Editor’s note, May 2020: One upside to all the extra at-home time on our hands these days? Plenty of hours for cooking and crafting—which has us digging up some of our favorite DIYs from the archives. One project we love? These personalized DIY merit badges from Brooklyn-based creative Julie Schneider:
While my Girl Scout career was brief, I still carry a love for those iconic little patches I earned way back when—so I’ve cooked up a custom DIY twist on classic scout badges. Make your own version to honor a recent accomplishment, good deed, skill learned, or just for fun. Keep it for yourself, send one to a friend, or tip your hat to dad for Father’s Day. Ready to give it a try? Follow along below to stitch a diamond badge with me, or dream up your own one-of-a-kind design.

At a glance:
Time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate

You will need:
- Fabric (6″ x 6″ or so)
- Embroidery floss
- Scissors
- Felt (2″ x 2″ or so)
- 4″ embroidery hoop
- Pencil
- Water soluble marker
- Embroidery needle
- 1″ bar pin back
- Pins
- Diamond merit badge template PDF (optional)
- Fray Check (optional)
Don’t have all the supplies? No worries! Here are a few simple swaps you can make:
- Instead of a pinback, use a safety pin.
- Instead of an embroidery hoop, stretch fabric across the ring of a mason jar lid and secure with a rubber band.
- For fabric, consider scraps from old clothes or a retired dish towel.
Step 1: Start brainstorming

Take some time to make a few sketches, and consider simple line drawings and iconic images (including icons of your own invention). What will your merit badge represent? Who is it for, and what achievement does it honor?
Alternatively, you can download the diamond template and stitch along with me to make a gemstone merit badge for someone who is a true gem, a diamond in the rough, or who just plain rocks!
Step 2: Sketch your design

Sketch images for your badge inside of a circle, drawing one line for a decorative border stitch, and another for the outer edge of your badge. Trace over the sketch with a dark pen.
Step 3: Transfer image to fabric

I used a water soluble craft pen and a window as a DIY lightbox. To do this, tape your design to a window and tape your fabric over it, so the image is in the center. Use the water soluble marker to trace your design onto the fabric.
If you prefer, you can use transfer paper and pencils for this step. If you’re using a dark fabric, you may wish to use a chalk pencil or an opaque white gel pen.
Step 4: Start stitching

Secure the fabric to a 4” embroidery hoop. Cut an arm’s length of embroidery floss. Don’t get tempted to work with a super long piece of thread; I promise it will be nothing but knotty trouble! Start stitching the lines of the design.

For the main image, try a back stitch. To start, tie a knot at the end of the floss. Starting from the wrong side of the fabric, pull the floss up through the fabric and make a small stitch.

Pull the needle back through the fabric a small stitch length in front of the first stitch. Bring the needle back, connecting the dots with the first stitch.


For the radiating violet lines, I used a split stitch. To begin a split stitch, make one stitch forward and then bring your needle up from underneath in the middle of that first stitch, thereby “splitting” the first stitch. Continue along like that to create a chain-like effect.
Step 5: Stitch the border

For a decorative border around the iconic badge image, I am a fan of the chain stitch. To start the chain stitch, sew two small parallel stitches, like tiny railroad tracks. Bring the needle up through the fabric a small stitch length away from these two stitches.

Staying on the surface of the fabric, slip the needle under those two stitches. Bring the needle back through the fabric to the back, traveling back through the same hole.

Repeat until the chain circle is unbroken.
Step 6: Create the back

Cut a circle of felt for the back of the badge that is the same size as the front circle that bears your embroidered design. Attach a pinback with nice secure stitches. You can also skip this step and stitch the badge directly to a garment or bag.
Step 7: Finish the edges

Cut out the embroidered front circle and pin it to the felt back circle. If the fabric looks like it might fray, you may want to dab Fray Check on the raw edge.

Stitch the two together with a whip stitch or a blanket stitch. To start the blanket stitch, make a knot, and pull it through the top layer of fabric to hide the knot in between the two layers of the badge. Stitch around the edge of the badge, like you’re doing a whip stitch, but don’t pull the stitch taut. Leave a little loop.

Pull your needle through that loop.

As you stitch, you’ll end up with a nice, thread-enforced edging.

This is what it will look like from the back.

Repeat till the edge of the badge is completely blanket stitched. Dab or spritz with water to remove any remaining water soluble pen marks. Affix your finished badge to your favorite tote or tee, or award it to someone worthy!

