How to Embroider on Performance T-Shirts

Performance t-shirts can be customized with embroidery designs.

Performance t-shirts are synthetic fabric shirts designed for athletes. Unlike cotton t-shirts, the synthetic fabric wicks water away from the body, keeping the athlete dry while competing. While it is possible to embroider performance t-shirts, it is not recommended because the embroidery backing will absorb sweat and can cause skin irritation.

Things You'll Need

• Cut away stabilizer
• Embroidery hoop
• Embroidery sewing machine
• Embroidery design
• Thread
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Position the cutaway stabilizer on the inside of the performance t-shirt and secure the area where you will be embroidering with an embroidery hoop.

2. Program your embroidery design into the embroidery sewing machine and set the hoop into position making sure the thread is in place for the colors.

3. Turn the machine on and watch as the machine embroiders your design onto the shirt.

4. Remove the shirt from the machine when it is finished and take off the hoop.

5. Turn the shirt inside out and cut away the stabilizer around the edges of the design. Keep either an oval or rectangular shape when cutting the stabilizer.

References

• Embroidery Library Projects: Embroidering on T-Shirts
• You Design It: Can you embroider on performance wicking fabrics?