How to Hand-Embroider a Swaddle Blanket

*AVAILABLE NOW: New Personalized Hand-Embroidered Swaddle Kits! If you don’t feel like purchasing everything separately, I’ve created a kit, just for you! This includes everything you need including your choice of swaddle and thread plus a personalized piece of stabilizer in your choice of font! Click here to shop: www.southernsewingco.com/prod...
Follow along and I share how to create these easy and beautiful gifts. Find my favorite supplies below! Find me on Instagram @southernsewingcompany
Font created using Canva: partner.canva.com/6bmKXb. This is the 'Harmonie' font, which is free!
Supplies Needed:
Swaddle Blanket (more on this below):
Sugar House Swaddle- creatoriq.cc/48D8CDU
Amazon amzn.to/3JrKf2m
Water Soluble Stabilizer for Embroidery- amzn.to/3Y5Lk3R. This brand has been my favorite! This size roll can be used for many, many projects. It's also toxin-free and safe for babies!
Embroidery Hoop (10"-12")- amzn.to/3WNbLdp I used the 12" in this project.
Embroidery Needles: amzn.to/3trsXws
Embroidery Floss- You need two little skeins- any kind will do!
Mark-B-Gone Water Soluble Pen- amzn.to/3tiw367
Light-Up Tracing Pad: amzn.to/3RbKOPN
More on the blankets: Double gauze is soft, snuggly, and great for swaddles! While this tutorial will work for any type of swaddle blanket, you can purchase double gauze material, hem the edges, and now you have a swaddle! A little cheat that I've found- buy an already-made swaddle (which is what I always do) and embroider it. I purchased all of my swaddles from Sugar House Swaddles (creatoriq.cc/48D8CDU)- they're fantastic quality, big (47"x 47"), come in a variety of modern colors, and are inexpensive. I can't buy the fabric and make it for this price, so I purchased it from them. And no... I do not get paid to advertise for them...I just think they're that great! Amazon also has many great swaddles that are 100% organic muslin cotton and inexpensive.
Find the tutorial for this on my blog at: www.southernsewingco.com/post... and www.southernsewingco.com/post...

[@marygailolinger6641]

This was the perfect video to help me get started! Excellent instructions and demonstration. I have completed my first three blankets and am so excited. Thank you!

[@southernsewingco]

Oh yay! That’s awesome! I’m so glad this video could help. Feel free to tag me on Instagram @southernsewingcompany with your work, I would love to see it! Thanks again for watching and reaching out!

[@iloveanimalsxxo]

My toxic trait is believing I can do this without stabbing myself😅. Thank you for this tutorial. The stitching looks amazing!!!

[@southernsewingco]

😂. My toxic trait here would be telling people you’re not going to stab yourself! Thanks for your comment and the kind words!❤️

[@camillewichman]

This is such a great tutorial! I’ve watched many videos and this is the best for me. Thank you!

[@southernsewingco]

Yay! I’m so glad to hear this. Happy New Year!

[@melindahrobuchak6458]

So helpful. This was the best video I’ve watched so far! Thank you!

[@southernsewingco]

Yay! You’re so welcome.

[@gloriadominguez5674]

Thank you for this tutorial. Easy to follow 😊

[@southernsewingco]

Thank you for your comment! And for watching❤️

[@heathermiller4112]

Great Tutorial! Exactly what I was looking for!

[@southernsewingco]

I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment!

[@alejandradiazruiz16]

I tried this and it turned out amazing!!!! Thank you for all these step by step videos. I’m going to see if you have any videos on flowers. I’m hooked now!

[@southernsewingco]

Thank you for the comments!! I have one hand-embroidery video on a jean jacket that includes flowers, but I'm still working on adding new videos as often as I can! I'll keep flowers in mind :)

[@Lenneke9303]

This is incredible, thank you so much! Especially the splitting of floss by just pulling one out straight up. But so many good tips for a beginner like me, love it. Thanks :)

[@southernsewingco]

You are so welcome!

[@ashleyfoster5609]

Love this video!! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@southernsewingco]

You’re welcome Ashley!

