Step-by-Step Guide to Embroidering a T-Shirt by Hand

Have you ever wanted to personalize a t-shirt with hand embroidery? While I’ve stitched decorative hoops and tea towels, creating a design on a t-shirt that withstands wear and washing was a new challenge for me. After some trial and error, I discovered the best techniques to get it done—and now I’m sharing them with you in this easy-to-follow guide.

Supplies You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Flower outline embroidery pattern (download instructions at the end of this guide)
• A t-shirt 
• Adhesive, water-soluble stabilizer
• Embroidery floss (colors specified in the pattern)
• Embroidery hoop
• Embroidery needles
• Scissors
• Iron and ironing board (optional)
• Iron-on embroidery backing (optional)
• Parchment paper (optional)

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How to Hand Embroider a T-Shirt

Follow these steps to create your custom embroidered t-shirt:

Step 1: Prepare the Stabilizer

Cut a piece of adhesive, water-soluble stabilizer slightly larger than your embroidery hoop. Trace your design onto the fabric side of the stabilizer using a light table or by taping the pattern to a sunny window. The stabilizer helps transfer the design and prevents fabric stretching during stitching. Choose a pattern with simple, short stitches to avoid distortion during washing.

Step 2: Attach the Stabilizer

Peel off the paper backing to reveal the adhesive side, then stick the stabilizer onto the front of your t-shirt where you want the pattern.

Step 3: Set Up the Hoop

Place the t-shirt in your embroidery hoop, ensuring the fabric is taut but not stretched. Tighten the hoop’s screw to secure it in place.

Step 4: Embroider the Design

Stitch through both the stabilizer and the t-shirt fabric. Aim to keep your work neat and avoid knots if possible for a cleaner finish.

Step 5: Remove the Stabilizer

Once the embroidery is complete, remove the shirt from the hoop and rinse it under running water to dissolve and remove the stabilizer. Lay the shirt flat to dry.

Step 6: Add Backing (Optional)

For added comfort, iron a piece of embroidery backing onto the inside of the shirt, slightly larger than your design. Cover it with parchment paper to protect your iron during the process.

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The Final Look

That’s it! Your custom embroidered t-shirt is ready to wear. I’m thrilled with how my floral design turned out on the mauve shirt—it’s the perfect balance of personal and stylish.

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Free Floral Embroidery Pattern

Download the free floral embroidery pattern and start your next project today!