Variations:
- Skip the embroidery and use fabric markers or paint, or make mini appliqués with fabric and fusible web.
- Add embellishments, like ribbon, trim, cabochons, or sequins.
- Try another shape—there’s no rule that says merit badges have to be circular.
Merit badges made by Julie Schneider, Elyse Wilson, and Nicole De Feo.
112 comments
Adam Speicher from SpeicherBowTieCo said 7 years ago
Cool
Kristan Hemingway from Hemingwayfun said 7 years ago
very cool summer idea.
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 7 years ago
Really neat how-to! Thanks so much for sharing!
Matejka Max from NattyMatty said 7 years ago
Lovely!
Aristocrafts from Aristocrafts said 7 years ago
I love embroidery, and these badges are so cute! They make great presents for lots of occasions! Thanks for sharing, Julie!
Sarah from Birchmoonrocksfibers said 7 years ago
I love to embroidery! What a great idea to make handmade badges!!
Karina Pryor from picklehead said 7 years ago
So cool! I can't get enough of embroidery lately :) love your badges!
Tiffany Key from resinjewelryHARUAKI said 7 years ago
So cute! This looks like the perfect project to get my kids perfecting their needle and thread technique. Then I will have to make some Best Badge Maker badges for them. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah from Birchmoonrocksfibers said 7 years ago
What a great idea!! I love to embroidery!
Jess Greenleaf from GREENLEAFblueberry said 7 years ago
This is a really cute idea. I was only a girl scout for a year, and wasn't really that into it, but I would have been totally into this project.
Astrid R. from AnAstridEndeavor said 7 years ago
This is a DIY right up my alley. Love when I see embroidery in action! Yah for merit badges!!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 7 years ago
This looks like such a hard work. its so amazing and personal. I think i just got my fathers day gift idea :) Thank you so much.
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 7 years ago
Cool.
Patrick from EdelweissPost said 7 years ago
I think patches are just about the coolest thing aside from postage stamps! So... emblematic!
Ghada Hassan from MyGDesigns said 7 years ago
This is so cute and adorable! Thanks for sharing.
agnes barton-sabo from BettyTurbo said 7 years ago
super cute. so many underrepresented life events that deserve a badge!
Jennifer from LittleWeeShop said 7 years ago
Impeccable timing - My son is heading to sleep away Camp for the first time in just a few weeks and I think it would be perfect to start him out with a 'NEW CAMPER' badge - Thanks for this inspiration. ~ Little Wee Shop ~
Cheyne from CheyneSews said 7 years ago
I adore this project!
kristin from blackmoonsky said 7 years ago
super cute!!!
ronda Tedder from simplethymeprims said 7 years ago
what fun!...
Marta DQ from tribomo said 7 years ago
Great project!
YOKO from OnTheWallByYoko said 7 years ago
awww, they are so cute!!!
studiokgraphicdesign from studiokgraphicdesign said 7 years ago
What an adorable idea!
stephanie callsen from bannerandsail said 7 years ago
Cute and fun project!!
Lynsey from lmouer said 7 years ago
Love this! My favorite is the cat! Can't wait to make one!
Jude said 7 years ago
Great idea! especially for dolls or encouragement in completing a big project. Better than food anytime.
TrashThings from TrashThings said 7 years ago
what a fabulous tutorial must give this a try!!!
D George from GeorgieGirlLLC said 7 years ago
Super cute project! Thanks for sharing!
Ann Cosgrove from acbcDesign said 7 years ago
What a fun idea! Love it!
Lynda Black from polkadottydolls said 7 years ago
ADoRABLe idea !! =)))
Mel Ladner from epicstitching said 7 years ago
Girl Guides was one of my first outlets to realize that I loved collecting and creating. Collecting those badges was such a big deal, and I just loved all the colors and designs. I remember making some ribbons for a race one year as a child and telling mey Mom that I wished they were as pretty as Girl Guide badges. Lovely tutorial and a great medium for the template!
Kennedy Miranda from HoarderRehab said 7 years ago
Wow! Thank you Julie for sharing this in such detailed step by step with pictures DIY instructions! It is quite inspiring and a good way for me to deal with the little scraps of fabric that as a recovering hoarder, I can not discard!
Susanne Major from LineaLina said 7 years ago
Now this is sooo super cute! Really lovely! Thanks for sharing!
Kathi from PumpkiAndMo said 7 years ago
Great post, get's the imagination going immediately :) Thanks!
Marie Cashin from MEmbroideries said 7 years ago
These are cool. Does anyone else remember struggling with needles and thread as a child???
Nicola and Jessica Belton from CelticKnittingCo said 7 years ago
