Machine Embroidered T-shirts

Machine embroidered T-shirts are often the first project beginners want to make. But taming those stretchy knits in the embroidery hoop can prove challenging. Light-weight cotton Jersey knits are tough to stabilize without stretching and puckering as the end result.  With a few tips from expert Pamela Cox, a plain T-shirt is easily transformed into a “one-of-a-kind” special gift.

Knits stretch, which is why we love them. However, we need to control this property during the embroidery process and yet still enable this wonderful trait to return.

Because Sulky offers a variety of quality stabilizers to choose from, even within each category- Tear-Away, Cut-Away, Wash-Away, and Heat-Away– there are always a number of combinations which will work equally as well in producing a successful outcome.  The important factor is that a knit be stabilized on both wrong and right sides.

Since knits should not be hooped directly in the frame (stretching will occur), secure Sulky® Sticky +™, a self -adhesive, tear-away stabilizer, paper side up, directly in the hoop.  Select a hoop size slightly larger than the design requires which enables more of the fabric surface to come in contact with the sticky surface providing additional stabilization.

Using a pin, score the paper larger than the design and gently tear it away exposing the adhesive side.

If needed, draw center hoop lines directly on the stabilizer with a fabric transfer pen or simply line the hoop up with grid lines which can be seen under the exposed surface.

HINT:  Usually a filled design or an applique, as opposed to a line design, will display a better result on a knit fabric.

The design I used is a blend of both applique (the paper cup) and fill (icing and accents).

The cupcake design has been personalized by adding “President 20mm” lettering from Ultra Premier +™ by Husqvarna Viking.

HOW TO STABILIZE MACHINE EMBROIDERED T-SHIRT

Mark the vertical center on a pre-washed T-shirt by turning it inside out and folding it in half matching side seams. Hand-baste a line along this fold.  Decide where the top of the design should touch on the T-shirt and measure down from this point, half of the design’s height. Hand-baste an intersecting line.

Fold the T-shirt along vertical center, press it (still inside out) to the sticky stabilizer along hoop’s vertical center matching horizontal lines as well.

Reach inside and smooth the fabric, unrolling it to expose the right side of the T-shirt.

Cut a piece of Heat-Away Clear Film™ or Super-Solvy™ larger than the design. This stabilizer will be basted to the top of the knit. Not only will it prevent the fabric from moving as the needle penetrates, but it will also help to keep the design sitting “on top” of the texture of a knit surface.

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL PRODUCTS

Although we’re ready to embroider, it must also be noted that a Ball-Point embroidery needle should be used in the appropriate gauge for the fabric weight: 65/9, 75/11, 80/12. Universal or regular embroidery, have a sharp point that could potentially “cut” through a knit “link” as opposed to a ballpoint embroidery needles offering a rounded point to slide in-between “links”. Stitches are more uniform when a ball point needle is used on knit fabric for seaming and this is true of embroidering on knits as well.

Begin to stitch the design, but only cut the fabric away for the applique leaving the top stabilizer in place.

Complete the machine embroidered T-shirt.

Remove the hoop from the machine.

Remove all excess stabilizers, both along the front and the back. Begin by releasing the basting box stitches. Lay the machine embroidered T-shirt inside-out on a hard flat surface.  Hold the fabric flat with one hand, while gently pulling up on the stabilizer with the other until it reaches the embroidery. Gently tear it away from the stitches.

Turn the machine embroidered T-shirt right side out and repeat for the front. Both stabilizers are easily removed from the project.

FINISHING TOUCHES TO MACHINE EMBROIDERED T-SHIRT

If the back of the T-shirt is to come in contact with sensitive skin, fuse a protective backing, like Sulky Tender Touch™ covering the embroidery’s back stitches.  (Tip:  You can also pink these edges with a pinking shears or pinking or wavy-blade rotary cutter before applying.  This helps adhesion through washings, wearings and stretching.)

Now enjoy your new machine embroidered T-shirt!