We are abosolutely in love with this embroidery DIY that Kelli made for you today! If you've never tried hand embroidery, this is a great project to get started on!
First thing's first. Gather your Supplies: embroidery thread, embroidery needle, washable marking pen, embroidery hoop and a basic tee.
Step 1. Sketch out a design that works with the silhouette of your tee. Or you can download mine:
Download Design-left chest + Download Design-right chest. Print out each side on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper. Size may need to be adjusted according to the size of your top. The top two flowers closest to the center are meant to overlap, so you know your design is aligned correctly.
Step 2. Trace your design onto your garment. You can either use carbon paper or a light box for this. Because I have a light box at home, I decided to go this route. You could also try securing your t-shirt and design on to a window on a bright day. Your design should already be printed out on paper. Place the paper inside your t-shirt, and line up your design exactly where you want the embroidery to sit. Place your top on a light box (or a window) and you will be able to see the entire design through the front side of your top. Using your washable marking pen, trace the design onto the front side of the fabric. (don't worry, the ink will wash away with it's first rinse!)
Step 3. Attach your embroidery hoop before you begin stitching. Place the inner ring under the front side of your top where you want to begin stitching. Loosen the tension on the outer ring and place that on top of the inner ring, so your fabric is stretched tightly between them. Tighten the adjustment screw, and you are ready to get started!
Step 4. Using an embroidery needle with a large eye, thread your needle with your embroidery thread. You can separate your some of your embroidery floss strands to make your embroidery thinner and more delicate. But I chose to leave them whole, because I like the chunkier look. To start, I did a simple backstitch for the vines. For the fill on the leaves and flowers, I just stitched as I went along, with no exact method. But I found that making all of my stitches move in the same direction, made the design look much better. Keep working your way through your design, swapping out embroidery colors as you come to them. Every time you are finished with a flower or a particular section of color, make sure to create a knot on the under side before moving on. This will keep it from unraveling in the wash.
Step 5. Once you are totally finished with the embroidery, gently rinse your top in cold water to remove the ink from the marking pen. Throw it in the dryer or hang dry overnight. Voila!
Thanks so much, Kelli! We love your floral design.
Have any of you tried hand embroidery? What types of projects are your favorites? xo.
this is absolutely incredible! ive always wanted to learn how to embroider and this makes it so simple! cant wait to try!
Posted by: bex | October 08, 2012 at 01:44 PM
Sweet I am definitely doing this!
http://run2thewild.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Courtney Howard | October 08, 2012 at 01:44 PM
omg that looks amazing!
Posted by: Tina Roepcke | October 08, 2012 at 01:45 PM
I really love this and can't wait to try it myself! Such a great tute and with a free download :)
Sarah
http://acatlikecuriosity.blogspot.co.uk/
Posted by: Sarah | October 08, 2012 at 01:45 PM
I love really simple embroidery projects like this: http://www.boun-see.blogspot.com/2012/10/diy-mantra-workout-towels.html
Posted by: Jessica Marie | October 08, 2012 at 01:47 PM
This is so cute! Can't wait to try it out!
Posted by: Amy O | October 08, 2012 at 01:57 PM
i love this! very gramma chic (my favourite style :) )
Posted by: rachael | October 08, 2012 at 01:57 PM
Wow!
Really love this DIY
mykitschworld.blogspot.com.es
Posted by: itziar | October 08, 2012 at 02:03 PM
Like so much this....
So cute...
Love!!!
Posted by: Caroline | October 08, 2012 at 02:03 PM
I love this diy project ! Congratulations for the result, it's so beautiful !
Posted by: Claire | October 08, 2012 at 02:10 PM
Great diy!
http://www.xeanafashion.com
Posted by: Xeana | October 08, 2012 at 02:18 PM
What a lovely idea and it turned out great!
www.creativityandchocolate.blogspot.com
Posted by: Eva | October 08, 2012 at 02:19 PM
This is a great project! Thanks for posting it and for the design to use.
Posted by: Lisa P. | October 08, 2012 at 02:19 PM
I've tried hand embroidery, but flunked. Love the look though! Done very well here.
Posted by: Philothea | October 08, 2012 at 02:22 PM
Wow, looks so professional! Super cute idea. Thanks for sharing!
-Lindsey
http://ettu-tutu.blogspot.com
Posted by: Et tu, tutu? | October 08, 2012 at 02:22 PM
This is absolutely beautiful! My embroidery skills are a little rusty, but I can't wait to try this out! Thank you! xxx
Posted by: Nisse | October 08, 2012 at 02:25 PM
Ah I used to do that when I was little, with my grandmom. But this is much more stylish haha. Defenitely gonna try it!
Great post!
X
http://dipitblack.wordpress.com
Posted by: dipitblack | October 08, 2012 at 02:26 PM
Amazing!! This is really stunning. I may just try this!
Talia Christine
http://taliachristine.blogspot.com
Posted by: Talia Christine | October 08, 2012 at 02:27 PM
Looks gorgeous! I'm definitely going to try this!
Posted by: Lisa | October 08, 2012 at 02:27 PM
This is gorgeous!! I love hand embroidery, but I don't always have the time or patience for it, so I started using a basic sewing machine to add pretty stitching to t-shirts and other things. It's fun and fast once you learn how. Not to replace this kind of amazing hand stitching--but a nice alternative! I even co-authored a book about it: http://ourimprovdiary.wordpress.com/improv-sewing-our-book/
Posted by: Debra | October 08, 2012 at 02:28 PM