How to hand embroider on a T-shirt. Do you need a stabilizer?

T-shirts are made from stretchy fabric. You're going to need stabilizer or interfacing to make sure the stitches won't be deformed after washing.
Stabilisers (affiliate links):
Magic paper by DMC: amzn.to/3gHTo8k
Water soluble stabiliser by Madeira: amzn.to/3dUj4Nx
Set of stabilisers by Madeira: amzn.to/3vlE5Gz
Sticky fabri solvy stabilizer: amzn.to/3gGm4yB
Sulky Tender Touch Stabilizer: amzn.to/3fJz0TG
There are two kinds to choose from
- woven ( it has the structure and you should place it exactly as the structure of your t-shirt fabric
- non-woven (it doesn't have a structure)
Also, they can be fusible, water soluble and tear away.
For fusible and tear away stabilizer: put it on the back of your t-shirt and iron it on.
For the water-soluble: put it on the front of your t-shirt
Then you stitch through both layers. And tear away or wash away the stabilizer.
After you embroider your design you won't be able to remove fusible stabilizer.
But you can remove water soluble stabilizer with water and tear away the other kind. It'll stay only under your embroidered design.
Want to learn more about embroidery on clothes? Join my online class - www.domestika.org/en/courses/...
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[@mrs.d8921]

I hate long how to videos...your demo was EXCELLENT! Short, sweet and to the point!

[@viviand228]

This was a very helpful video for me thank you!!!

[@hayley-annvasco8815]

This was so helpful thank you! I just picked up some tear away stabilizer today

[@Faimyxstitch]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@bellabluezz5105]

Could I just you like a dryer sheet as the stabilizer? 😂😅

[@flowwerfairy]

good question! I would love to know aha

[@MirasaurusRex]

I feel like dryer sheets aren't woven that tightly and when you pull on them the weave starts to come apart

[@Faimyxstitch]

You need something that won't tear when you stitch through it. Paper based or stretchy things won't create this effect

[@Tizzeal]

Not good for people with asthma or small baby’s . Maybe used dryer sheet lol

[@katiedarnell2321]

This answered all my questions about stabilizers! Great video 🙌🏻

[@Faimyxstitch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LuckyHearts777]

You taught me what others supposedly do in longer videos

[@chinam9974]

not to refute the need but the comparison doesn't seem fair as you spent more time and stitches on the first than the second one

[@ellalogx]

Yeah ㅠ

[@emilbrown7569]

Yeah cant even really tell

[@memo-fq3ps]

That's just what I was thinking too

[@koreannaturalfarmingcorp1120]

also she really pulled the shirt and made it tense so when its out the hoop itll become loose lmao

[@Faimyxstitch]

Just saw this comment from 10 months ago ;) I spent less time on the first one because loose stitches will be already visible at that point

[@lindanguyen5161]

Is there any reason why you used non woven stabilizer instead of the water soluble one? Also are there different kinds of stabilizer for different materials or can I use one for all materials?

[@ashjankins960]

Incredibly helpful! Thank you!🙏

[@brittanylewis5565]

Can you elaborate on the "if you use woven fabric, place it to repeat your fabric structure"? I don't know what this means. Great vid, thanks for showing the ins and outs of this and how easy it is!!

[@Faimyxstitch]

Thank you. If you're using a woven fabric, you'll see it's weaving structure (threads this fabric made of). Place fabric so that these threads were horizontal and vertical on your t-shirt. And make sure threads from t-shirt are lie in the same direction

[@brittanylewis5565]

@@Faimyxstitch thanks!!

[@emeeelleeyeessesseh]

does a dryer sheet work for the stabilizer?

[@latinagirl124]

Is there like a diy stabalizer? Some household item i can use so i dont have to go and buy one?

[@viepng]

Pretty sure you can use parchment paper

[@marianareyes1487]

Coffee filters work as well! Just iron it flat a bit before stitching it on

[@boixgenius]

dryer sheets I believe would work well too

[@keanababb4916]

Mark I have a question, so after you use the dryer sheets, do you just leave it there or do you like rip it off or cut it off after you’re done stitching

[@RaceyGraceyOK]

Keana Babb rip/cut off around the patch :)

[@ANGEL-lw1mi]

Im doinh embroidry face doll but the fur keep showing between my threads could water soluble paper be a solution?

[@hangooksonya07]

I'm planning on embroidering something big on the backside of a sweater but only have small hoops: 1. is it alright to hoop/de-hoop different areas of the stabilizer or will it deform the final image? 2. I was planning to use stem stitch; should I be using smaller stitches because of the size of the image? Thank you for your helpful video

[@Faimyxstitch]

It's probably late response for you, but maybe some people would find it helpful: 1. If you use sticky stabilizer that makes your fabric sturdy , then hooping/de-hooping will be okay. On the t-shirt or knitted sweater which are usually really stretchy you may pull stabiliser to hard while taking out an into the hoop and deform stitches 2. Short stem stitch if great for embroidery on clothes. Around 0,5-0,7cm is perfect

[@FB-ge9bx]

If you use the water soluble one do you have to put it on the back of the work. Cant you put it on the front and use it to sketch what you want make on it?

[@Faimyxstitch]

You can put it in front and print or draw design on it

[@ayransartkitchen]

Thanks for the information! I have a few questions! It´s not bad if the stabilizer stays under the embroidery right? And to that, what else could I do to the inner part ( the back of the embroidery ) to make it safe if I want to wash the shirt or like just bc it may looks bad, to cover it up ?

[@Faimyxstitch]

Yes, it's fine to leave the stabilizer. If it bothers you, use water-soluble one and it'll disappear after washing. For washing make sure you secured the thread good and everything will be fine!

[@jamieazalea685]

I tried embroidering a filled in heart without a hoop or stabilizer and it came out cray lol

[@Faimyxstitch]

Yeah, that's pretty hard to do ;)

[@phanterleo]

Is there something I can put over the stabiliser and stitches to help protect them from coming undone? I always worry that the design will come loose in the washing machine. Thank you 🙏

[@blissandrubysadventures9178]

You can use heat and bond

[@CelticBearWoman]

I noticed you used a whole piece of stabilizer (the same size as your hoop) for that tiny star. Could you have got by with only enough for the star size, or did you have to cover the entire hooped area (as you did in the video). Thank you. I have never used stabler in any project before.

[@Faimyxstitch]

I used the size same as the hoop so it would stop the whole fabric from stretching. Didn't have smaller hoop, but it would require smaller piece then

[@bsummers1386]

Loveeeeee❤️❤️❤️

[@Faimyxstitch]

Thank you

[@lauraobrien7399]

Can you wash it in the machine or do you have to hand wash it only?

[@Faimyxstitch]

You can wash it in machine, turned inside out. But check if the thread bleeds prior to embroidery (place under water) and wash clothes you're going to embroider on (some fabrics shrink)

[@amandacao6849]

What can I put on the back of the embroidery to cover it if I didn't stitch with a stabilizer?

[@Faimyxstitch]

Stabilizer, any other kind of fabric. But why?

[@shubhangikundu2827]

I'm using the same kind of stabilizer as you are, how do I deal with the shadow cast by the excess stabiliser in the sides?

[@Faimyxstitch]

Since it stays glued to fabric after ironing I don't think you'll be able to remove it. Maybe after washing it'll be possible to remove. For thin fabric tear away or water soluble stabilisers are much more comfortable to use

[@isaiahdahler8933]

Is there a way to do something similar to this, but without the texture of the design?

[@MirasaurusRex]

Look up screen printing

[@juarezvida7028]

What size is that Hoping

[@megtell]

I bought a knit baby blanket at Ikea. I'm planning on adding some hand embroidery. I'm not sure if stabilizer is needed, as there's no 'back' to a blanket.

[@Faimyxstitch]

I wouldn't use stabilizer for a thick knitted fabric. Although babies are more sensitive to the knots and such so it would make sense to use some iron on interfacing to cover the stitches

[@fzka_]

Is there any size for the thread? Coz when i tried it it broke my shirt i stead, seemed like the thread is too big

[@stefanibrynn]

Fzka _ You can separate the strands, most threads are made up of 6 strands and you can separate those to whatever size suits the piece you’re working on

[@supercoolgirl456x3]

sometimes sharp needles mess up stretchier fabrics. maybe try a ball point needle?

[@oscartorres8044]

I have a question about embroidery. what’s the best product to paint or dye embroidered threads already sown in a piece of clothing?

[@Faimyxstitch]

I'd use acrylic paints for fabric. They are not runny and bright. But read the instructions carefully, some of them need to be set with heat (ironed after painting). And then they're not removable. I made a video overview of different painting methods in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIWWmouLeJqmhNU

[@rosepinkskyblue]

Can I use normal woven cloth and then just cut away the excess? I just want to embroider the corner at the bottom and I don’t need it to be able to stretch afterwards

[@Faimyxstitch]

The point of stabilizer is to prevent fabric from stretching so your stitches won't be deformed. If the woven cloth you want to use doesn't stretch - it's okay to use as stabilizer. If the fabric you want to embroider on doesn't stretch - you can embroider without stabilisers

[@JLSchneider2]

What size needle do you use? Is the stabilizer scratchy? I am trying to embroider some baby clothes.

[@Faimyxstitch]

Embroidery needle size 5. This stabilizer is water soluble, it'll dissapear after you wash the embroidery

[@kimboclothes]

With the non fusible do you cut off the excess after you embroider?

[@Faimyxstitch]

Yes, you put it on the back and remove the excess or if it's tear away kind - on the front and tear away all the pieces after embroidery

[@sahanaguna9063]

What does a stabilizer do?

[@draketeeth8004]

The stabilizer adheres the material and stops it from stretching, making a knit behave more like a weave, which has little to no stretch. In the section where the stabilizer is, the t-shirt becomes quite solid.

[@phoeberedman185]

If I were to embroider a button-up shirt rather than a t-shirt would a stabilizer still be needed?

[@FunSoSoToTo]

It depends on the material of your shirt,, if your shirt is medium weight cotton or linen or anything similar, you don't need a stabilizer,,, stabilizer prevents stretchy fabric to stretch widely in all random directions when you attach the hoop on, without the stabilizer the stitches will look messy

[@Spcefairy]

Can we just stitch into a shirt, no stabilizer if we have it in a hoop? What’s the reason why a stabilizer js needed?

[@Faimyxstitch]

Stabilizer keeps t-shirt from stretching. If you can place it in a hoop without distorting shape and make stitches without distorting - it's going to be okay. But it's harder to do and most likely stitches will be too loose or too tight

[@daikyuyt7862]

That looks like a dryer sheet can I just use one of those??

[@ravenyoudontneedtoknowmyla1283]

yes you can its works just as well! you can also use coffee sheet but you have to flatten it first😊

[@lupeflores8653]

@@ravenyoudontneedtoknowmyla1283 do you mean iron the coffee filter to the shirt or just flatten it and then secure it with the hoop?

[@jamiesonsalter9547]

How do you stitch on tear-away stablizer without it being seen on the t-shirt?

[@MsBabbi]

Jamieson Salter use a thin thread?

[@noctesrebellionem212]

You use the running stitch and remove the stitches once you're done

[@nithyarajkumar2243]

What is the needle used for hand embroidery on jersey ?

[@Faimyxstitch]

An embroidery needle will work the best. It's a kind of needle that has a sharp tip and a pretty big eye. Size 5 is the one that will be good for all 6 strands or less.

[@krissy2163]

Where can I find the hoop?

[@Faimyxstitch]

In the craft stores (the exact store depends on where you're from) or look for it online: embroidery hoop

[@sejbomb]

After using a water soluble stabiliser and wash it do the stitches go all saggy and loose?

[@Faimyxstitch]

The point of the stabilizer is to make sure you have a stable surface to place the stitches. Make them not longer than 0,5cm and make sure they have proper tension. Then after washing the stabilizer off stitches won't get saggy and loose

[@elijahcoolcrutchfoo9186]

Is there any stabilizer you could put on after your stiches are done?

[@Faimyxstitch]

Yes, there are different kinds of fusible interfacing that feels nice to skin. Choose something that is permanently iron-on like interfacing from Pellon

[@elijahcoolcrutchfoo9186]

Thank you so much for the help! C:@@Faimyxstitch

[@yaradi3017]

In the minute 2:55 ... what is the name of the white cloth which you used ?

[@Faimyxstitch]

It is called stabilizer or interfacing

[@katerbugkc4446]

Do you take the stabilizer off after?

[@Faimyxstitch]

I prefer using water soluble stabilizers and dissolve them in water after finishing embroidery

[@FallingStary]

Can I have the name brand of anyone's stabilizer because me nor the craft store understand where to find it.

[@Faimyxstitch]

There are Dmc magic paper stabiliser, fabri solvy sulky stabilizer (more common in US), Madeira brand makes lot of different stabilisers for different kinds of fabric. There is also fusible interfacing, that you won't get rid of afterwards but it'll make your fabric firmer and good for embroidery

[@hsin-roepan276]

Whats the song in yhe background?

[@Faimyxstitch]

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[@alaynacookie]

Do you need to put the stabilizer in the inside of the the shirt or the outside?

[@Faimyxstitch]

If it's removable/soluble it doesn't matter where you put it. If it's not removable - on the back

[@anrox____x282]

What's the brandname on your stabilizer?

[@Faimyxstitch]

This one doesn't have brandname. If you want water soluble stabiliser, look for dmc magic paper or sticky Fabric Solvy stabilizer

[@empowered2.0positiveliving4]

Do you have to use the stabilizer??

[@Faimyxstitch]

If you want even stitches, then use stabiliser. If you don't mind deformed stitches, you can do it without stabiliser - I showed how it'll look at 1:54 on the video. When you're experienced and have a lot of practice with stretchy fabric - you probably won't need stabiliser too

[@empowered2.0positiveliving4]

O OK...cause I forgot to get one and I had already started threading on it and I'm like do I have to have that...

[@draketeeth8004]

I was a bit sad that your stitches without stabilizer were not as intricate as your stitching with stabilizer. Hardly seems like a fair comparison to drive home the idea of how loose the stitches can be for the same design. However, I am glad you at least offered both perspectives instead of just saying "no stabilizer is bad" without a visual.

[@Faimyxstitch]

When I was making that video I didn't think that it would hit 200k views. The point is in the fabric creasing outside the embroidered star. I wanted to warn people from doing a lot of work - embroidery is time-consuming - and getting creased fabric in the end Although I can understand the frustration and thinking to make new video with actual design made with stabilizer and hoop and without anything

[@brandiemoss9039]

Me; *already done half of an embroidered shirt without stabilizer* ...."well crap". Anyone have ideas for what I should do?

[@Faimyxstitch]

Do you like how it looks? Does fabric seems to be distorted? Is the answers are yes and no - continue. Is the answer to the second is yes - start over with stabilizer

[@angelinamendoza9937]

This was not helpful the speed was to fast

[@narir6448]

Go to the options menu on the screen and slow down the video. It was the perfect speed for me but youtube offers the option to slow down for others who desire that. I've used it on many times.. I hope this helps!