Cub Scout Patch Placement (Common Mistakes To Avoid) - CustomPatchFactory.Com
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Cub Scout Patch Placement: Common Mistakes To Avoid

Cub scout patch placement needs to be done right, and this can be a challenge for new parents and leaders. If the placement of cub scout patches is wrong, it can lead to uniform violations or confusion. In this post, we look at common mistakes to avoid so that your Cub Scout’s uniform adheres to guidelines and displays their achievements with pride.

Cub Scout Patch Placement: Common Mistakes To Avoid

Key Takeaways

  • Cub Scout patches should be positioned according to BSA guidelines, and mostly go on or near the pockets and sleeves.
  • Common Cub Scout patch placement errors include incorrect positioning, misalignment, or improper spacing.
  • Accurate placement of Cub Scout patches highlights achievements, fosters pride, and adheres to uniformity.
  • It is important to take your time with patch placement and ensure authenticity of whatever patch you are using.
  • We supply high-quality custom patches that can be manufactured in line with official Cub Scout guidelines to create official scouting patches from many materials.

Cub Scout Patch Placement

Proper Cub Scout uniform patch placement is essential to maintain unity and instill that all-important sense of pride among scouts. The official uniform is divided into specific areas where different types of patches go. Rank badges should go on the left pocket, while the right pocket is for temporary patches. Council shoulder patches go on the left sleeve, and the American flag goes on the right sleeve.

Proper patch placement is an essential component of the Boy Scouts of America’s guidelines. It promotes a sense of order and discipline, so you should learn how to sew on Boy Scout patches securely as well. Highlight your Boy Scout’s achievements accurately and with pride through correct patch placement.

a meeting of cub scouts for cub scout patch placement

Where Does The Cub Scout Rank Patch Placement Go?

Cub Scout uniform patches goes in different places, and the rank patch should go on the left pocket of the uniform shirt. It should be centered and directly beneath the flap. This area is for rank patches only, showcasing the wearer’s progression and achievements within the program.

Rank patches are representative of significant milestones, reflecting the scout’s accomplishments in things like:

  • Skills
  • Knowledge
  • Community service

Proper placement is crucial as it ensures uniformity and respect for tradition. These patches foster a sense of pride as well as a visual indicator of personal growth. Their placement on Cub Scout uniforms allows the wearer to showcase them front and center, indicating their commitment to the values of the Scouts.

How To Place The Cub Scout World Crest Patch

To place the Cub Scout World Crest patch, locate the uniform shirt’s left side. The patch should be positioned directly above the left pocket, midway between the shoulder seam and the top of the pocket. Make sure it is sewn securely for a neat, polished appearance.

The World Crest patch is a very significant emblem in Scouting, as it symbolizes brotherhood with Scouts worldwide. It reflects a commitment to the values and principles of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. When a scout wears the World Crest, they are connected with millions of fellow scouts around the globe, embracing a shared mission of fostering values like:

  • Peace
  • Understanding
  • Cooperation

Where Does The Cub Scout Recruiter Patch Go?

The Cub Scout Recruiter patch should be affixed directly below the right pocket of the uniform shirt. To position it properly, locate the bottom edge of the right pocket and align the patch centrally beneath it. You must sew it securely to maintain a neat, refined appearance.

It is important to recognize Scouts who earn the Recruiter patch. It represents their efforts in growing the Cub Scout community by inviting new members. Scouts who wear this patch have demonstrated:

  • Leadership
  • Enthusiasm
  • Commitment to the Scouting movement

With their contributions, the reach of Scouting is increased, bringing more young people into a program that teaches skills, citizenship, and character development. By acknowledging recruiters, we reward their efforts and encourage other Scouts to contribute.

Where Does The Cub Scout Lion Rank Emblem Go?

The Cub Scout Lion rank emblem goes on the right front side of the official Lion t-shirt. It should be carefully centered and placed approximately 1 inch above the bottom hem. Attach it securely for a polished look.

