DIY Shirt Appliques
Fabric appliques for shirts are a do-it-yourself project that turns a plain shirt into a designer shirt for little money and with supplies found at the local craft supply store. Dress up children's shirts with appliques like trucks, the alphabet or their favorite sports. Turn this hobby into a cottage industry and make appliques gifts for friends and family members, or to sell at hobby and craft shows.
Instructions
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1
Cut a paper pattern in the shape you want your fabric applique. Select a simple shape like a flower, heart or animal from a coloring book and cut it out to simplify this step.
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2
Pin the pattern to your appliques fabric with straight pins. Choose a small print fabric for a solid colored shirt and choose a solid colored fabric for a patterned shirt.
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3
Cut a square of fabric adhesive larger than your appliques. Place the fabric adhesive square so the glue side is against the applique fabric and the paper side is facing out. Using a hot iron, iron the applique fabric to the fabric adhesive. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the type of fabric adhesive you're using.
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4
Cut out the appliques with sharp scissors. Disregard the excess fabric and fabric adhesive.
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5
Peel the paper backing off the applique and position it on the shirt. Iron the applique onto the shirt. Allow the fabric to cool completely, typically about 10 minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
For a three-dimensional fabric appliques, layer two or three fabrics on top of each other. Place a stitch in the center to secure the layers together. Glue each layer to the next using additional fabric adhesive.
Fabric adhesive can be purchased in sheets at craft stores.
Embellish your appliques with ribbons, buttons or fabric paints.
For large appliques, consider sewing around the edge of the appliques for added security.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
