Sewing and Needlework
Sewing is using a needle and thread to make stitches and combine textiles by hand or machine. Needlework is decorative sewing and other textile arts. In this badge, you will investigate several types of sewing and needlework. You will learn basic hand and machine sewing skills and make several small, practical projects using your new skills!
Sewing and Needlework Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of November 13, 2025
as of November 13, 2025
This Test Lab offering is valid until August 2026.
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1.
Safety. Explain to your counselor the potential hazards
you may encounter when sewing and how to avoid them. When using a sewing
machine or rotary cutter, always obtain your parent or guardian and
counselor’s permission.
2.
Hand Sewing. Do the following:
a.
Assemble a basic sewing and repair kit and explain the purpose of
each item.
b.
Thread a needle and tie a quilter’s or tailor’s knot in a piece of
fabric.
c.
Demonstrate the following sewing techniques, including when and why
each is used:
1.
Running stitch
2.
Back stitch
3.
Hem stitch
4.
Whip stitch.
d.
Sew a patch on your uniform or other fabric.
e.
Sew a button onto an item.
f.
Upcycle by practicing visible mending to patch a piece of clothing
or material.
3.
Choose ONE of the following options and complete each requirement:
A.
Machine Sewing
a.
Provide a brief overview of the evolution of the sewing
machine
b.
Read your machine manual and do the following:
1.
Explain the parts of a sewing machine and their
functions.
2.
Thread the machine and the bobbin.
3.
Explain how to properly clean and oil the machine and
change the needle.
c.
Identify other tools you will need for machine sewing.
Demonstrate the following sewing techniques, including when
and why each is used:
1.
Pinning
2.
Sewing in a straight line
3.
Back stitch
4.
Basting stitch
5.
Gathering stitch
6.
Unpicking or seam ripping.
d.
Do the following using a sewing machine:
1.
Sew a Scout patch on your uniform or other fabric.
2.
Repair a tear or small hole in fabric using a patch or
darning technique.
e.
Sew ONE item from this list using a pattern, using THREE or
more techniques from requirement 3(c):
1.
Drawstring backpack
2.
Camp utensil holder
3.
Storage bag for tent stakes or school supplies
4.
Pillowcase
5.
An item of your own choosing, approved in advance by
your counselor.
B.
Knitting
a.
Provide a brief overview of the history of knitting.
b.
Explain the tools used when knitting. Demonstrate the ability
to read a pattern, including deciphering symbols.
c.
Using knitting needles, demonstrate how to tie a slip knot,
cast on and bind off.
d.
Demonstrate the following stitches:
1.
Knit stitch
2.
Purl stitch.
e.
Knit a small item such as a dishcloth, scarf, or an item of
your own choosing, approved in advance by your counselor,
using ONE of the following stitch patterns with at least two
colors of yarn:
1.
Garter stitch
2.
Stockinette stitch
3.
Ribbing.
C.
Crochet
a.
Provide a brief overview of the history of crochet OR the
history of Amigurumi.
b.
Explain the tools used when crocheting. Demonstrate the
ability to read a pattern, including deciphering symbols.
c.
Demonstrate how to tie a slip knot and how to hold a crochet
hook and yarn to crochet.
d.
Demonstrate the following stitches in a small practice piece:
1.
Single crochet
2.
Double crochet
3.
Half-double crochet.
e.
Crochet a small item such as a dishcloth, scrub, or an item
of your own choosing, approved in advance by your counselor,
using at least two colors of yarn.
D.
Hand Embroidery
a.
Provide a brief overview of the history of hand embroidery.
b.
Explain the tools used in hand embroidery.
c.
Embroider a small sampler of your own design or from a
purchased kit or embroider a temporary patch for your
uniform. Include SIX of the following basic stitches:
running stitch, back stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch,
surface couching, blanket stitch, herringbone stitch, chevron
stitch, feather stitch, weave stitch, seed stitch, French
knots, fishbone stitch, satin stitch, cross stitch.
E.
Appliqué
a.
Provide a brief overview of the history of hand appliqué.
b.
In a small sample, demonstrate how to do appliqué by hand
using the following methods: needle turn or freezer paper
using an invisible (ladder) stitch or blanket stitch.
c.
(c) In a small sample, demonstrate machine appliqué using a
raw edge fusible technique and a blanket stitch.
d.
Appliqué a design onto a T-shirt by hand or machine or
reverse appliqué a shape by hand sewing.
F.
Quilting
a.
Research historical quilts and show your counselor examples
of types of quilts that interest you. Discuss how they were
made.
b.
Explain the tools used when quilting and how to use them
safely. Discuss why accuracy is important in traditional
quilting. Sew an accurate ¼” seam.
c.
Using scraps of cotton quilting fabric, sort into light,
medium and dark colors. Choose a focus fabric and find a
group of fabrics that would work well in a scrap quilt.
Demonstrate how the value and scale of a printed fabric can
create interest.
d.
Using three copies of a quilting design, color blocks to
achieve different quilt designs. Show your counselor your
designs and which one is your favorite.
e.
Make a small quilt (12” square plus borders):
1.
Using a rotary cutter, cut fabric into strips and
pieces to make a four patch, rail fence block pattern,
or design of your choice. Sew together on a machine or
by hand using a ¼” seam allowance and press flat. Cut
and add borders.
2.
Make a sandwich with backing and batting. Baste.
3.
Hand quilt with a running stitch or big stitch.
4.
Label your quilt. Explain why this is important.
5.
Bind to finish the edge of the quilt.
4.
Art. Visit a quilt or textile arts show or museum
display either in-person or virtually. Explain to your counselor how they
were created.
5.
Service. Discuss with your counselor how sewing and
needlework skills might be of service to others. How can they benefit
your family, community, church, or school.
6.
Careers. Do ONE of the following:
a.
Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and
knowledge in sewing and/or needlework. Pick one and research the
training, education, certification requirements, experience, and
expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects
for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and
career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned
with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this
career.
b.
Identify how you might use the skills and knowledge in sewing
and/or needlework to pursue a personal hobby. Research the
additional training required, expenses, and affiliation with
organizations that would help you maximize the enjoyment and
benefit you might gain from it. Discuss what you learned with your
counselor and share what short-term and long-term goals you might
have if you pursued this.
7.
Complete the survey below to complete the test lab requirements
