How to Machine Embroidery a Toboggan

Add a monogram to a knitted hat.

A toboggan is a knit hat that is also called a toque in Canada. Machine embroidery is a cheerful addition to a casual hat. It is a way to add a bit of fun to a cold winter day. Embroidering on a stretchy knit fabric can be tricky, but a double layer of interfacing allows you to stabilize the fabric during embroidery and allow for some stretch in the finished hat.

Things You'll Need

• Hat
• Chalk
• Needle
• Thread
• Knit interfacing
• Tear-away interfacing
• Pins
• Embroidery machine
• Embroidery thread

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of knit interfacing 1 inch larger on all sides than the finished design. Mark the location of the design on the hat with chalk. Also mark the placement of the center of the design.

2. Hand-baste the knit interfacing on the inside of the hat behind the design. Be sure the stretch in the interfacing runs in the same direction as the stretch in the hat. If the embroidery will be on the turned up brim of the hat the interfacing will technically be on the outside of the hat.

3. Pin a piece of tear-away interfacing on the other side of the fabric. Mark the center of the design again.

4. Set the machine up for free-arm sewing. Turn the design counterclockwise 90 degrees on the machine. Place the hat on the arm of the machine. Center the design on the chalk mark.

5. Sew the design. Remove the hat and tear off the stabilizer on the front. Trim the threads and the stabilizer on the inside.