Appliqué Art: Hand-Sewing Guide For T-Shirts

how to hand sew an applique on a t shirt

Appliqué is a great way to customise a T-shirt. It's a simple sewing project, perfect for beginners, that allows you to showcase all kinds of designs, from letters and numbers to beautiful floral patterns. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of hand-sewing an appliqué on a T-shirt, covering everything from choosing the right materials to stitching techniques. So, whether you're looking to upcycle an old T-shirt or create a unique gift for someone, read on to learn how to hand sew an appliqué on a T-shirt!

Characteristics Values
Type of T-shirt A high-quality T-shirt without a lot of stretch is best.
Type of Fabric Fabric with a bit of structure, such as quilting fabric or felt.
Tools Scissors, iron, sewing machine, fabric glue, etc.
Steps Wash the T-shirt and fabric, cut the design, attach the fabric to the T-shirt, sew the fabric onto the T-shirt.

shunvogue

Choosing the right t-shirt and applique fabric

When choosing the right t-shirt and applique fabric, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use a high-quality t-shirt with minimal stretch, as this type of fabric is easier to sew and provides a better base for your applique. Stretchy fabric can be used, but it may require the use of a stabilizer to facilitate the sewing process.

For the applique fabric itself, opt for something with a bit of structure. Fabric from fat quarters or quilting fabric is a good choice, as it comes in a variety of pretty prints and is typically affordable. You can also choose thicker fabric or felt, ensuring that it is safe to iron. If you're feeling creative, you can even use fabric scraps to form unique patterns or designs for your applique.

Before beginning your project, it is advisable to prewash both the t-shirt and the applique fabric. This will prevent puckering due to shrinkage later on. Additionally, consider the colour and type of thread you will use. Contrasting thread will make the stitching stand out, while a similar colour will help it blend in with the fabric.

Lastly, you may want to use a product like Bondaweb or Wonder Under to turn your fabric into an iron-on applique. These products have a rough side and a smooth side, and by placing the rough side against the back of your fabric and ironing, you can create an iron-on applique.

shunvogue

Preparing the applique design

Firstly, it is recommended to prewash the t-shirt and applique material to prevent puckering due to shrinkage. However, this step is not mandatory and can be skipped if you are willing to take the risk.

Next, decide on the design you want to applique onto the t-shirt. Cut out your applique template from paper. You can create your own design or download a template online. Scale your design to the desired size and print it out. If you are using letters or numbers, the method of cutting the design will be slightly different. Take a printout of the design and cut out the inside of the letters or numbers. You can then use the cutouts to mark the design on the fabric. If you are marking on the back of the fabric, remember to reverse the design so it looks like a mirror image.

Now, cut the fabric for your applique. Place the paper template on the fabric and cut around it, leaving a little extra fabric around the edges (about 1/4 inch or less). If you are using a knit fabric, you don't need to leave extra fabric as it won't fray.

At this point, you can choose to stitch and flip with fabric scraps to create a unique design. Place two fabric scraps right sides together, with the raw edges meeting, and stitch along the edges. Make sure the bottom fabric piece is big enough to cover the template when you flip open the top piece. Repeat this process, ironing each time you flip, until your template is completely covered with fabric.

Once you have your fabric piece ready, it's time to attach the fusible interfacing or adhesive. Cut the fusible interfacing to match the size and shape of your design. Iron the fusible interfacing to the back of your fabric. If your design has lots of curves, you may need to clip the edges and baste them in place with hand stitches.

For knit fabric appliques, if you are using a design from another t-shirt, you will need to interface the back as well. Cut the applique piece with a little edge outside to accommodate the stitching.

Now, it's time to place your design on the t-shirt and stitch it in place. You can use a contrasting or coordinating thread for this step. A zig-zag stitch is a popular choice, but you can also use a straight stitch or a blanket stitch.

shunvogue

Using fusible interfacing

Fusible interfacing is a great tool for giving shape to your projects and doesn’t require being stitched onto fabric. It has a grid of glue dots coating on the wrong side. The heat of your iron is then used to fuse the interfacing to the fabric.

