How to Hoop Pants for Embroidery
Machine embroidery is a fun way to embellish and personalize clothing. Embroidering on a pants leg or pocket can really complete an outfit, but hooping pants can be a challenge. You'll need to remove some of the seams in order to access the embroidery area. You'll also need to use sticky-back stabilizer since the fabric probably won't be large enough to hoop properly. With the proper tools and techniques, you can embroider even in tight spots without completely disassembling the pants.
Things You'll Need
- Pants to be embroidered
- Chalk or disappearing marker
- Seam-ripper
- Sticky-back stabilizer
- Embroidery machine
- Embroidery design
- Basic sewing machine
Instructions
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1
Print out a paper template of the embroidery design. Mark the horizontal and vertical axis as well as the center point.
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2
Use the paper template to determine the placement of the design on the pants. Mark the horizontal and vertical axis points and the center using chalk or disappearing ink. Near the ankle and on the back pocket are good places for embroidery.
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3
Determine which seams will need to be removed in order to open up the fabric and access the embroidery area. If you're embroidering on a pants leg, look closely at both seams. The outside of the leg is frequently a flat-felled seam while the inside is a "normal" seam. The inner seam will be easier to remove and replace than the flat-felled seam.
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4
Use the seam-ripper to open up enough of the seam that embroidery area will lay flat.
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5
Hoop the sticky-back stabilizer and use the marks on the embroidery hoop to align the fabric and adhere it to the stabilizer.
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6
Stitch out the design, making sure to keep the excess fabric out of the way.
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7
Remove the embroidered pants and tear away any excess stabilizer.
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8
Use thread that matches the original stitching and a regular sewing machine to replace the seams you removed. Keep to the original seam-lines as closely as possible. Serge or zig-zag stitch to finish the seams and keep them from fraying.
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Tips & Warnings
If you can get to the embroidery area without opening up the hem at the bottom of the pants leg, reassembling the leg will be easier.
If you're embroidering on a pocket, rip the seam along the sides and bottom of the pocket but leave the corners in place. This will make it much easier to put the pocket back on properly.
Be very careful when using a seam-ripper so you don't cut or poke holes in the fabric.
