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.
very very beautiful!!
Posted by: anna | October 08, 2012 at 02:29 PM
Wow! I've never embroidered before, but I really like this idea... Definitely going to be on my to do list! xo. Deanna
Posted by: Deanna | October 08, 2012 at 02:29 PM
This is so beautiful! I'm thinking of including some embroidered pieces in my next collection.
Thanks so much for the inspiration.
iknowlesnothing.blogspot.com
Posted by: Izzy | October 08, 2012 at 02:31 PM
Wow, I never tried embroidering anything before but Kelli makes it look so easy! I might try it sometime :)
Posted by: Julia | October 08, 2012 at 02:33 PM
Can always count on ABM to do a great job of making the most scary DIY look manageable.
Xo Inna, Baking in Couture.
Posted by: Inna | October 08, 2012 at 02:39 PM
Looks fun! I have a few tshirts that are just a solid color. This would be a great way to spice them up. I haven't done any embroidery in years, but have had to itch to pick it up again lately.
Posted by: Terri | October 08, 2012 at 02:41 PM
Very impressive, though I think I'd start with a smaller design!Rx
http://sandersonsmithstory.blogspot.co.uk/
Posted by: Rachael | October 08, 2012 at 02:43 PM
Seems like a real fun project! Great DIY!
Posted by: Fröken Prickig | October 08, 2012 at 02:46 PM
So gorgeous!
Posted by: Melissa | October 08, 2012 at 02:49 PM
Oh My! Embroidery has never been my thing, but this is so lovely!
Posted by: Yelle | October 08, 2012 at 02:55 PM
Embroidery designs by Dropcloth are really cool!! The designer is amazing. I have completed her sampler and learned how to embroider (from knowing NOTHING)!! You can buy her stuff on etsy and maybe on her website too.. not that I have it in my brain right now. Google "Dropcloth embroidery" and I am sure it will come up!
Posted by: Katie | October 08, 2012 at 02:56 PM
this is sooo pretty. and the instructions are less intimidating than i expected.
Posted by: Hannah | October 08, 2012 at 02:56 PM
Looks beautiful! Great job.
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
Posted by: shannon | October 08, 2012 at 02:59 PM
love your t shirt
xoxo
Kammy
www.ComerBlogarAmar.com.br
Posted by: kammy | October 08, 2012 at 03:17 PM
I really love this I might have to do this sometime. I love how it makes a basic tee spiffy.
Posted by: Jess Dynarski | October 08, 2012 at 03:33 PM
I would never have the patience I'm afraid, but this top is surely something special!
Posted by: Katja | October 08, 2012 at 03:36 PM
Incredible! I love how dainty it looks.
Xx
http://kendra-genevieve-rose.blogspot.com
Posted by: kendra genevieve rose. | October 08, 2012 at 03:37 PM
Great and nice post. I like things like that where someone could be creativ, Perfect.
http://fashiondenis.blogspot.sk/
Posted by: Denisa | October 08, 2012 at 03:38 PM
I love this idea! I work in a craft store so I walk by these supplies daily and have never thought about making an embroidered top. I have many tops that could use a colorful unique touch... I need to try this!
Posted by: monica | October 08, 2012 at 03:38 PM
best. tutorial. ever.
Posted by: Erika Elyn | October 08, 2012 at 03:52 PM