Upgrade T-shirts with Machine Embroidery

Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes, Nancy Zieman, Eileen Roche

Upgrade T-shirts with Machine Embroidery

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Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes, Nancy Zieman, Eileen RocheMy favorite part of sewing is the process. I enjoy watching the progression unfold and then savor what my sewing efforts produce. Today you’ll see that machine embroidery is the star of the process and the end result!  

The machine embroidery designs you’ll see below not only decorate, but transform an everyday knit shirt into a wow shirt. Eileen Roche, the brainchild of this technique, joins me on Sewing With Nancy to take embroidery to the next level. The second of a two-part series, Simple to Chic T-shirt Remakes, focuses on in-the-hoop T-shirt remakes, using a two-part design. 

Prepare a T-shirt for a Remake

It’s incredible what an embroidery machine can do, once you give it instructions! Start with a basic knit T-shirt. Then, stitch creative embroideries, plus embroideries that modify the neckline shape. The result is so chic.

  • Fold the shirt front in half, matching the shoulder seams.
  • Mark the center front with tape or pins. (Tape is featured in the photo below. Later I’ll show you the option of using pins to mark the center front. Use whichever technique is best for you.)

How to remake a T-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche

  • Hoop a water-soluble adhesive stabilizer in a 5″ x 7″ hoop.
  • Score the paper of the stabilizer, within the hooped area, with the tip of a pin or seam ripper. Remove the paper covering.

How to remake a T-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche

  • Stitch color 1, a placement guide, directly on the stabilizer. The T-shaped stitches indicate the neckline and center front of the T-shirt. The placement guide is offset to accommodate the larger embroidery design.

How to remake a T-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche

  • Remove the hoop from the machine and place it on the narrow end of an ironing board, with the top of hoop at the point of the ironing board.
  • First, place the shirt hem over the board and hoop. Align the shirt center with the vertical stitch line and the neckline at the horizontal line.
  • Carefully smooth the fabric onto the sticky-backed stabilizer.

Note from Nancy: You can easily release and reposition the fabric if there are wrinkles. Ask me how I know this!

How to remake a T-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche

  • Nest the shirt above the hoop and transport the hoop to the machine.
  • Attach the hoop to the embroidery machine.

Stitch the Decorative Embroidery

  • Stitch color 2, the tackdown stitch, a basting stitch that temporarily holds the stitching field in place. After the embroidery is complete, it will be easy to remove.
  • Stitch the decorative elements, the design and eyelets—colors 2–7.
  • Stitch the second to the last color—color 8—placement marks. Notice the placement marks to the left side of the T-shirt’s center front. These marks are temporary, yet vital to aligning the next design.

Simple to Chic T-Shirt transformations/Nancy Zieman/Eileen Roche/Sewing With Nancy

Note from Nancy: At this point the center of the design is embroidered with additional design motifs on the left-shirt front. A second hooping is needed in order to stitch the design motifs on the right-shirt front. Not to worry, it will be easier than you think!

Stitch the Neckline Transformation

  • Place a 6″ x 8″ rectangle of prewashed tricot interfacing fusible side UP over the center of the shirt, extending the interfacing ½″ above the ribbing.
  • Stitch the next thread color, which is the neckline transformation. The stitching will be spot-on!

How to transform a t-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen RocheRehoop the Shirt and Line Up the Design

  • Remove the hoop from the machine; then remove the shirt from the hoop. Trim away the excess stabilizer.
  • Hoop another layer of water-soluble adhesive stabilizer in the hoop.
  • Score the paper of the stabilizer within the hooped area with the tip of a pin or seam ripper. Remove the paper covering.
  • Select the second design of this embroidery; it’s a separate file.
  • Stitch color 1 directly onto the stabilizer, this time the embroidery stitches two placement marks.

How to remake a t-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche

  • To achieve perfect placement, use PAL, the Perfect Alignment Laser. Place the hoop on a flat surface and turn on PAL. Align the beams with the top horizontal mark and the vertical markings.

How to remake a t-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche

  • Place the shirt over the stabilizer.
  • Align the alignment marks on the shirt, using the beam of the laser as a guide.

Note From Nancy: If you do not have PAL, manually align the placement marks. Either way works, but the “laser-liner upper” is an easy and exact way of aligning designs. 
How to remake a t-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche

  • Insert the hooped shirt back onto the embroidery unit.
  • Tape the interfacing toward the stitched design to keep it out of the way of the embroidery.
  • Stitch the remainder of the second design.

How to remake a t-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche

  • Remove the hoop from the embroidery unit and the hoop from the stabilizer.
  • Trim away the excess stabilizer. Remove the basting stitches of the tackdown and placement guides.

How to remake a t-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen RocheFinish the Neckline

Last week, I detailed how to transform and finish the neckline. Watch online (the first episode of this series) as Eileen and I demonstrate this technique or refer to last week’s blog postingHow to remake a t-shirt with machine embroidery, Nancy Zieman, Eileen Roche

Side Hemline Makeovers

Necklines aren’t the only area where makeovers can occur. Using comparable processes, watch how side hemlines can make a fashion statement. The embroidery and transformation are comparable to the neckline technique.

