Things You'll Need:
- fabric
- t-shirt
- sewing machine
- fusible interfacing
- iron-on adhesive
- stabilizer
- thread
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Step 1
You will first need to apply lightweight fusible interfacing to the back of the fabrics you are using to create your applique. This is usually done on a light to medium heat setting.
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Step 2
Next, apply the iron-on adhesive on top of the fusible interfacing that you just applied to the back of the applique fabrics. I really like the heat n bond lite adhesive. The ultra hold is too much adhesive and ends up causing problems because it gums up the needle as you sew and causes the thread to break.
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Step 3
The next step is to cut out all the pieces of your image that you are appliqueing. Remember that some pieces will tuck up under others if you are creating a more complicated applique like my grinch. Example: I had to cut the red piece of the Santa hat a little longer to tuck up under the white parts.
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Step 4
Now, you can peel off the adhesive backing and layer your pieces where you would like them to be on your tee shirt.
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Step 5
When you sew the applique to the tee shirt it is very important to use a stabilizer on the back of the shirt. If you don't use a good stabilizer the knit fabric will pucker around the applique. So use a good stabilizer on the back of the shirt. I really like the iron on/ tear away stabilizers the best.
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Step 6
*** Before you start sewing on tee shirts/ knit fabrics. . . Make sure you are using a ball point needle in your sewing machine! (Otherwise, you can end up with holes in your fabric) Next you want to start sewing the pieces down with a tight zigzag (satin) stitch on your sewing machine. You want the width of the zigzag to be enough to hold your applique securely. I usually start with a tight straight stitch to secure my thread and switch to zigzag and then back to straight at the end to secure my thread again. *** The right side of the zig zag stitch should just come right over the edge of the applique to ensure that it is secured properly.
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Step 7
Clip all your threads close when you are finished. Some people prefer to pull the threads to the back and knot them before they clip them close.
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Step 8
Once you have all your pieces secured with the satin stitch then you can go back and embellish your applique. I went back and added eyebrows and whiskers to my Pink Panther applique. You can hand embroider details, add buttons, ribbons, etc to further embellish your applique.
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Step 9
Make sure you remove all the stabilizer after your applique is complete. :)
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Step 10
One other thing I like to do is add a poly mesh interfacing on the inside of the shirt to cover the stitches and make the shirt comfortable to wear to those who are sensitive. Make sure you get a quality product that will not peel away after one washing. I really like Dream Weave fusible for this.
Comments
sodakmommy said
on 9/27/2009 In step 5, you mention iron on/ tear away stabilizers. What brand do you use and what is it called and where do you purchase it? Thanks for this great how to article.
NightowlMama said
on 1/12/2009 10 is an wonderful addition. My children have eczema and they always say that the stitching itches with the poly mesh it doesn't bother them. great article. can't wait to give it a try. thanks a bunch
lynnhsmomof2 said
on 12/23/2008 Great article! 5*
soulmates said
on 12/23/2008 Wow you learn something new every day
Devero said
on 12/23/2008 This is crazy, because I am watching the grinch right now and it's at the part where his heart grows three sizes -- he's about to smile just like the shirt. Great article, also.