How to Hand Embroider a Shirt

In the 17th and 18th century, raised designs became popular.

Embroidery, the craft of stitching designs on fabric, has existed as a craft long before it was given a name. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, not only are illustrations found in Egyptian tomb paintings of clothes, couch covers, hangings, and tents decorated with this type of needlework, but also Greek vase paintings show quilted suits covered with embroidery. Different stitches and knots used in embroidered designs create different effects. These stitches are pulled through a variety of fabric from velvet and wool to light, gauzy cotton, linen and silk. Contemporary as well as vintage design patterns are available online. Original patterns are also easy to draw on tracing paper. Today, embroidery is a relaxing past time, and embroidered projects are welcomed gifts.

Things You'll Need

• Ready-made pattern and/or tracing paper and pencil
• Embroidery hoop
• Fabric
• Embroidery needles
• Thread or ribbon

Instructions

Embroidering a Shirt

1. 

   "Ribbon stitch" is used for petals and leaves.

   Draw a figure, scene or motif of leaves, flowers, or geometric shapes on tracing paper, or choose among many motif patterns and scenes available in crafts books or online for tracing the pattern.

2. 

   Even a beginner can create many beautiful stitch patterns and floral motifs

   Separate the embroidery hoops. Stretch the area to be stitched over one hoop, snapping the other over the fabric. Keeping the fabric taught helps to see and work the design. To embroider a shirt collar or shirt edge, the fabric must be hand-held.

3. 

   Different types of stitches have a great deal of variation.

   Pin or baste -- large loose stitches for later removal -- the thin tracing paper to the fabric.

4. 

   European crafts influenced American settlers.

   Stitch along the pattern with a needle threaded with embroidery thread or ribbon, using whichever type of stitch best suits the purpose of the design.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice a variety of stitches (running stitch, chain stitch, button hole stitch, ladder stitch) or a variety of knots (French knot, bullion knot), or roses and petals before beginning your project.

References

• Embroiders Guild: Stitch: Stiches
• Ribbon Embroidery: Ribbon Embroidery Stitches
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Embroidery