Perfectly Level Embroidery Lettering On T-Shirts: A Step-By-Step Guide

Embroidering letters on a T-shirt is a great way to personalise your clothing and express yourself. It is also a good method for identification, especially for children's belongings. Before you begin, you will need to decide whether you want to embroider by hand or with a machine. For hand embroidery, you will need a needle, embroidery floss, a chalk pen, a plastic letter stencil, an iron, a stabiliser, and an embroidery hoop. For machine embroidery, you will need an embroidery machine, a stabiliser, and an embroidery hoop.

The first step is to select your desired shirt and iron out any creases. Then, place the shirt on a flat, hard surface, and gently trace the desired letters using a chalk pen. The type of font you choose is up to you, but it is recommended that you keep the font simple if you are embroidering small text. You should also consider the legibility and appearance of the font in relation to the item you are embroidering.

Next, place a stabiliser on the wrong side of the shirt to prevent the fabric from stretching and distorting the embroidery. The stabiliser should be larger than your design and embroidery hoop. You can then hoop your fabric, keeping it taut and being careful not to stretch the shirt.

Now you are ready to embroider your letters. If you are embroidering by hand, use a ballpoint, No. 24 tapestry, or any round-end needle to carefully trace the letters on the shirt using your embroidery floss. There are several stitches that are suitable for embroidering letters, including back stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, satin stitch, and split stitch. If you are using an embroidery machine, attach the embroidery hoop to the machine and follow the directions for use.

Once you have finished embroidering, remove the stabiliser, give your work a great finish by ironing your shirt from the backside, and your embroidered T-shirt is ready to wear!

Choosing the right embroidery stitch for lettering

When it comes to choosing the right embroidery stitch for lettering, there are a few factors to consider. The size of the letters, the type of fabric, and the desired thickness of the letters all play a role in determining the best stitch. Here are some of the most commonly used embroidery stitches for lettering and the considerations for each:

• Back Stitch: Back stitch is a versatile stitch that can be used for both script and printed fonts. It is suitable for creating outlines of very large letters and works well with simple or complex fonts. When using back stitch for lettering, it is important to use shorter stitches when navigating tight curves. This stitch is also suitable for embroidering on paper.
• Running Stitch: Running stitch is one of the easiest stitches to learn and is suitable for straight lines. When working on taut fabric, each stitch is produced with two actions. On loose fabric, multiple stitches can be made at once using the sewing method. When using running stitch for lettering, it is important to space the stitches evenly and maintain the same length for each stitch.
• Stem Stitch: Stem stitch is a classic choice for handwriting-style fonts and script fonts. It creates a twisted rope-like texture and turns corners elegantly, making it ideal for cursive fonts. When using stem stitch, it is important to stitch in the same direction (left to right for right-handed people and right to left for left-handed people). Additionally, shortening the stitch length when stitching around corners is crucial to achieving a smooth finish.
• Split Stitch: Split stitch is perfect for creating textured and braided effects, especially with cursive or curvy fonts. It works well with one or two strands of thread and is ideal for small letters. To create a split stitch, bring the needle up in the middle of the previous stitch, splitting it in two.
• Chain Stitch: Chain stitch is a versatile stitch that can be used to fill or outline thick or large letters. It creates a bold, neat line and can be stitched in rows or rounds to fill in letters. Chain stitch is also suitable for creating braid-like textures. When stitching letters with chain stitch, it is recommended to use a maximum of 2 to 4 strands of thread to achieve thinner and more defined letters.

Other factors to keep in mind when choosing an embroidery stitch for lettering include the direction of your stitches, which may differ from the path you would take when writing the letters, and the number of threads used, which depends on the desired thickness of the letters and the type of fabric.

Selecting the right needle and thread

Needle Selection:

Firstly, you need to consider the specifications of your embroidery machine and the type of fabric you will be working with. For T-shirts, you typically want to use a needle designed for stretch fabrics or knitted materials. The needle should also be compatible with your machine, so check the user manual to determine the required needle type and shank shape.

For lightweight T-shirt fabric, such as cotton jersey, opt for a smaller needle. A standard embroidery needle size ranges from 7-11 (US) or 70-110 mm. The lower the number, the finer the needle. For thicker T-shirt fabrics or sweatshirts, you may need a larger needle, such as a size 13 or 14 embroidery needle.

If you're embroidering small letters, you'll also need a smaller needle with a sharp point. For dense or tough fabrics like leather or suede, a sharp point titanium needle is recommended.

Thread Selection:

The type and thickness of the thread you choose will depend on the size of your letters and the fabric of the T-shirt.

For thick letters, use more strands (3-6) and thicker threads. Conversely, for thin letters, use fewer strands (1-2) and thinner threads.

When working with T-shirt fabric, especially lightweight cotton jersey, be cautious not to use too thick a thread to avoid pulling holes in the fabric. Standard embroidery floss, which typically has six strands, is a good option for T-shirts. You can adjust the thickness by using fewer strands for a thinner line.

Additionally, consider using a stabilizer with your T-shirt fabric to prevent the embroidery from distorting the stretchy material.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to needle and thread selection. Experimentation is key, so keep a variety of needles and threads on hand to find the best combination for your specific project.

