DIY Embroidered Tee

An easy DIY project that is inexpensive and adds to your wardrobe! Embroidered tees are all the rage and they are such an easy piece to incorporate into any outfit. Don’t spend the big bucks! Make them yourself and add your own style to a tee, or any piece of clothing for that matter. 

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There is no better feeling than getting a deal on a great piece of clothing. I love fashion but we all know that fashion ain’t cheap. There are those ‘just can’t live without’ moments when you find that amazing top or those perfect pair of shoes, but it just can’t beat adding something to your wardrobe on a dime. Getting crafty with your clothes; whether is at the thrift store or a DIY it is the way to do it.

Embroidered tees are everywhere right now and I just love the simple tee look. They have been popping up on Pinterest and all my favorite shops are carrying them. I have been creating a wishlist of my favorites because I want them all! Here are a few for inspiration…or if you want to skip the DIY and still get an inexpensive option.

Are you inspired yet!? The possibilities are endless; the combination of design, color, and shirt style and why does it have to stop at tees? Try jeans, shorts, jean jacket, tanks (omg, I want to make them all!) Once I decided I was going to tackle this DIY, I found myself writing all these ideas down. Before I know it I am going to have a closet full of embroidery. I’ve decided that’s not a bad thing. In addition to being so fun to make this project is so inexpensive. To get started all you need is a few supplies.

What you’ll need:

• Cotton T-Shirt
• Embroidery Floss
• Embroidery needle
• Embroidery hoop
• Water soluble pen or pencil
• Printed design of choice

Before you start I suggest practicing your stitch. The back stitch is very easy and perfect for this project, but it does take a minute to get the hang of it if you don’t embroider often. Watch this video tutorial if you not familiar with the back stitch. Using a scrap piece of fabric or paper practice until you feel confident to start your tee.

Find the graphic you want. It can be anything; I chose a skull and a phrase. Print the graphic on white paper to your desired size. Place it inside the shirt under where you want it and trace it. I used a water soluble pencil which worked fine but I would suggest using a pen. The pencil went on a little light and was hard to draw on the shirt.

Cut a piece of embroidery floss. Cut more then you think you will need because it’s never fun to run out in the middle of the project. If that does happen, just tie it off at the back and start a new piece of floss. Thread the needle and tie a knot at the end. Using the back stitch start the beginning with the knot on the back side of the shirt.

While embroidering, take your time and don’t rush it. Pull the stitches tight but not tight enough it begins to pucker. Shorter stitches around the corners make for a smoother line. The biggest thing to remember is it doesn’t have to look perfect, I think that is a part of what makes these so great. The imperfection creates personality and authenticity which makes it truly yours. The unperfectness makes it perfect…if that makes sense.

When you are finished tied your floss off at the back; don’t tie it too tight or it will pull on the front. Done. Can you believe how easy that was!? Now you have a new tee to show off, so go do it!