So this is what she gets.

Can you please cite a regulation or ICL that authorizes the Unit CC badge on BDU's?

Beat me to it.

DN

[Gunner C]

Why don't they just sell the cloth insignia with a "merrowed edge," of sorts that would be easy to sew on?  I would recommend this if we are to keep the BDUs.  Have the edge "merrowed," like the old cadet rank chevrons were so that people don't have to play this sort of guessing game when sewing them on the uniform.

I learned a new term for the day: "merrowed edge"

And I had every one of those old cadet NCO ranks (with a merrowed edge) sewn on to the sleeves of my green fatigues years ago.

While I see the merit of potentially merrowing the edge of senior rank to prevent them from unraveling, I wonder how appealing they would look on the BDU collar lapel? On the sleeves... they looked just fine but there isn't that much real estate on the collar lapel!

I've noticed that people in CAP call various grade insignia "ranks" and other things.  Here's a quick reference:

Cadet Grades

• Enlisted:  Stripes
• Company Grades:  Pips
• Field Grades:  Diamonds

SM Grades

• NCOs:  Stripes
• Flight Officers:  Unknown
• Company Grades:  Bars
• Field Grades:  Leaves (Maj & Lt Col), Eagles (Col)
• Generals: Stars

You'll never hear anyone say "Can I borrow some of your Lt ranks."

[arajca]

Got a reference for that? Got a few cadets wearing them, but haven't seen anything forbidding it, so can't tell them to change them.

Let's see - different color, different edge, different font, and not quite the right size. Also looks ridiculous.

Try telling that to my squadron CC. That merrowed tape is what she gives our cadets after they join. Apparently one of the regular CAP tapes she ordered from the Hock Shop the Civil Air Patrol was longer than the pocket. So this is what she gets.

They're supposed to be longer than the pocket so the ends can be folded under and sewn down. Despite the standardization of the bdu, there is some difference in pocket flap width - not huge, but its there. Being able to adjust the tape length to the flap width makes a significant improvement in how it looks. Not to mention having both tapes look the same...

[DC]

Got a reference for that? Got a few cadets wearing them, but haven't seen anything forbidding it, so can't tell them to change them.

Let's see - different color, different edge, different font, and not quite the right size. Also looks ridiculous.

Try telling that to my squadron CC. That merrowed tape is what she gives our cadets after they join. Apparently one of the regular CAP tapes she ordered from the Hock Shop the Civil Air Patrol was longer than the pocket. So this is what she gets.

They're supposed to be longer than the pocket so the ends can be folded under and sewn down. Despite the standardization of the bdu, there is some difference in pocket flap width - not huge, but its there. Being able to adjust the tape length to the flap width makes a significant improvement in how it looks. Not to mention having both tapes look the same...

I think he meant that the actual text part was longer than the pocket, making it impossible to get it to fit. Must have been like an XXS blouse or something...

[Eclipse]

I think he meant that the actual text part was longer than the pocket, making it impossible to get it to fit. Must have been like an XXS blouse or something...

I've seen that, and with a merrowed edge it would be impossible to cheat the edges at all.

Sounds like someone didn't play "Which one of these is not like the others?" from Sesame Street.

[O-Rex]

I had this issue when trying to machine-sew the unit CC badge (also very small) on my BDU's.

Can you please cite a regulation or ICL that authorizes the Unit CC badge on BDU's?

NB approved Feb 09, ICL pending, offererd by VG

The bummer is that the permanent award did not pass....

[davidsinn]

I had this issue when trying to machine-sew the unit CC badge (also very small) on my BDU's.

Can you please cite a regulation or ICL that authorizes the Unit CC badge on BDU's?

NB approved Feb 09, ICL pending, offererd by VG

The bummer is that the permanent award did not pass....

Until the AF approves it and the ICL comes down it's not authorized on the BDU.

[Nick]

It's very unfortunate that it takes 7 months to go from the board to an ICL.  Any CAP-USAF coordination should be done on the front end of going to National Board, so once it's voted by the board the letter can be put on the street within a week.

[davidsinn]

It's very unfortunate that it takes 7 months to go from the board to an ICL.  Any CAP-USAF coordination should be done on the front end of going to National Board, so once it's voted by the board the letter can be put on the street within a week.

That's the smart thing to do. Which means it'll never happen.

[Hawk200]

It's very unfortunate that it takes 7 months to go from the board to an ICL.  Any CAP-USAF coordination should be done on the front end of going to National Board, so once it's voted by the board the letter can be put on the street within a week.

McLarty, we're gonna have to have a talk, man. You're making too much sense.

[Nick]

McLarty, we're gonna have to have a talk, man. You're making too much sense.

Yeah. I like to state the obvious every once in a while just to keep in touch with reality. I've never seen that happen in 12 years, so I don't know why I would expect it to begin now ... but, that was also before the proliferation of ICLs and the only official change to regulations were change documents.  Remember those days? Get the mailer from NHQ with pen-and-ink changes or page replacements and go through the one official set of regs at the squadron with the changes?

See, things were simpler then.

[Hawk200]

Remember those days? Get the mailer from NHQ with pen-and-ink changes or page replacements and go through the one official set of regs at the squadron with the changes?

See, things were simpler then.

Yeah, I remember those days. Seems like it started with pen and ink, then went to replacement pages. After that, there were supplements to the specific pub.

Now, there are ICLs which, most of the time, don't get added to the proper pub, or they're in some place where no one would ever look. At least with new pages and supplements, they went directly into the pub in question. Not like nowadays where you've got to check the NHQ site to see if there is something relating to whichever pub you have questions about.