[@melissag.1335]

Thanks; super easy!

[@theresacarmen9557]

Best tutorial on this I've seen ❤. After a little trial and error (and some aggravation because I didn't have the adhesive wash away stabilizer so I pinned on tear away... don't do that 😂) I got the hang of it. Your stitches are perfect ❤

[@southernsewingco]

This is the best comment 😂. Thank you!! So glad this worked for you ❤️

[@baies9407]

So helpfull. Thank you very much for sharing ⭐️❤️

[@southernsewingco]

You’re welcome! ❤️

[@kimberlydilaura504]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@jamaicanmelaughalot]

Super helpful! Thank you

[@southernsewingco]

You’re so welcome!

[@ParisianLace09]

Thank you thank you thank you!!

[@southernsewingco]

😍😍you’re welcome!!

[@Lluvhoney1]

Thank you for sharing❤

[@southernsewingco]

❤️❤️

[@user-zb8rf7ul5z]

Thank you for your video! It is very helpful. Do find it necessary to cover the back stitches to make sure the stitches do not come loss? Do you have a recommendation to cover up the stiches?

[@southernsewingco]

You’re welcome! I haven’t found it necessary to cover the back yet. We’ve got swaddles here that are years old that are still holding on strong, despite my non-sorting laundry methods 😂😂. I definitely don’t think it would hurt though!

[@miriamrosareyescerda5783]

Muy bellooo me encantoooo🤩🤩🤩👏👏👏 consulta que le puso ensima al pañal para bordar y como la saco despues el sobrante , quedo atenta ayuda plis😅 exelente turorial, saludos desde chile🤩🤩🤩😍😍😍

[@southernsewingco]

¡Gracias! Estoy usando Google Translate aquí, así que espero que esto tenga sentido. Este es un estabilizador lavable. Corta cualquier exceso cuando hayas terminado y luego enjabona tu trabajo con agua tibia, agitando los puntos. ¡Espero que esto ayude! ¡Gracias por ver mi video!

[@marianneknapp4846]

Really Really Pretty 💕😊💕😊💕

[@southernsewingco]

Thank you! 😊

[@apaperpeace7564]

Best tutorial! Thank you! About what size is your design and blanket? TIA

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! I'm using Sugar House Swaddles (they're my absolute favorite. Find them here: creatoriq.cc/48D8CDU). They are 47"x47"! Hope this helps. -Ashley

[@kaitlinwarren9740]

Thanks for the amazing tutorial! What kind of stabilizer do you buy?

[@southernsewingco]

Hi!! Here is the stabilizer that I use most often: amzn.to/43XkzSt❤️❤️

[@JaneLeggiero-yy3kj]

Why am I so worried about my initial knot pulling through? Is there any other way to start? I was considering doing it on a thermal blanket so I feel like the knot may come through at some point. Should I put a knot and leave a tail to weave through the back stitches once my first letter is done? But thank you so much for this tutorial!!!! ❤❤❤

[@southernsewingco]

Hey, Jane! There are definitely other ways to begin if you’re worried about the knot pulling through. A good option that you mentioned is to weave the tail back through. You can also go on KZbin and look up an anchor stitch ( I don’t have a video of this yet!). I hope this helps. Thanks for watching my tutorial and for the comment!

[@nowayitsway]

I loved your video. I’m going to get supplies tomorrow. I’m wondering if you can make a video but making the letters bold, much thicker?

[@southernsewingco]

I can definitely try this! I wonder if the bold letters would look better with a chain or back stitch 🧐

[@nowayitsway]

@@southernsewingcothat would be so awesome! I went to hobby lobby to purchase everything in the video. I’m currently practicing and because of this video it’s coming out beautifully. Thank you so much! I do however want to make Christmas ones but I want big bold words that are a lot thicker :)

[@isaacwright3590]

Thank you!