Great post and really beautiful badges!!!
anamcleod from DevineEssence said 7 years ago
Who would have thought that you could use embroidery and turn then into pins!!! very cool ideas!
LunaPlush said 7 years ago
Such an awesome idea! I love that you can personalize these embroideries, too. Great activity for kids and parents!
natureguild from natureguild said 7 years ago
Sure do admire that chain stitchin'
Kasia B from ShesGUtSSY said 7 years ago
Cute project! Thanks for sharing!
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 7 years ago
Thanks for you tutorial...Neat idea....I can see children liking to do this too....
Martha Layton Smith from opendoorstudio said 7 years ago
I adore this. I see these in my future!
Pamela Harnois from NuttingAvenue said 7 years ago
Love this idea! Thanks so much for sharing this.
Rachel from PeppersJewelry said 7 years ago
These are a cute idea!
GoddessOfJewelry from GoddessOfJewelry said 7 years ago
So fun! Love these!
SaintReagansHollow from SaintReagansHollow said 7 years ago
What a great idea! Thank you for sharing it!
June from isewcute said 7 years ago
What an adorable craft! I love it!!!
breadandroses2 from breadandroses2 said 7 years ago
Just found my old Girl Scout sash and appreciate the miniature art of merit badges. Good stuff!
Lisa Steiner from ElainaLouiseStudios said 7 years ago
Love this idea!
Katrina Alana from KatrinaAlana said 7 years ago
What a fun craft. I'd love to make something like this.
Hamilton House Prints from HamiltonHousePrints said 7 years ago
This would be a great project for Girl Scouts to use to earn their sewing badge.
Motleycouture from Motleycouture said 7 years ago
I am loving this idea! Wonderful project! Teaches so much! What better way to earn a badge!
Connie Baldino from QBeeds said 7 years ago
Very cute idea!
Rene' COMER from SensingMajesty said 7 years ago
I remember being in Girl Scouts! You just gave me the inspiration to pick up my needle and thread again. Thanks!
Kiana Gonzalez from kroksg said 7 years ago
Such an amazing idea, I would so make these for my kids someday! And I was in Pathfinders as a kid and loved getting badges. They make you feel so official haha!
mazedasastoat from mazedasastoat said 7 years ago
My mother used to make embroidered patches for my jeans when I was a kid... there was a rainbow, a butterfly, one that said "Think Happy Thoughts" & many others that I can't remember. Can you tell it was during the flower power era? LOL
Heidi Schreck from CatalystJewelry said 7 years ago
So cute- a great little gift idea. Not that i need another hobby, or another project, but someday I will definitely start embroidering! Thanks for the idea!
Caroline Barbosa from OldSoulVintageLtd said 7 years ago
I love embroidery! Cute craft to teach the kids, someones kid. :)
mary from QueenofCuffs said 7 years ago
Cool idea - and a fantastic ' how to' description - so clearly and creatively made. Lovely work.
Fee Harding from burntfeather said 7 years ago
okay this is pretty much the best thing ever!
Roberta from amabito said 7 years ago
fabulous! Really love it!
Catherine from kalicat said 7 years ago
so cute ! thanks for tutorial
Susan Norwood from GreenleeAndVine said 7 years ago
Such a cute project! Thank you!!
Marissa Howes from CharmingShopLove said 7 years ago
Cutest badges ever. Thanks for the tutorial! I can definitely see my self making these. I will have to file this away for a craft day!
Laura from swingkitten said 7 years ago
these are awesome! Great write up and thanks for the tute!
Brandy Yowell-Fish from Fishtitch said 7 years ago
Such an adorable idea! This reminds me of the movie Up, when Carl uses the grape bottle cap as Russell's Wilderness Explorer badge.
Zaya Ishoo from DesignPrintHang said 7 years ago
great idea! little stuff like this make Etsy a favorite!! keep it up.
Dickson Lee from Favormaking said 7 years ago
Good work. Love this. Thank you.
Cecilia from Mimok said 7 years ago
Fabulous DIY! Love it! Thank you so much!
Boutique Bohème La Néna from boutiquebohemelanena said 7 years ago
superbe! j'adore ce travail
Andrea Hughes from PopLoveHers said 7 years ago
Those are freakin' awesome! I remember finding my girl-guide's sash that was filled with all kinds of wicked merit badges and wearing it as a proud and nostalgic accessory when I went out dancing in college (who knows how I managed to make it fit!). Now these I could totally rock on a denim jacket... hmmm...
Flora from InnerWild said 7 years ago
LOVE these Julie! Thank you. I was, ah, highly motivated to get my Brownie and Girl Guide badges. Wonderful project.
Carmo Stichini from CasaAbril said 7 years ago
Really great! Thank you so much!
sew3heartfelt from SewHeartFeltShop said 7 years ago