The Lion rank is the introductory stage for kindergarten-aged children who are new to Cub Scouting. It is the beginning of a great journey, focusing on enjoyable, age-appropriate activities that foster:

  • Curiosity
  • Teamwork
  • Basic skills

With the Lion program, young Scouts can develop a foundational understanding of the principles of Scouting, preparing them for the ranks they will achieve in the future. With proper placement of the Lion emblem, you highlight their initial achievements and foster pride in their early Scouting experiences.

two young scouts in a field for cub scout patch placement

How To Place The Cub Scout Den Patches

Placement of the Cub Scout Den patch should be on the right sleeve of the uniform shirt. You should position it centrally on the sleeve, approximately 2 inches below the shoulder seam. Ensure that you sew it securely to achieve a neat and professional appearance.

Den patches are symbols of the specific den within a pack that the Scout belongs to. Their aim is to foster a sense of identity and camaraderie among den members. These patches distinguish different dens, emphasizing teamwork and pride within the group. Proper placement promotes uniformity and demonstrates respect for the traditions and structure of Cub Scouting.

Wearing the Den patch correctly enables Scouts to proudly display their affiliation, reinforcing their commitment.

How To Place The Cub Scout Adventure Loops

Cub Scout Adventure Loop patch placement should be on the official Cub Scout belt. For accurate positioning, slide each loop onto the belt, ensuring they fit snugly on the belt buckle and the first loop of the pants. You should display Adventure Loops in the order they are earned, displaying the wearer’s progression and achievements.

Adventure Loops are earned by completing specific activities within the Cub Scout program. They revolve around a Scout’s exploration of:

  • Skills
  • Knowledge
  • Experiences

Each loop is a significant milestone in the Scout’s journey, encouraging ongoing learning and participation. By properly displaying Adventure Loops, you demonstrate your Scout’s dedication and accomplishments, helping with pride and motivation within the community.

How To Place The Cub Scout Council Patches

To place the Cub Scout Council patch, you must locate the left sleeve of your uniform shirt. The patch should be positioned just below the shoulder seam, and you should center it carefully. It is usually an arc shape that fits perfectly under the seam, and you can often sew or iron on patches to the uniform.

Council patches signify the local Scouting council to which the wearer belongs, highlighting regional membership and encouraging local pride. These patches represent the wearer’s connection to their community, as well as the broader Scouting network. With proper placement, you can achieve uniformity and demonstrate respect for the Scouting hierarchy.

Display the Council patch correctly to enable your Scout to proudly showcase their membership.

What Is The Significance Of The Left Sleeve Cub Scout Patch Placement?

Just as in military patch placement, correct Cub Scout patch placement is important. The left sleeve of the Cub Scout shirt is significant as it identifies the wearer’s council and den. For correct placement, position the Council patch just below the shoulder seam and the Den patch centrally around 2 inches below the Council patch. A trained leader emblem should go directly below the Den patch.

Correct placement enables proper recognition and uniformity. These are essential qualities for preserving the integrity of the Scouting program. There are a few common mistakes people make:

  • Placing patches on the wrong sleeve.
  • Misaligning patches.
  • Using incorrect spacing.

Take care to achieve proper patch placement to adhere to the organization’s standards.

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Mistakes To Avoid When Placing Patches On Cub Scout Uniforms

When placing patches on Cub Scout uniforms, there are a few common mistakes people make:

  • Incorrect positioning: Placing patches on the wrong sleeve or misaligning them.
  • Improper spacing: Failing to space patches out correctly can result in a cluttered appearance.
  • Inappropriate attachment methods: Using inappropriate stitching or inferior adhesives can lead to weak attachments or an unprofessional appearance.

Patches should be sewn or affixed securely to the correct spots to adhere to Cub Scout regulations.

We offer a professional customized patch maker service and can create fully compliant custom Boy Scout patches to your specific designs. Our patches are designed for durability and easy placement, so you can achieve a neat and properly adorned uniform.

