How To Embroider A Sweatshirt - DIY - Modern Glam

Learn how to embroider a sweatshirt with custom lettering and transform your ordinary clothing into a piece that is unique to you!

DIY embroidered sweatshirt

How To Embroider A Sweatshirt

Custom embroidery on sweatshirts has been a popular trend for a few years now. In my store, Flaunt we have sold fun vintage sweatshirts with embroidered lettering on them with a price well over $100.

custom lettering stitched on shirt

I have always wanted to try this trend. So, I took a few old sweatshirts and added some fun embroidery to the sleeves and neckline. Chances are you have an old favorite sweatshirt in your closet that would be fun to breathe new life into. I can’t wait to show you how easy it is to embroider a sweatshirt!

I think this would be a great gift idea too. Imagine a friend opening up your present with a totally unique saying stitched onto the top!

DIY Embroidered Sweatshirt

where to place embroidery on a sweatshirt

There are a few different places you can embroider on your sweatshirt. The neckline is one of the most popular right now. I love seeing lettering on the cuff of the sleeves or chest as well.

And if you are looking for ideas as to what you can say with your custom lettering, here are a few suggestions:

  • Name (or initials)
  • City or State
  • Emotions (love, joy, strong)
  • Positive Affirmations
  • Hobbies (dance, yoga, etc.)
  • Mama, mamacita, mommy, grandma, sister
  • Bride or bridesmaid

Ok, now that I have your wheels spinning, let’s get started and I’ll show you how to embroider a sweatshirt.

What You Need To Embroider A Sweatshirt

how do you embroider letters on a sweatshirt

The necessary supplies to embroider a sweatshirt are pretty simple. Gather together the following items:

  • Sweatshirt
  • Embroidery Thread
  • Needle
  • Fabric Pen
  • Pencil and Paper
  • Scissors

How To Embroider Letters on A Sweatshirt

how to hand embroider clothing

Next, you will want to decide what you want the embroidery on your sweatshirt to say and sketch out the template on paper. This will just serve as a visual guide when writing the design on your clothing.

Use the fabric pen and write the letters on your sweatshirt. Here, I am going to embroider the word “love” on the cuff of my daughters sweatshirt.

how to embroider letters on a sweatshirt
how to embroider on a sweatshirt

Once you have the saying written with fabric pen onto your sweatshirt, it’s time to get started with the embroidery.

Thread your needle with a long length of embroidery thread. Tie a knot at the end. Start at the beginning of the first letter using a backstitch.

how to embroider a sweatshirt
how to do a backstitch embroidery

I think this stitch gives the letter a bubbly effect and is relatively easy to learn. And I think a video is always easier to learn something new like embroidery or knitting. Check out this YouTube video that I found that shows how to do a backstitch.

custom embroidered sweatshirt
embroidered sweatshirt DIY idea

While you are working, you should be stitching how you would draw or write the word. Start at the beginning of the word and work through to the end. Once you are done, flip it over and tie a knot at the back to secure the work.

embroidery ideas

Next, you can rinse off the fabric marker that you used to trace the design under the faucet and let dry.

Now you have totally customized embroidered sweatshirts! What a fun way to update a wardrobe basic! Don’t forget to print out the DIY instructions below!

If you’d rather buy a sweatshirt already embroidered, check out these items I’ve found for you. Some can be totally customized with whatever word or phrase you’d like!

More Embroidery Ideas

Today I am joining two of my favorite blogging friends. We are sharing our embroidery DIY ideas. It’s such a popular trend right now! Check them out below.

felt flower wreath diy
Happy Happy Nester

This adorable felt flower wreath DIY is perfect for spring or summer. Learn how to make a rosette and rose flower for this embroidery hoop wreath.

diy easter craft pillow
My 100 Year Old Home

Leslie is sharing this DIY Easter craft pillow. Learn how to make a Free Stitch Embroidered pillow with carrots.

custom lettering stitched on shirt

DIY Embroidered Sweatshirt

Learn how to embroider a sweatshirt with custom lettering and transform your ordinary clothing into a piece that is unique to you! 4.67 from 3 votes Print Recipe Pin Recipe Cook Time 20 minutes Servings 1 sweatshirt

Ingredients 1x2x3x

  • Embroidery Thread
  • Sweatshirt
  • Needle
  • Scissors
  • Paper
  • Pencil

Instructions

  • Decide what you want to embroider on your sweatshirt and sketch out the template on paper. This will just serve as a visual guide when writing the design on your clothing. Then using the fabric pen, write the letters on your sweatshirt. how to embroider on a sweatshirt
  • Next, thread your needle with a long length of embroidery thread. Tie a knot at the end. Start at the beginning of the first letter using a backstitch. Continue using backstitch embroidery to complete the lettering. While you are working, you should be stitching how you be draw or write the word. Start at the beginning of the word and work through to the end. how to embroider a sweatshirt
  • Once you are done, flip it over and tie a knot or two at the back to secure the work. embroidered sweatshirt DIY idea
  • Next, you can rinse off the fabric marker that you used to trace the design under the faucet with cool water and let dry. embroidery ideas
Keyword diy Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
diy embroidered sweatshirt

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ashley Follow meashleyHi I’m Ashley, wife and mom of 2 young kids. Here, I hope to inspire you by sharing my favorite home decor ideas, easy DIY projects and simple but delicious recipes (sometimes they are pretty healthy too)!Let's connect! Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and subscribe to my emails for new posts sent straight to your inbox! ashley Follow meLatest posts by ashley (see all)
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