How to transfer letters onto fabric

Transferring letters onto fabric can be done in a variety of ways, each with its own pros and cons. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to transfer letters onto fabric:

Method 1: Using a Sewing Machine

If you have a sewing machine, you can easily embroider letters onto a shirt. Here's what you'll need:

• Sewing machine
• Embroidery hoop
• Stabilizer
• Chalk pen
• Embroidery floss
• Ballpoint or round-end needle

Steps:

• Place your desired shirt on a flat surface and iron out any creases.
• Gently trace the letters you want to embroider using a chalk pen.
• Place a stabilizer on the wrong side of the shirt to prevent the fabric from stretching and distorting the embroidery. The stabilizer should be larger than your embroidery hoop and design.
• Secure the stabilizer to the shirt by running large basting stitches around it.
• Place the fabric inside the embroidery hoop and tighten it gently, being careful not to stretch the shirt.
• Carefully trace your letters on the shirt using your embroidery floss and needle.
• Pay attention to the first and last stitches, ensuring they are securely woven to prevent them from coming undone. Avoid tying knots as they can make your work look bumpy.
• Remove the stabilizer by gently snipping the threads.
• Finish by ironing your shirt to remove any hoop marks and strengthen the embroidery.

Method 2: By Hand

You can also embroider letters by hand, which allows for more creativity and personality in your design. Here's what you'll need:

• Fabric
• Embroidery hoop
• Embroidery floss
• Needle
• Stencil or design
• Stabilizer (optional)
• Iron

Steps:

• Place your fabric on a flat, hard surface and smooth out any creases.
• Choose a stencil or design and place it on the fabric where you want the embroidery to show.
• Trace the stencil using a chalk pen or another fabric-safe writing tool.
• If using a stabilizer, place it on the back of the fabric, covering the area where you will be stitching. You can use an easy press and stick stabilizer, or baste the stabilizer in place with a needle and thread.
• Place the fabric inside the embroidery hoop, being careful not to stretch it.
• Thread your needle with embroidery floss and choose a stitch type suitable for letters (e.g., backstitch, stem stitch, or chain stitch).
• Begin embroidering the letters, following the stencil or your desired design.
• Secure the ends of the embroidery floss by weaving them gently along the edges to prevent them from coming undone.
• If you used a stabilizer, remove it by gently snipping the threads.
• Finish by ironing your fabric to remove any hoop marks and set the embroidery.

Additional Tips:

• When choosing a needle, opt for a ballpoint, No. 24 tapestry, or any round-end needle to avoid snagging the fabric.
• Select an embroidery floss color that contrasts with the shirt color for better visibility.
• Use a stabilizer to prevent the fabric from stretching and distorting your embroidery.
• Practice your desired stitch on a similar fabric before starting your project.
• For thick letters, use more threads (3-6) and thicker stitches like the chain stitch. For thin letters, use fewer threads (1-2) and thinner stitches like the whipped running or stem stitch.

Using an embroidery hoop

• Loosen the screw on the outer hoop and separate the two pieces. Place the inner hoop (the one without the screw) on a flat surface. If there is a marked side, make sure it faces up.
• Drape your fabric over the inner hoop with the right side up. The fabric may sag, but that's okay. Just try to keep it squared up.
• Slide the outer hoop over the fabric and inner hoop. You may need to loosen the screw further. Don't pick up the inner hoop; keep it on a flat surface to ensure the inner and outer hoops are aligned.
• Tighten the screw halfway. Make sure the outer hoop won't slip off when you pick it up, but don't fully tighten it yet.
• Pull the edges of your fabric to tighten it. Work your way around the hoop, pulling evenly on all sides. Be firm, but don't pull so hard that you warp the fabric. This will help even out the fabric and remove bumps.
• Once your fabric is taut, tighten the screw the rest of the way. Your fabric should be as "tight as a drum". Tap on it to check; it should be firm without any give.
• When you're not stitching, remove your fabric from the hoop to avoid creating creases that are hard to get out. If your hoop is smaller than your design, always take the fabric out when you're done for the day.

Some additional tips for using an embroidery hoop:

• If you're working with thick fabric or felt, you may need to loosen the screw more than you think.
• If you're using a spring tension hoop, work in reverse. Start with the outer hoop, lay the fabric face down, then squeeze the inner hoop and press it into the fabric and outer hoop.
• If your fabric feels loose, remove the outer hoop, tighten the screw a bit more, and try again.
• If the hoop feels too tight, remove it, loosen the screw slightly, and try again.
• If you're using a wooden hoop and your fabric is slipping, try adding a binding to one or both pieces to maintain even tension.
• To prevent creases and crushed stitches, wrap the inner hoop with cotton twill tape. This also helps hold delicate fabric and specialty thread.

How to finish your embroidered t-shirt

Now that you've embroidered your desired letters onto your T-shirt, it's time to finish the job! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Remove the Stabiliser

If you used a basted stabiliser, carefully snip the threads holding it in place, ensuring you don't cut the embroidery floss. Then, gently pull out the loosened thread. If you used a tear-away stabiliser, tear away the material around the edges of your embroidery. Tear and remove the pieces inside the design, being careful not to disrupt your stitches. For a water-soluble stabiliser, cut away the excess stabiliser from the edges, then soak the embroidery in warm water. Press the T-shirt between two towels to remove excess water, and hang it to dry.

Give Your T-Shirt a Great Finish

Gently iron your finished embroidery from the backside to smooth out any wrinkles and remove hoop markings. Your embroidered T-shirt is now ready to wear and show off to your friends!

Care for Your Embroidered T-Shirt

To keep your embroidered T-shirt looking its best, it's recommended that you wash it gently by hand and dry it flat. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as the heat can cause the embroidery to shrink or become distorted. If you need to iron your T-shirt, do it inside out, being careful not to iron directly on the embroidery.

Get Creative with Your Lettering

Feel free to experiment with different fonts, colours, and stitch types to create unique and personalised designs. Remember, embroidery is a creative process, so have fun with it and don't be afraid to try new things!

Frequently asked questions