What Are The Guidelines For Cub Scout Uniform Patch Placement?

The guidelines for Cub Scout patch placement are as follows:

  1. Rank patches: Place on the left pocket, centered below the flap.
  2. World crest: Sew this above the left pocket, between the shoulder seam and pocket top.
  3. Council patch: Attach to the left sleeve, centered just below the shoulder seam.
  4. Den patch: Affix centrally below the Council patch, 2 inches from the seam.
  5. Adventure loops: These slide onto the belt in the order they are earned.

Each patch signifies achievements and affiliations and encourages pride and recognition. Ensure they are securely sewn or affixed with durable adhesive, and align them carefully to achieve a professional appearance that adheres to Cub Scout regulations.

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How To Wear And Display Cub Scout Temporary Patches

Cub Scout temporary patches are available to be displayed in various ways on the uniform. Placement is usually on the right pocket or sleeve, depending on the pack’s preference. Here are some guidelines for correct placement:

  • Right pocket: Center the patch on the right pocket flap, making sure it is attached securely.
  • Right sleeve: Position centrally and close to the shoulder, ensuring it doesn’t overlap with other patches.


Temporary patches can recognize special events, achievements, or activities and should be worn neatly and respectfully. We can create custom adhesive patches that are perfect as temporary patches for one-off uses, or you can explore our range of other patch materials and attachment methods to find the right solution.

How Do You Attach Scout Patches?

Attaching Scout patches starts with ensuring the patch and uniform area are clean and dry. Then you apply one of the following methods:

  • Sewing:
    • Position the patch in the correct location on the uniform.
    • Use pins to secure the patch in place for sewing.
    • Using a needle and thread that matches the uniform, sew around the edges of the patch with small, even stitches.
    • Knot the thread on the inside to secure the patch.
  • Adhesive:
    • Use fabric adhesive designed for patches and apply it to the back of the patch.
    • Press the patch firmly onto the uniform in the correct place and allow to dry in line with the adhesive instructions.


You may also be able to iron on Scout patches in some circumstances.

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Where Does The Patch Go On The Cub Scout Uniform For Journey To Excellence?

The Journey to Excellence patch goes on the right pocket of the Cub Scout uniform. It recognizes achievements and improvements within the pack, indicating that the wearer has participated in the BSA’s performance recognition program.

Here’s where to place this Cub Scout patch on the uniform:

  1. Center the patch on the right pocket flap.
  2. Sew or glue the patch securely in position.


The Journey to Excellence program evaluates and rewards packs for making progress and succeeding in various scouting activities and goals. Display it prominently to signify the pack’s commitment to ongoing improvement, fostering motivation among Scouts and their leaders.

a selection of scouting patches for cub scout patch placement

How to Identify Authentic Cub Scout Patches

To confirm authenticity of Cub Scout patches, follow these guidelines:

  1. Official logos: Look for official BSA logos and trademarks. The fleur-de-lis emblem of the words ‘Boy Scouts of America’ should be displayed prominently.
  2. Quality: Genuine patches will be well-made with high-quality embroidery and clear colors. Check for consistent design elements.
  3. Verify against BSA resources: Cross-reference the design, shape, and text with images of approved patches from the BSA website.
  4. Authorized dealers: Only purchase patches from authorized BSA dealers or official scouting stores.


With our custom service, you can create authentic patches for the full range of uses. Our customized boy and girl scout patches use high-quality manufacturing techniques, robust materials, and a range of attachment methods to get the best possible solutions for Scouting uniforms.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cub Scout Patch Placement

Where Do You Place Cub Scout Patches?

This depends on the type of patch. The shirt pockets and sleeves are common attachment areas for different patch types, while Adventure Loops go on the belt. Proper spacing and alignment are crucial.

How Do You Attach Scout Patches Securely?

Most patches are sew-on, but can also be affixed to uniforms using fabric adhesive. You may also find that some patches use an iron-on attachment method, so determine what will work for you.

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