How to embroider on a t-shirt with an embroidery machine

Elaine Gittel
3 min readNov 21, 2023

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Embroidering on a T-shirt can add a personalized touch and elevate your wardrobe. With the right tools and techniques, you can create custom designs that stand out.

How to embroider on a t-shirt with an embroidery machine

How to embroider on a t-shirt

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of embroidering on a T-shirt using an shirt embroidery machine. Whether you’re a seasoned embroiderer or a beginner, these steps will help you achieve professional-looking results.

Materials You’ll Need

  1. T-shirt
  2. Embroidery hoop
  3. Scissors
  4. Non-woven stabilizer (for the bottom of the garment)
  5. Water-soluble stabilizer (for the top)
  6. Marking tool (comes with Brother embroidery machine)
  7. Glue spray
  8. Needle
  9. Embroidery machine
  10. Optional: Clips for holding stabilizer in place

Step 1: Prepare Your T-shirt

Start by laying your T-shirt on a flat surface. It’s advisable to wash and iron the shirt beforehand to ensure it maintains its shape after embroidery.

Washing also removes any sizing or residues that may affect the embroidery process.

Step 2: Marking the Design Placement

Use the marking tool that comes with your Brother embroidery machine to identify the center of your design.

For a centered design, align the marking with the middle of the shirt. If you prefer a different placement, adjust accordingly.

Step 3: Applying Stabilizers

Apply the non-woven stabilizer to the back of the shirt using a needle or glue spray. This stabilizer prevents the fabric from stretching during embroidery.

Ensure it is securely in place to avoid movement during the process. Use a needle to mark the back side for accurate stabilizer placement.

Step 4: Hooping the T-shirt

Proper hooping is crucial for a straight and centered design. Align the embroidery hoop with the marked center on the front of the shirt.

Take extra care to avoid any excess fabric on the sides. The stabilizer should be clean and cover only the area you intend to embroider.

Step 5: Securing the Hoop in the Embroidery Machine

Cleanly place the hooped T-shirt in the embroidery machine. Ensure the embroidery area is entirely clean, and no stray fabric is caught between the layers. Secure the hoop in place, making sure it’s snug but not too tight or loose.

Step 6: Embroidering the Design

Initiate the embroidery process, following the machine’s instructions. The stabilizers play a crucial role in maintaining the design’s integrity, preventing distortion or puckering. Monitor the embroidery process and intervene if necessary.

Step 7: Removing the Hoop

After embroidery completion, switch off the machine and carefully remove the hoop. Loosen the hoop before taking out the garment to prevent any breakage.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Remove the water-soluble stabilizer on the top by tearing it away. Take time to clean up the back of the design by trimming loose threads and removing excess stabilizer. This extra effort adds a professional touch to your work.

Step 9: Final Steps

Wash the T-shirt once more to remove any remaining stabilizer. Additionally, ironing the embroidered area enhances the overall appearance and demonstrates your commitment to quality.

Conclusion

Embroidering on T-shirts with an embroidery machine opens up a world of creative possibilities. By following these steps, you can create personalized and professional-looking designs.

Experiment with different designs and placements, and soon you’ll master the art of T-shirt embroidery.

Sources & Further Readings

https://guidetipsdiy.blogspot.com/2023/11/how-to-color-your-hair-at-home.html

https://www.tumblr.com/tacticalgearslab/734146988915965952/how-to-dye-fabric-with-chalk-paint-step-by-step

https://hunterztravel.weebly.com/home/add-a-side-pocket-to-any-seam

https://onmogul.com/stories/how-to-make-pant-waist-bigger-guide

https://medium.com/@mistyepatterson/unveiling-the-singer-44s-a-heavy-duty-workhorse-with-a-time-tested-legacy-337052fa1373

https://medium.com/@agreatgarden121/the-magic-of-wax-tailors-chalk-a-tailors-secret-weapon-1f483268741c

https://medium.com/@JoannTWilliams/the-art-of-creating-outdoor-gear-from-concept-to-connection-7dda25809c2b

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Elaine Gittel
Elaine Gittel

Written by Elaine Gittel

Elaine Gittel, a passionate sewing enthusiast, intricately weaves her creativity into every stitch, transforming fabric into works of art.

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