[@southernsewingco]

😃

[@andreabodine5782]

So helpful! Loved this tutorial! I tried this process out for the first time today and it went great except I had some puckering in between and around my lettering. I was using a strechy material so I think that is why. Any tips on how to prevent this from happening?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! I’m so glad it went well! As for the puckering, sometimes it can happen because the fabric is a little too tight in the hoop (usually). Especially if it’s happening in between your letters. If you know you’re not pulling the stitches too tightly, I would try to loosen fabric a little! I hope this helps! -Ashley

[@andreabodine5782]

@@southernsewingco Thank you for the response! I will try that and see if it helps!

[@marianneknapp4846]

Beautiful can I do the same on baby knitted pants & Hoodie? Thanks Marianne 💕☺️

[@angieangie8124]

Nice work

[@southernsewingco]

Thank you, Angie!!😃

[@kristinacooke9553]

Beautiful! What floss are you using?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! Thank you so much ❤️. I’m working from a bundle of embroidery floss that I purchased on Amazon. I can’t remember exactly what it was called, but it’s all 6 strands in a light pink color.

[@intimacyevolutionpodcast]

If I’m sewing onto a firmer fabric, do I still need the stabilizer?

[@southernsewingco]

Not necessarily no! I don’t use it all the time. Mostly when the fabric is thin and when I want to transfer a computer design 😀

[@elisabethbombell5050]

Would you recommend the same stabilizer for a baby onesie?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey!! I’ve been meaning to do a tutorial for a baby onesie! I would actually recommend this one: amzn.to/3VLbV6R. It’s sticky and I think works better for onesies!

[@caitlynngiles3157]

Are you able to use a thicker string for it? I want to make it bold.

[@southernsewingco]

I’m sure you could! Or a light weight yarn.

[@kaylaanton5341]

Question how do you decide how much to pull your thread out for your design?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! I think this might be a personal preference thing! I usually pull enough out so that I can stretch my arm all the way out, but not so much that I'm having to do that like twice if that makes sense lol

[@camilaquintana9873]

Hello! I’m just wondering if you do anything to cover the back ? I’m wanting to do this for my baby but am trying to figure that out

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! I thought I responded to this- sorry for the delay! I don't include a backing on these, but that's just me! You can use a product like this (amzn.to/3KwAwao). OR If you wanted to turn this into a blanket with a backing you can consider adding minky or flannel fabric! I have a tutorial for this on my page too :) Hope this helps!

[@bevbevscsmith]

I tried to find the Harmonie font on Canva but having no luck:(

[@southernsewingco]

Oh no! Try just typing in ‘harm’ in the font search bar on Canva and see if it pulls up. Sometimes mine doesn’t want to find it by the full name. Hope this helps!

[@amy4566]

💗Beautiful work! Where do I find that font and material to write it on?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! Check the description box for links- this is the Harmonie font on Canva and there’s a link for the water soluble stabilizer too! 🥰

[@sabrinajazlyn]

But how do I tie off the knot? I'm having trouble with that especially when I run out of floss and have to add more

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! So when you’re done, or run out of thread…from the backside, take your needle and weave the left over thread in and out of the back of the previous stitches. I tend to go up and down through the backs of stitches a couple of times. This is usually good enough to tie off, but for an extra security, I separate my 6 strands of floss in half, then double knot it. Then cut the excess. I hope this makes sense! I need to add another video of this! I’m the mean time I know there are more helpful ‘tie off’ embroidery videos!

[@archeesahu9128]

Hey! What kind of thread is this that you’re using?😊

[@BriBordovsky]

Do you think this can be done on a rayon spandex swaddle?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! Possibly...but that material is super stretchy. The problem that you'll run into is hooping it. If you take care making sure that you aren't stretching the material AT ALL while hooping..or even not using a hoop and just using a water soluble marker, it might work better! Hope this helps!

[@livinfuller]

It’s easier if you use washable stabilizer- iron it on, embroider, then wash to get it off. What size needle & how many pieces of embroider thread, all 6?

[@southernsewingco]

Thanks for your comment! This is just how I’ve always done it and it works for me and wanted to share 😃. I am using all 6 strands. These are actually John James embroidery needles, size 6.

