Sewing and Needlework

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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!

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For most achivements and events in Scouting, patches are created to commemorate the accomplishment. Looking back on the patches you have earned is a great way to remember your Scouting experiences. Also, patches are a major trading item among Scouts.

Scouting America does not create or sell patches for the Test Lab badges during their pilot phase. However, an unofficial patch has been created by Scoutmaster Bucky. This patch can only be worn on the back of the merit badge sash as the front is reserved for official merit badges.

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Sewing and Needlework Requirements
Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of January 6, 2026

This Test Lab offering is valid until August 2026.

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
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