Attaching Felt To A T-Shirt: A Creative Guide

There are several ways to attach felt to a T-shirt, and the best method for you will depend on how permanent you want the attachment to be, and whether you want to sew or not. If you're looking for a non-permanent solution, double-sided sticky Velcro or snaps can be sewn on to the felt and T-shirt, allowing you to remove and replace the felt as needed. If you don't want to sew, you can use fusible tape or web, fabric glue, or a fusible adhesive. For a more permanent solution, you can use a hot glue gun, or sew the felt onto the T-shirt.

Using fabric glue

Step 1: Prepare the Materials

Before starting, ensure you have gathered all the necessary materials, including the T-shirt, felt, fabric glue, gloves, and a workable surface. It is recommended to use a squeeze-bottle fabric glue with a fine grip and good quality. Additionally, wearing gloves is essential to prevent the glue from sticking to your fingers.

Step 2: Prepare the Felt Piece

Decide on the shape and size of the felt piece you want to attach to the T-shirt. Draw the desired shape onto the felt using a pencil, then cut it out using sharp scissors. Fabric scissors will provide the cleanest and most even cuts.

Step 3: Apply the Fabric Glue

Place the T-shirt on a flat, workable surface. Apply the fabric glue to the edges of the area where you will attach the felt. You can also apply a small amount of glue to the back of the felt piece, ensuring it is at least 1/4 inch from the edge and in the centre for added strength. Work quickly, as most fabric glues tend to dry and become less adhesive over time.

Step 4: Attach the Felt to the T-shirt

After applying the glue, carefully attach the felt piece to the desired area on the T-shirt. Press the felt firmly against the fabric to ensure a strong bond. You can use a flat object, such as a book or a rolling pin, to smooth out any air bubbles and ensure a flat, secure attachment.

Step 5: Allow the Glue to Dry

Once you have attached the felt, set aside the T-shirt and allow the glue to dry completely. The drying time may vary depending on the type of fabric glue used, so it is important to read and follow the instructions on the glue packaging. Some glues may require a few hours to dry, while others may need a longer period.

Step 6: Secure the Attachment (Optional)

While fabric glue is typically strong enough to hold the felt in place, you can add a few stitches using a needle and thread for extra security and a more permanent bond. Choose a thread colour that matches the felt or the T-shirt to make the stitches less noticeable.

Hot glue

• Prepare your work area by placing a piece of cardboard or a silicone mat inside the T-shirt. This will prevent the front and back of the shirt from sticking together and provide a flat surface to work on.
• Plug in your hot glue gun and allow it to heat up. Most glue guns have a ready indicator, such as glue oozing from the tip, but you can also refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
• While the glue gun is heating up, draw and cut out the shape you want from the felt. Use sharp fabric scissors to get clean and even cuts.
• Place the felt cut-out on the desired location on the T-shirt. Step back to ensure that you are happy with the placement.
• Apply a bead of hot glue to the back of the felt cut-out. Work quickly, as hot glue starts to cool and become less adhesive over time. Apply the glue around the edges and in the centre for added strength.
• Use a toothpick or similar tool to apply the glue in small amounts and avoid creating glue blobs.
• Press the felt against the T-shirt, ensuring the semi-liquid glue penetrates the fibres of both materials.
• Allow the glue to cool and set for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
• If desired, add a few stitches using a needle and thread for extra security and to ensure a permanent bond.

Some important things to keep in mind when using hot glue:

• Avoid direct contact with the hot glue to prevent burns.
• Use as little glue as possible and spread it evenly to avoid hardened glue blobs.
• Hot glue may not be suitable for slick T-shirt fabrics, as it may cause the felt to peel off easily.
• Hot glue is not recommended for washable items, as it is not designed to withstand multiple washes.

Fusible tape

Step 1: Prepare the Fabric

Before you begin, it is important to pre-wash the fabric to remove any finishes that may prevent the fusible tape from adhering properly. Press the fabric and any details, such as hems, with an iron to ensure a smooth surface.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Fusible Tape

Step 3: Place the Fusible Tape

Position the fusible tape along the edges of the felt or between the layers of fabric where you want to attach the felt. If you are joining two layers of fabric, place the tape between them, ensuring that the adhesive side of the tape is facing the fabric.

Step 4: Apply Heat

Using an iron on a low to medium heat setting, press the iron over the fusible tape. Hold the iron in place for a few seconds to allow the adhesive to melt and create a strong bond. Do not place the iron directly on the fusible tape, as it may stick to the iron. Instead, use parchment paper to protect your iron and work surface.

Step 5: Allow it to Cool and Set

Once you have applied heat, let the fabric cool down completely before moving it. This will ensure that the fusible tape sets properly and creates a strong bond.

Step 6: Test and Adjust

After allowing the fabric to rest for a few days, test the bond by gently tugging at the felt. If it feels secure, you can proceed with your project. If not, you can apply additional fusible tape and heat as needed.

Using fusible tape is a quick and easy way to attach felt to a T-shirt without the need for sewing. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and allow the adhesive to cool and set properly for the best results.

Fusible web

To use fusible web, the fabric should be washed first, as you would pre-shrink the fabric. If the fabric has not been pre-washed, it may seem like the fusible web is adhering, but it will work its way loose as the finishes come off the fabric.

Many types of fusible web come with special paper backing. Patterns can be traced directly onto the backside of the paper for applique work. Never iron directly on the fusible web—it will melt all over your iron! If you do not have the backing paper, parchment paper or freezer paper can be used as a buffer to prevent the fusible web from melting.

• Decide on the size and shape and draw lines onto the fusible web accordingly.
• Cut the web with scissors.
• Secure an even adhesion.
• Get your iron ready and set it to low to medium heat.
• Press the iron over your fusible web. Let the adhesive melt and stick to your fabrics.
• Allow the joined parts to rest for a few days. You will get a solid and powerful grip, and it will serve you in the long run.

Sewing

Once you have chosen your felt, you will need to cut it to the desired shape and size. Felt is very forgiving as it does not fray, so you can easily cut it with sharp scissors. If you are cutting smaller, more intricate pieces, you can use freezer paper to help you achieve more accurate cutting. Simply iron the freezer paper to your felt and then cut through both layers.

When it comes to sewing the felt onto your T-shirt, you have the option of hand sewing or using a sewing machine. If you are hand sewing, use a medium-weight hand sewing needle and a strengthened polyester thread or embroidery floss for a decorative look. If you are using thicker embroidery floss, you will need a thicker needle with a larger eye, such as a crewel or embroidery needle. Some basic embroidery stitches that work well on felt include the running stitch, blanket stitch, and chain stitch.

If you are using a sewing machine, a medium-sized, sharp sewing machine needle is best. A thicker needle will make holes in the fabric. For the thread, use a strong all-purpose polyester thread. Cheaper threads tend to break more easily, so invest in a good quality thread. An all-purpose sewing foot can be used for most projects, but if you are working with glitter felt or other textured felts, a Teflon foot may be beneficial to prevent the fabric from sticking to the bottom of the regular metal foot.

When sewing felt seams on a machine, a short straight stitch around size 2.0 works well. For applique, you can use a small zig-zag stitch or a 3-step zig-zag to seal the edges. Felt does not fray, so the length of the zig-zag can be longer than what you would use on woven fabrics.

In summary, sewing felt onto a T-shirt is a straightforward process, especially since felt is a beginner-friendly fabric that is easy to cut and sew. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily add felt details to your T-shirt to create a unique and personalised garment.

Frequently asked questions