If you have the know-how, then adding embroidery to a t-shirt is incredibly easy, and can result in dozens of unique pieces. If you learn the technique we share with you today, you’ll be able to use this method with other pieces of clothing, and you’ll quickly become great at personalizing your own clothing.
Plus, adding embroidery to clothes can make the perfect present, because you can totally personalize a gift.
When it comes to the challenges of embroidering a t-shirt, the main one is making sure the material is right. If you choose a simple cotton tee, then you’ll be working with a fairly rigid and reliable material, that won’t stretch too much.
If you use a knitted material, then you’re in a bit of a danger zone. That’s because the embroidered design can become distorted if the fabric is stretched, or the stitching is pulled. This can also be a problem for cotton tees, but it’s less likely to occur.
The way we resolve this is by using a stabilizer, so you’ll be learning that step today.
The purpose of a stabilizer is to prevent the fabric from stretching. If the fabric stretches, then it can distort the embroidery, once the hoop is removed.
When it comes to embroidering t-shirts, and most clothing, it’s ideal to use a removable stabilizer. This is because it will prevent the clothing from becoming scratchy and irritating on the skin. The other type of stabilizer is called a leave-in, and this will stay in place.
While you can use a leave-in stabilizer, it’s more comfortable to use a removable stabilizer.
There are a couple of different types of stabilizers. You can get tear-away stabilizers, dissolvable stabilizers, and even cut-out stabilizers. Of course, there are also permanent stabilizers. You can pretty much use whatever one works best for you, or whatever one you can find.
Some further points to mention is that most people prefer to transfer or trace their design onto the clothing before the stabilizer is added. Also, when you apply the stabilizer, you need to ensure that it is larger than the hoop, and the design that you choose. This will also help prevent stretching.
With that said, let’s jump into a tutorial on how to embroidery onto t-shirts!
You need to get your stabilizer adheres. You will press this down, so it sticks to the fabric. Likewise, you can use these in the front and the back.
Some stabilizers are water-soluble, and you will pop them on the fabric and push like you would a sticker. Other stabilizers need to be ironed on and then torn away later on.
This step is essential because it makes tracing and transferring much easier. Some people just trace, or transfer, straight onto the stabilizer itself.
Pop the inner hoop inside the t-shirt. This should be right under the area you plan to stitch. Then, you need to press the outer hoop over the fabric, which should also press the inner hoop. Do this with very even pressure! You do not want to stretch the t-shirt!
If you are unsure whether you have stretched the fabric, it is usually very easy to spot. The area will be misshapen, compared to the t-shirt at large. So, if you look at the t-shirt, and it’s not smooth, then it’s a red flag. No foul done here, you can easily re-hoop the fabric. It’s important to re-hoop if you notice a stretch because the stretched fabric can ruin your design.
What you will need to do, is grab a round-end needle, or failing that, a ball-point needle, and pop the thread through.
The reason we use these particular needles is that they help to avoid snagging the material. I have heard some cases of positive use with counted-cross stitch needles, but I would still recommend round-end or ball-point needles.
Now, you can begin to stitch as you please. You can use any stitching you are complex with, because the type of stitch you use will depend on the design chosen, and whether you are beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
My only qualm is that I recommend you do not pull the stitches tight. You should also not tie any knots. While it might seem helpful at the time, it isn’t – it can easily cause snags, and the design can be ruined. All you need to do is weave in the ends. Simple.
If you basted the t-shirt, then you will first need to remove these stitches. Just snip the ends off, and pull the stitches out, it’s not a difficult task.
If you have a tear-away stabilizer, then, pretty much, do what it says on the tin. Just be careful not to tear, or move the stitches.
If you’re using a water-soluble stabilizer, all you need to do is soak the embroidery in warm water. Before this step, however, you’ll need to snip the excess from the edges. Air dry.
The short answer is unless you are advanced, then yes, you do. This is because it will help make sure the tee is secure, and it will prevent any stretching of the fabric. While it may be inconvenient for you, it’ll make sure your design comes out looking fresh, instead of wonky.
Personally, I recommend hand-washing only. That is because the stitching can become fragile in the wash, and it can easily snag. While some people may be comfortable putting the embroidered clothes in the washer, we are not, and recommend handwashing only.
So, that’s how you embroider on a t-shirt! It’s not overly difficult once you know what you are doing, and becomes incredibly easy over time. Everyone makes mistakes, so if you mess up a few times, don’t sweat it, we all have been there. We hope that you enjoyed this article, and wish you every success in creating your own embroidered t-shirt!
