Daisies Vest Patches: Easy Official And Fun Placement Guide
If you have a new Daisy, you might be wondering where all those colorful patches go on her vest or tunic. This simple guide shows you exactly where each official insignia belongs, how to handle fun patches, and the best ways to attach everything. For troops looking to create unique memories, we’ll also introduce how Packlove can help with custom fun patches.
1. Your Daisy uniform vest or tunic
1.1. Vest or tunic: what’s the choice?
Girl Scout Daisies wear a blue official uniform, which can be either a vest or a tunic. The vest is a sleeveless garment that ends at the waist. The tunic is also sleeveless but is longer, typically covering the hips. Both are official uniform options and the decision often comes down to personal preference or what the troop decides together.
1.2. Where to get your official Daisy vest or tunic
To ensure you have the correct uniform, it’s important to buy it from official sources. You can find authentic vests and tunics at your local Girl Scout council shop or through the official GSUSA online store. Buying from these places guarantees you have the right item and supports the Girl Scout organization.
2. Placing insignia on the front of your vest
2.1. Why correct placement is important
Girl Scouts is a national organization with established traditions. Following the official placement guidelines shows respect for Girl Scout traditions and ensures a consistent, unified look for Daisies everywhere.
2.2. Main badges and pins on the front
Here’s where the main official items go on the front of the vest or tunic, according to the official Girl Scout Daisy patch placement guide:
- American Flag Patch: This patch shows that Girl Scouts is an American organization. It is placed on the top right side of the vest, near the shoulder.
- Girl Scout Council Identification Set: This set, which shows which council your troop belongs to, is placed directly below the American Flag Patch on the right side.
- Troop numerals: These patches display your Daisy’s specific troop number and are placed directly below the Council Identification Set.
- Girl Scout Daisy Membership Pin: This small blue pin shows she is an official member and is placed on the left side of the vest, over her heart.
- World Trefoil Pin: This pin represents membership in the global sisterhood of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). It is placed on the left side, usually to the right of the Daisy Membership Pin.
2.3. Showing what you’ve learned: petals and leaves
These awards show the new things your Daisy is learning:
- Daisy Petals: Daisies earn these colorful petals for learning the 10 parts of the Girl Scout Law. The petals are arranged in a circle around the Daisy Promise Center Patch, which is placed on the lower front of the vest. While GSUSA doesn’t specify a strict order, many troops like to start at the top and go clockwise as petals are earned.
- Learning Leaves: These rectangular patches are earned when Daisies complete official Journey awards. They are usually placed on the lower front of the vest, often below the circle of Petals. From our experience, keeping the layout consistent within the troop often looks best.
2.4. Other official awards and pins
Always check official GSUSA guidelines for the most current placement of these awards:
- My Promise, My Faith Pins: These pins are usually placed on the left side of the vest, above the Petals.
- Safety Award Pin: This is often placed near the My Promise, My Faith pins.
- Cookie Business and Financial Smarts Badges: These badges are typically placed on the front of the vest, either below the Journey Leaves or to the side of the Petals, depending on the space available.
- Journey Summit Award Pin: As a significant award, this is usually placed prominently on the left side, often near the World Trefoil Pin.
3. Fun patches and memories
3.1. What are “fun patches”?
A fun patch, or participation patch, is a non-official patch. Daisies receive them for participating in troop activities, events, or trips that aren’t part of the official GSUSA advancement program. They are wonderful mementos of their experiences.
3.2. Where do fun patches go?
This is easy to remember: Fun patches belong on the back of the Daisy vest or tunic. There are no official placement rules for the back, which means your Daisy can be creative and personalize her vest. Many Daisies love filling the entire back of their vest, creating a vibrant story of their adventures.
3.3. What about patches not from Girl Scouts?
Yes, patches that aren’t from Girl Scout events can also go on the back of the vest. This could include souvenir patches from family vacations, museum trips, or local festivals. The main rule to understand is that non-official patches are for the back only, keeping the front reserved for official Girl Scout insignia.
4. How to attach your patches
Now that you know where the patches go, here are a few common ways to attach them.
4.1. Iron-on patches
Many patches come with a heat-activated iron-on backing. To attach them, an adult should use a hot iron and a thin pressing cloth to protect the patch and vest. From our experience, iron-on adhesive can sometimes weaken with washing. For extra security, adding a few small stitches around the edge of an iron-on patch is a great idea. You can find more details in this guide on iron-on patches.
4.2. Sew-on patches
Sewing is the most permanent and secure way to attach patches. If you’re wondering how to sew patches on a Daisy vest, a simple running stitch or whipstitch around the edge works well. A strong sew-on patch will withstand years of wear and washing.
4.3. Fabric glue
Permanent fabric glue is another alternative that can be easier than sewing. Be sure to use a high-quality, permanent fabric glue designed for clothing and check that it is washable. It might not be as durable as sewing, especially for heavier patches.
5. Making special memories: custom fun patches for your troop
5.1. Why get custom patches?
Custom patches create unique keepsakes for special troop events like field trips, service projects, or anniversaries. These custom fun patches make those memories tangible and extra special, especially for activities not covered by official GSUSA patches.
5.2. How Packlove can help your troop create lasting memories
At Packlove, we specialize in helping groups like Girl Scout troops create beautiful, high-quality custom fun patches that celebrate their unique adventures. With dedicated support for troop leaders and small minimum order quantities, bringing your idea to life is easy. Here are a couple of fantastic options for your troop:
- Custom woven patches (for a classic embroidered look): Using our detailed woven label technology, we create patches that offer a sharp, classic embroidered appearance. Because they are woven instead of embroidered, they can capture intricate details and small text flawlessly—perfect for a special troop logo or a commemorative event patch.
- Custom rubber patches (for a modern, durable feel): For a modern and super-durable option, our custom rubber patches (also called PVC patches) are an excellent choice. They are waterproof, flexible, and feature vibrant, bold colors, making them ideal for camping trips, outdoor activities, or any event where durability matters.
Both styles are perfect for creating unique fun patches for the back of your Daisy vests. Ready to design a special memento for your troop? Visit the Packlove website to get a free quote today!
6. The golden rule: always defer to official GSUSA guidelines
While this guide is a comprehensive resource based on current standards, the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is the final authority. They may update uniform and insignia guidelines, so it’s essential to always verify placement with the most recent official sources.
You can do this by consulting your troop leader, contacting your local Girl Scout council, or visiting the official GSUSA website. This ensures your Daisy’s uniform is always perfect.
7. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
7.1. Do we have to put all the petals on the vest?
No, Daisies only add the petals they have officially earned. The circle will fill up over time as they learn and grow.
7.2. What if a patch falls off?
Don’t worry. If it’s an iron-on, an adult can try re-ironing it. For a more permanent fix, sewing it on is the best solution.
7.3. Where can I buy the official Daisy patches?
Official petals, badges, and other insignia can be purchased from your local Girl Scout council shop or the official Girl Scouts of the USA online store.
7.4. Can patches from older Girl Scout levels go on the Daisy vest?
Generally, the Daisy vest is for awards earned as a Girl Scout Daisy. Each level (Brownie, Junior, etc.) has its own uniform and insignia.
7.5. How many fun patches can I put on the back?
As many as you can fit. The back of the vest is for all your fun patches and special memories, so feel free to fill it up.
Explore more:
The Daisy vest, with all its carefully placed official insignia and creative fun patches, becomes a wearable record of achievement and friendship. Each patch tells a part of her unique journey in Girl Scouts. We hope this guide has been helpful as you and your Daisy embark on this wonderful adventure.