[@rosemarygarner7862]

Love it! Any tips for doing a shirt collar “mama” & shirt sleeve with baby’s name please?

[@southernsewingco]

I did find a trick for the sleeve! I’m sending you to another video I have ❤️. There’s another stabilizer that would work better. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZmkpHmfmN1mgJo

[@JanetBoitos-qf7jj]

What a cute idea

[@melindahrobuchak6458]

What is the light up board called and where can I get one?😊

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! Santa was nice enough to bring this to my daughter a few years ago 😀. It’s a crayola drawing board: amzn.to/3Cr8jh1

[@Lildess.01]

What is the light thing you used to trace ??

[@southernsewingco]

It’s a crayola tracing pad! It’s actually a kid toys lol. Here’s a link: www.amazon.com/dp/B07P6RFKRL/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_VVPVZ9GZ4ATY1F9TYEGY?linkCode=ml2&tag=ashleyuponder-20 You can also just use an open window to tape your piece to and trace.

[@jisellechristine7195]

hi! how many threads of floss did you use? all 6?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! Yes! All 6 strands here.

[@Nicole-bl4gl]

Any tips on keeping the stitch length consistent?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey, Nicole! This is definitely something that takes practice and over time you can eye ball it. I’ve seen some people make two tick marks on their index finger as a quick way to measure!

[@Nicole-bl4gl]

@@southernsewingco thanks so much! I’ll give that a try as I practice more!

[@southernsewingco]

@@Nicole-bl4gl yay! Let me know how it goes!

[@misscherries007]

So does the stabilizer wash away?

[@southernsewingco]

Yes!

[@sueadcock5844]

What is the trick for stitch consistency in the loops?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! Stitch consistency just cokes with time and practice, which sounds dumb and I hate saying that! Eventually you learn to eye ball moving the needle the same distance down each time. If it doesn’t look right, don’t be afraid to pull the stitches out and try again! Or if you really wanted to, you can use a ruler to pre-measure dots ahead as a guide, making them a little closer together around curves..until you get the hang of it! Hope this helps!

[@vitalwty]

is the stabilizer necessary? or can we do without it

[@southernsewingco]

You can definitely do without it, which is how I started! I really think it makes the stitching a lot easier and looks cleaner. Definitely worth the small investment, and you can use that roll for a bunch of projects! Hope this helps❤️

[@vitalwty]

@@southernsewingco yes it did, thank you!

[@sandysullivan9187]

How do I find out the supplies I need for the swaddle blanket.

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! The supplies for this are in the description, or find my blog post here: www.southernsewingco.com/post/hand-embroidered-swaddle-tutorial 😀

[@archeesahu9128]

Hey! Can this be done on a tshirt or sweatshirt?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey!! Absolutely! Check out my two other videos- one is the same idea on a sweatshirt and one on a jean jacket- but in it, I recommend a different stabilizer that I like more for heavier weight items! Also- this is just a regular DMC embroidery floss. Amazon sells big packs in their brand for pretty cheap! This like one : amzn.to/3xCtQnA

[@lamandacarter6067]

Would this technique work on a double muslin swaddle?

[@southernsewingco]

Yes! Double Muslin should be pretty close to this- so I would use the same technique!

[@lamandacarter6067]

@@southernsewingco one more thing. Are you using Sugar House Swaddles classic or deluxe swaddle in this tutorial?

[@southernsewingco]

@@lamandacarter6067 this is the classic version! I’m sure both would work great though. I’ve also used this brand from Amazon and was happy with it amzn.to/3OaEoiL

[@narfout]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@lajeannatoliver5329]

Do you mind sending me the link for the light board you used for tracing the letters?

[@southernsewingco]

Sure! I need to add that to the description box 😂. amzn.to/3vdvN8Z

[@volleygirl158]

Did you prewash the swaddle before embroidering?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey!! I don’t for my own children, but do in baby detergent for others ❤️

[@stefanilund7823]

How do you print onto the stabilizer ?

[@southernsewingco]

Hi! I print out onto regular paper, then put the stabilizer on top to trace the name on to it!

