With Halloween just around the corner, I thought I'd share my super easy tutorial to make an appliqued ghost t-shirt (or sweatshirt). This tee was a huge hit when I sold it in my shop.
My design aesthetic is really simple and clean so my designs are never complicated or fussy. If you prefer, you can just as easily draw out your own ghost or other Halloween character and follow the same instructions. If this is your first time appliqueing, this project will take you about an hour. (If you are familiar with my applique tutorials, the instructions are the same so you can just grab the
template and run with it.)
You'll need the following:
blank t-shirt, one piece, or tank
felt or fabric piece for the applique (I prefer to use eco-fi felt)
embroidery floss
scissors (small scissors with a pointy tip work best)
fusible webbing (I prefer to use heat 'n bond)
template for the applique (download
here)
Since I use Heat n Bond, my instructions will follow Heat n Bond's
instructions. If you are using a different fusible web, simply change
out my instructions with the instructions on the package. If you have
any questions, don't hesitate to contact me and I can help you.
The first thing you'll want to do is take your ghost template and
place it under a sheet of your fusible webbing. Take your pencil and
trace the ghost on to the webbing so it looks something like this:
Next you'll want to iron your "ghost" webbing onto your felt or
fabric. For Heat n Bond, set it on the "wool" setting (NO STEAM). Iron
the design onto the felt or fabric for about 3 or so seconds so it looks
like this:
Carefully cut the applique out. Small scissors with a pointy tip work best.
Take the applique and peel off the wax paper layer from the back. Place the applique exactly where you want
it on the t-shirt with the glossy/fusible webbing side face down. Iron the applique on to the t-shirt pressing for about 10
seconds. Again be sure to use the wool setting with no steam. Check to
be sure that the applique is firmly adhered to the shirt.
Now that your ghost is attached
to the t-shirt, you're ready to start the applique process. You can do
this with a machine or by hand. I'm a hand stitcher - I find it very
relaxing and therapeutic. To stitch by hand, cut about 3-4 feet of your
black embroidery thread. Your skein of thread will have six strands.
Separate two of the strands from the piece you've cut and thread them
through your needle.
For the ghost, I use a straight
stitch. It's a basic stitch and great for a beginner. You basically
bring the needle up through the t-shirt and back down making straight
little stitches about a 2 cm in from the edge of your applique.
A
great video tutorial for the straight stitch is available
here.
The nice thing about sewing coordinating thread (floss) on felt or fabric is
that it's hard to see so it's very forgiving if you're a beginning
stitcher. If you're an experienced hand stitcher, it is fun to experiment with contrasting threads and different stitches.
Once you've finished with the stitching, you're done! You can take these same principles and make a ton of other spooky creations - ghosts, bats, witches, etc.
If you give this a shot, I'd love to see the results! Please take a
picture and email me at finleyandoliver@gmail.com. And again, if any of
you get stuck, please don't hesitate to email me for help.
