A step-by-step tutorial with photos for embroidering a word or quote on a shirt. Also suitable for beginners!
Supplies & materials
- Vlieseline solufix
- Pencil
- Pair of scissors
- White shirt
- Embroidery hoop ø 15 cm (optional)
- Embroidery needle
- Embroidery thread; see color numbers below
Used DMC embroidery thread color numbers
Embroider a word on your shirt
Step 1 | Use a pen or pencil to write what you want to embroider on the Vlieseline Solufix. You can use your own handwriting, or type a word on your phone/tablet/computer and trace it. I'm going for the word DOGMOM in simple block letters.
Step 2 | Cut around the word and glue it to your shirt where you want to embroider. It's helpful to put on your shirt and then see if it looks good. I'm going for the top right.
Step 3 | You don't necessarily need an embroidery hoop, but I personally find it easier to embroider. Clamp the fabric you're going to embroider in the hoop. Make sure the fabric is nice and taut, but don't stretch it.
Step 4 | Cut about 30 cm of embroidery floss for embroidery. DMC embroidery floss consists of 6 thin strands that you can split. For my word, I used 4 strands. If you're embroidering something very small and delicate, you might want to use fewer strands. For thicker lines, use 5 or 6 strands. Split the thread, tie a secure knot at the end, and thread it through the needle. Embroider your word with a backstitch .
Step 5 | When you're finished with the color or running out of thread, tie a secure knot and cut off the excess thread. Continue as in step 4 until you've embroidered the entire word.
Step 6 | Remove the embroidery hoop, soak your shirt briefly in lukewarm water to dissolve the Vlieseline Solufix, and hang it up to dry. Your embroidered shirt is ready!