[@stefanilund7823]

Omg.. after re watching your video I noticed that! 🤦🏻‍♀️ thank you so much!

[@southernsewingco]

@@stefanilund7823 you’re welcome!!

[@marianneknapp4846]

How would I tell what size font to the size of the pant leg or the hoodie? Thanks Marianne 💕🙂

[@southernsewingco]

I definitely don’t see why you couldn’t use this technique on pants or a hoodie! Since those are more structured- look on my KZbin page for the knit sweater hand-embroidery tutorial. That stabilizer may work better! Measure the area and figure out how long you want the name. In Canva, you can drag the size and while you do that, you’ll see measurements pop up! Just match it to what you measures on your pants/hoodie. I’m happy to help more with this if you need it!

[@marianneknapp4846]

@@southernsewingco Thanks so very much I'll check it and do a sample before I do the item 💗🌷☺️

[@rossyortega6802]

What App do you use for the name ?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! I use Canva. This font is called Harmonie and it’s free!

[@rossyortega6802]

@@southernsewingco Excellent thank you so much !

[@laurav1025]

Can I do this on a Jean Jacket?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey, Laura! I definitely think you can! For that, try Sulky sticky/wash-away stabilizer It works much better for that. Here’s a link: www.amazon.com/dp/B004R2B3NU/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_KNNXGN0XZEBXAYJQ8DNP?linkCode=ml2&tag=ashleyuponder-20

[@laurav1025]

Can I do it free hand? With out that circle tool? Sorry never done this before!!

[@southernsewingco]

@@laurav1025 oh sure! The hoop just makes your work easier to hold on to and keeps it tight, but a Jean jacket is stiff enough to not need one😃. You got this!

[@laurav1025]

Sorry last question! Can I use yarn? Like a thin one instead of that thread you use

[@southernsewingco]

@@laurav1025 oh sure! You may need to use a different needle with a bigger eye than the one I’m using here!

[@rachele7864]

I’ve never swaddled a baby before, where would this appear on the blanket when the baby is swaddled? Would it be visible when they are wrapped up in it? I was thinking of just folding down one corner to the outside and embroidering there, so her name would show on her back when she’s wrapped up, which isn’t as nice as across her front.

[@rachele7864]

Also this was super helpful, the Canva tip is amazing!

[@southernsewingco]

Hey, Rachel! Thanks for your comment! When the name is in the corner like this, I usually will fold the corner down, drape it over the top of the baby, and then snug her all in! So not quite ‘swaddled’ but just more snuggled lol. I’ve been kind of experimenting with name placement and then wrapping the baby to see where it comes. It just varies! Hope this helps ❤️

[@phynarojas4844]

what size needle?

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! I actually use leather stitching needles for embroidery lol. I think any hand-embroidery needles with a sharp point/little bit bigger eye would work! This is a good option: amzn.to/3PNqy7U

[@leonorarandatorres6474]

Que papel se utiliza para dibujar?

[@southernsewingco]

Este es un estabilizador que se elimina mediante lavado. ¡Funciona muy bien! Aquí hay un enlace amzn.to/3S7uTUr

[@user-oc3ej2lc7g]

How you shoot your videos

[@southernsewingco]

Hey! This was one of the first videos I shot via my iPhone.

[@OliviaHorn-hv7pk]

Have you ever used a different font? I’m not liking the way it does some letters on the name I’m doing!

[@OliviaHorn-hv7pk]

Have you ever used a different font? I’m not liking the way it does some letters on the name I’m doing!

[@southernsewingco]

I did try Oblique Rain and Heavenfield recently and liked them both! I usually click around until I find one. It takes a minute with some name 😂

[@OliviaHorn-hv7pk]

Have you ever used a different font? I’m not liking the way it does some letters on the name I’m doing!

[@southernsewingco]

hey! I definitely use different font sometimes, especially because they really just look funny sometimes! Scroll through Canva and see what you might like, playing with the different fonts. If you know you like calligraphy or handwritten fonts, type that into the search bar and Canva and see what you can find! I hope this helps.