How to remake a t-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche

How to remake a t-shirt with machine embroidery Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche

 

Simple To Chic T-shirt Remakes, How to Embroider a T-Shirt, Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche

Create Exciting T-shirt Transformations with this Unique Embroidery Collection

Simple to Chic Nancy Zieman Eileen Roche T-shirt remakes Sewing With Nancy

Simple to Chic T-shirt Remakes Package contains:

  • 8 neckline designs
  • 7 sleeve designs
  • 9 hemline side seam designs
  • Step-by-step instructions for T-shirt remakes
  • 24 designs that fit in 5″ x 7″ hoop and two bonus jumbo designs

Watch Simple to Chic T-shirt Remakes (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.

For a chance to win a copy of the Simple to Chic T-shirt Remakes DVD from Nancy’s Notions, leave a comment sharing which style of T-shirt you most often purchase. (For example: Long sleeve V-neck, printed jersey, short sleeve crew neck, etc.)

Simple to Chic DVD Sewing With Nancy with Host Nancy Zieman

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

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61 Comments

  • BevM
    July 20, 2017

    I purchase shirts with crew necks and 3/4 length sleeves. I love these embellishing ideas!

  • Dawn
    July 20, 2017

    I always buy long sleeve, crew neck T-shirts.

  • Bonnie
    July 20, 2017

    These are beautiful. I like 3/4 sleeves and round neckline.

  • CAROL L.
    July 20, 2017

    T-shirts are not something I regularly wear, but with this beautiful embroidery and transformation, T-shirts will definitely be a part of my wardrobe! Your instructions, as always, are clear and understandable!
    Thank you Nancy!

  • Linda
    July 20, 2017

    I love Talbot’s Pima cotton t-shirts. crew & V-neck in long and short sleeve.

  • J Wimberley
    July 20, 2017

    Simply classy!

  • Susan Spiers
    July 20, 2017

    Short-sleeved crew neck-love these-the add to hem & sleeves-so pretty! Thank you, Susan

  • Laurie Keep
    July 20, 2017

    I wear tshirts all the time, usually short sleeve V neck and I would LOVE a way to dress them up. I am just getting into transforming regular crew neck tshirts into V necks and those need dressing up as well! Love these ideas for dressing up a casual clothing item!

  • Charlee Turner
    July 20, 2017

    I tend to like long sleeved, scoop necked shirts. I’ve yet to embroider on one of them, I should do that! They’d look so much prettier!

  • Linda E in AZ
    July 20, 2017

    Short sleeve crew necks are my normal purchases. Beautiful neckline designs!
    Thanks!

  • Clovis
    July 20, 2017

    Simple t-shirts are really dressed up with embroidery these days. You can really dress up a crew neck t-shirt.

  • CB Nicholson
    July 20, 2017

    V-neck long sleeve and short sleeve. Depends on the season.

  • scarter
    July 20, 2017

    I love those T shirt remakes. This is the first time I actually like what designs are put on the shirt. I am anxious to try this.

  • Brenda Ackerman
    July 20, 2017

    Crew neck with both long and short sleeves, depending on the season. These embroidery designs are spectacular and just recreate the t-shirts into such beautiful shirts! Thank you for sharing.

  • Rosemary
    July 20, 2017

    I’ve been buying 3/4 sleeve, round neckline. I really like Boat neck and V-neck lines as well.

  • Sandra
    July 20, 2017

    I purchase short sleeve crew neck T-shirts.

  • Deborah Herold
    July 20, 2017

    I most often buy crew neck t-shirts as they are the cheapest here in TX. So I don’t feel so bad when I destroy one in the process of embroidering on one.

  • Nancy McCallum
    July 20, 2017

    I most often purchase crew neck t-shirts with 3/4 length sleeves. Love your embellishing designs.

  • cheryl
    July 20, 2017

    OMG I would love to have this set so much!!! I did dvr the episode of Sewing with Nancy and saved it in case I should ever be able to purchase this cd of designs.

  • Patti Lawler
    July 20, 2017

    I would love to remake my crew neck T-shirts. The embroidery designs are beautiful. Thanks

  • Jane Urbach
    July 20, 2017

    I love crew neck shirts. This design set would certainly dress up some of them

  • Pat
    July 20, 2017

    I normally purchase a short sleeved shirt with a slightly lowered rounded neckline sometimes called a French neckline. I find the slightly lowered rounded neckline to be more comfortable than as standard crew neck. Now that I see the designs for embellishing the cuff of a long sleeve, I just may change my preference!

  • Vicki B
    July 20, 2017

    I love the long sleeve side slit shirts!

  • Vicki B
    July 20, 2017

    I love the long sleeve side slit shirts with the geometric pattern!

  • Vicki B
    July 20, 2017

    I love the long sleeve round neck with the geometric pattern!

  • Barbara Kahn
    July 20, 2017

    Would love to add this to my – I can do this list.

  • Mary Harmon
    July 20, 2017

    Love this t-shirt remake! I usually buy short sleeve crew neck
    t-shirts.