Preparation of the applique design:

  • Prewash the t-shirt and the applique material to prevent puckers due to shrinkage later.
  • Cut the design from fusible interfacing.
  • Cut the fabric a little bigger all around (1/4 inch or less is enough to turn under).
  • Iron the fusible interfacing to the back of your fabric.
  • Clip the edges of the fabric which is extra.
  • Turn this extra edge to the back and press in place.
  • If it is a complicated design with lots of curves, clip the edge a lot and baste the edge in place with hand stitches (running stitches).

Sewing of the design to the t-shirt front:

  • Place the design on the t-shirt.
  • Stitch it in place.
  • You can sew down edges with a zig-zag, quilt or even straight stitch if you want a more authentic look.
How Tailors Can Resize Your T-Shirts

You may want to see also

shunvogue

Stitching the applique

Now that you have your applique design ready, it's time to stitch it onto your T-shirt. You can do this by hand or using a sewing machine. Here are the steps for both methods:

Hand stitching:

If you're hand-stitching your applique, you can use a needle turn applique technique to make the design look invisibly stitched. Start by using whip stitches, as they are the easiest. Make sure to use the same colour threads as the applique material. You can also use blanket stitches, as they are commonly associated with hand applique and frame the design beautifully.

Machine stitching:

If you're using a sewing machine, remember that T-shirt material is thin and stretchy, so it can be a little tricky. Always interface the back of the applique piece and the T-shirt using thin fusible interfacing. Cut the design carefully, leaving a small lip for stitching. Use a thread colour that matches the design and sew the applique in place with a close zig-zag stitch. You can also use a Polyester thread and a Sharp or Ballpoint needle (80/12, 90/14). Embroidery thread (Rayon or Silk) and Metallic Threads can also be used for sewing the applique.

When using a machine, you may need to adjust the stitch width and length and tension appropriately. For example, a stitch width of 3 and a stitch length of less than 1. Sew carefully along the curves, stopping occasionally to pivot. When sewing along a curve, start stitching the satin stitch in the centre of a line rather than a corner. Sew a few stitches, then stop with the needle down and sew very slowly, turning the fabric slowly as you go. This will help you avoid bunches of stitches in one place.

General tips for stitching:

Before you start stitching, add a stabiliser to the inside of your T-shirt (behind the applique piece). This will make it easier to stitch down the edges of your design and prevent puckering. Cut out a stabiliser that is slightly larger than your applique piece and pin it in place.

When stitching, always try to catch the border of the applique to create a nice line. Backstitch at the end to secure it. Trim any excess threads as you go to prevent them from getting caught in another piece.

Once you've finished sewing, carefully tear or cut away the stabiliser on the back of your design. If you're using a washable stabiliser, these leftover bits will wash away in the washing machine. Finally, press your T-shirt with a hot iron to set the stitches.

shunvogue

Using a sewing machine

Preparation:

First, pre-wash the T-shirt and the appliqué material to prevent puckering due to shrinkage. Cut out your design from fusible interfacing, then cut the fabric slightly bigger all around (1/4 inch or less is enough to turn under). Next, iron the fusible interfacing onto the back of your fabric. If your design is complicated, with lots of curves, you will need to clip the edges and baste the edge in place with hand stitches (running stitches).

Sewing the appliqué:

Use a Polyester thread and a Sharp or Ballpoint needle (80/12, 90/14). You can also use embroidery thread (Rayon, Silk) and Metallic Threads. The zig-zag stitch is typically used to sew the edges of the appliqué pieces. If you have a computerised machine, the tension will be automatically adjusted for the perfect satin stitch. If you have an ordinary sewing machine, you may need to adjust the stitch width and length and tension appropriately. A stitch width of 3 and a stitch length of less than 1 is recommended.

Sew carefully along the curves, stopping to pivot with the needle down. Sew a few stitches, then stop with the needle in the fabric, lift the sewing machine foot, and pivot the fabric slowly to stitch along the next edge. When sewing along an edge, it is better to start stitching in the centre of a line rather than a corner.

Finishing:

After sewing, cut off any extra interfacing from the back. Turn the T-shirt inside out and carefully tear away any stabiliser used. Finally, press your T-shirt with a hot iron.

Frequently asked questions

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment