How to Cross-Stitch on a 100% Cotton T-shirt in 7 steps!🪡

Today I’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to customize a T-shirt with cross stitch. It’s a very original project, and it’s also the perfect solution if you want to hide a small flaw (a tear, a permanent stain, etc.).

The pattern - Twinned Mermaids - is now available in my shop! I hope you like it!

1.  Choose the T-shirt and the area you want to embroider.
Ideally, pick a solid-colored shirt that contrasts well with the colors of your stitching.

2.  Center the garment in the embroidery hoop, making sure the fabric is tight and free of wrinkles or folds. Keep the fabric grain in mind when positioning the stitching fabric.

3.  Place the water-soluble embroidery fabric, gridded like 14ct Aida (or whichever count you prefer), on top of the T-shirt fabric.
Cut it to the size you need for your design and secure it with pins or a basting stitch.

4.  Recommendation: Since this is a stretchy garment, I recommend placing a water-soluble stabilizing interfacing on the back to ensure that your stitches remain stable (we don’t want uneven tension or puckering on the garment).

5.  Start stitching!
Your needle must pierce the water-soluble fabric, the T-shirt fabric and the stabilizing interfacing with every stitch. Make sure to position the garment so you don’t accidentally stitch through other parts of it. You can use clips on the hoop to keep the excess fabric out of the way; whatever is most comfortable for you.

6.  Once you’ve finished the design, soak the T-shirt in warm or hot water (10 min aprox.).
Use your fingertips or a soft-bristle brush to help dissolve the water-soluble fabric on the front and the stabilizing interfacing on the back.
I recommend adding a bit of soap, rinsing the garment thoroughly, and hanging it to dry once everything has dissolved.

7.  Voilà!
Once dry, you can enjoy your exclusive, personalized T-shirt!

I’d love to see your versions once you try it!✨ 

Warmly,
Marta
Ars Onirika