  • Beulah Koen
    July 20, 2017

    Crew neck with a longer short sleeve. Thanks.

  • Susan
    July 20, 2017

    That is just too neat,,,,,, could be a lot of fun to get creative with and embellish my Tshirts,,,,short sleeve ones.

  • Noreen
    July 20, 2017

    I usually buy v-neck or scoop neck T-shirts, but I LOVE the look of these you’ve done. You make them look very dressy.

  • SANDRA NETTLES
    July 20, 2017

    My latest favorite “t-shirt” is actually a tunic, with 3/4 sleeves to show off some embroidery on neck and sleeves. I like a neckline that is either split or lowered for comfort. Thanks for asking.

  • Linda
    July 20, 2017

    I like buying T shirts because they are so comfortable. I was thinking of ways to dress them up and thanks to you, l now have a solution. I love your educational post. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Anne
    July 20, 2017

    I like crew neck tees with long sleeves but do like classics with a twist so these embellishment ideas are great – especially as I just got an embroidery machine. So this post is perfectly timed for me.

  • Anne
    July 20, 2017

    I buy long sleeved round neck tees but like classics with a twist so these ideas are great and perfectly timed as I have just bought an embroidery machine.

  • Donna Ohl
    July 20, 2017

    i love the look of embroidery on t-shirt. What a great idea!

  • Gail Beam
    July 20, 2017

    I purchase sleeveless, short sleeve, long sleeve, v neck and round neck t shirts. Your T’s are beautiful and I love the tutorial on making them.

  • Linda Austerman
    July 20, 2017

    I usually purchase a v-neck t-shirt with short sleeves. Lately I have also purchased tunic length ones too.

  • Bonnye
    July 20, 2017

    I usually buy a crew neck t shirt with short sleeves.

  • Paulette Ransom
    July 20, 2017

    I buy long sleeve V neck shirts. Love these designs.

  • Delois
    July 20, 2017

    I like the round neck shirts with long sleeves. Love the idea of adding the embroidery! It really adds to the shirt and it looks great.

  • Edna Marks
    July 20, 2017

    I like v neck long sleeved t’s, would love to try some of these designs on sleeves and sides

  • Pat H
    July 20, 2017

    Love this tee shirt idea have Ellen’s first tee shirt CD I get crew alot but also get long sleeve tees also.

  • Sunni
    July 20, 2017

    Long sleeves which I love to scrunch up and a v neck or rounded. Nancy, is your middle name Inspiration? Thanks.

  • Annette (Sweet Annie)
    July 20, 2017

    Since my double mastectomy, I have converted to the “V” design. I love the embroidery on the neck, and sleeves. I cannot tell you how much I love your blog and youtube videos. Keep up the good work. Annette

  • judy
    July 20, 2017

    I like v-necks to length my fat face with sleeves long or short.

  • Shirley Rash
    July 21, 2017

    I like round neck crew neck t shirts.
    I wish you had a design for t shirts that inclluded roses instead of just daisies. Maybe in time you will have somethng like that.

  • sue atkins
    July 21, 2017

    I like scoop neck with 3/4 sleeves

  • Kelly sas
    July 21, 2017

    Depending on the season I am either a short sleeve or long sleeve crew neck shirt gal.

  • Sandra McDonald
    July 21, 2017

    Short sleeve in summer and long in winter.

  • Midge
    July 21, 2017

    I prefer a rounded neck or v-neck t-shirt and the longer ones best. The designs are great!

  • Starla
    July 21, 2017

    I always buy v-necks in solid colors — short sleeves for summer, long for winter, three-quarters for in-between times and layering.

  • Brenda
    July 21, 2017

    I like the round neck and I wear short sleeved in the summer. I wear 3/4 sleeved in the winter, fall and spring. I used to wear long sleeved but bought a 3/4 length by accident and loved it.

  • Terry
    July 21, 2017

    I have a short neck so I love a v neck T shirt and my widest part is hips so I like the shorter length sleeve, to create a thinner illusion. Love to embellish too.

  • L Watson
    July 22, 2017

    I usually buy short-sleeve, v-neck shirts. In cold seasons I would just throw on a zippered sweatshirt over the t-shirt if I get cold.

  • Michelle Hall
    July 24, 2017

    I prefer V neck shirts but have a lot of crew neck as well

  • Shannon
    July 24, 2017

    Are usually buy short sleeve crewneck would love to dress them up love the ideas

  • Melany J
    July 25, 2017

    So, so cute! Thanks for sharing.

  • Melany J
    July 25, 2017

    I prefer a rounded neck or v-neck t-shirt and the longer ones best. The designs are great!

  • Dianne Brown
    July 25, 2017

    I always buy crew neck Tees .

  • Lisa Black
    July 25, 2017

    I like v neck three quarter length sleeve t shirts. I’d love to add the embroidery you show here! They look lovely!

  • Kathyann Martin
    September 3, 2018

    Love, love, love this look! Looking for quality shirts now to try this on! Wondering if this will do well on a sweatshirt? Thank you so much for this inspirational program! Been a fan since it started and still a fan today! Miss you Nancy! Glad your show carries on!! Thank you for all your years of dedication!

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