Great idea! Thanks for the tutorial. :-)
Nemki from nemki said 7 years ago
Adorable!
Rhianna Wurman from ellolovey said 7 years ago
Such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
sara wolfie from sarawolfiejewelry said 7 years ago
This is great! Wish I had saved my old girl scout badges. Might have to make some new ones!
sara wolfie from sarawolfiejewelry said 7 years ago
i love these! I wish I had saved my girl scout badges from back in the day. might have to make some new ones! :)
Lisa from NirvanaRoad said 7 years ago
I love embroidery! Nice feature.
Tomasz Wieszczu said 7 years ago
great handmade
Jules Marriner from julesmarriner said 7 years ago
Thank you, this is BRILLIANT! I'm going to make one for my friend's birthday.
Kirsten of the Forest from ORCHIDandREPTILE said 7 years ago
What a cute idea! Thanks for sharing. Thank you for the specific how-to with the embroidery portion, too. I might give this a try!
Carla Hansen from myneedlehabit said 7 years ago
Julie, This is GREAT. Glad I discovered this....almost a month later!
Mina Andujar from TheGreenAnvilStudio said 7 years ago
Very sweet project. Thank you!
Phing Chutima from CraftingMode said 7 years ago
Very Cool and So cute : ))
maor torry said 7 years ago
cool work. do u have some artwork with a star of david pendant embedded on it?
Christy Dobbs from WhimsicalEutopia said 7 years ago
Super COOL! Great and very fun!!!
Brooke Manning from CambricLawn said 7 years ago
UM. https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/leemeszaros
Dahlila S. from dahlilafound said 7 years ago
I LOVE these. So darling. I used to embroider so much as a kid. Don't know why I don't do it anymore. I have yarn! :)
jillian kazienko from bloomsandshrooms said 7 years ago
too cool!
kellygirl39 from smittysfaves said 6 years ago
going to make some valentines day badges!! maybe like conversation heart type ones
Koren Kwan from GarasuWonderland said 6 years ago
beautiful designs~
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
lovely designs!!!
branda Moreno from branda said 225 days ago
Lovely!!! :-) :-)
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 225 days ago
Very cool DIY ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Anna from SublimationDesignsAn said 225 days ago
Great, very useful for children.
Lira Allayarova from LiraAllayarova said 224 days ago
Fascinating crafts. I have never seen this before. You inspired me with one great idea. I love felted wool products, I will try to realize my idea.
Agnieszka from Makramianki said 224 days ago
I love embroidery and would love to try my own one. :) Really great tutorial. :)
Mary Tok from MaryandMuse said 224 days ago
Great idea))) thanks. To inspire yourself, look at my store)))
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 224 days ago
Ha ~ so cute and meaningful
Mariya from MagicArtForYou said 223 days ago
What a detailed explanation! Thank you for sharing this article. This is very cool!
Ana C. Gomez from MixBerryDesignsShop said 222 days ago
This is so cool! I love this kind of projects, they´re super creative. Thanks for sharing the process!
Elena Anich from AnichArtHoop said 222 days ago
Good idea!
Dianna Kasper from DesignsbyDAC said 222 days ago
Awesome. love it.I
Irina Shcherbinina from AmiguRinaDesigns said 222 days ago
Great ideas! It's so cute <3
Lira Allayarova from LiraAllayarova said 221 days ago
Wow. That's very beautiful. I will do too! I am a creative person, I make art clothes, but I also like something new
Natalia Mamzorkina from TeddysMomArt said 218 days ago
Very good!
Mariia Shevchenko from MariUkraine said 217 days ago
nice for kids
Anke from StudioAnke said 216 days ago
So cute, I love them!
M. Malsbury said 208 days ago
I'm getting ready to send my last packet out to each of my students. I had introduced a tiny embroidery project with my students for valentines, GREAT success. So, when we closed on the 13th March I divided up quite a bit of stuff for each student to take a bag with them. We never went back but I communicate with just about all 19 of my students. Many have done little projects so I am printing this one out and sending it along with some fabric scraps, felt, pin backs, more embroidery floss, and a mason jar lid (terrific idea) with the rubber band. I think I'll have to make some "Best Badge/Embroidery patches to award when and if we go back. Thank you for a wonderful project. Oh, and pictures are perfect for beginners.
Fatma Şişmanlar from SESIMART said 206 days ago
Cute and fun project!!
HelenVasyl Nemyrovski from DoubleJewelry said 45 days ago
This is a really cool idea!!! Anyone can do such a project, and if you also use recycling, it makes this technique even more valuable