Step 1
Please note: If you’re not the pedantic type you can embroider cross stitch, flat stitch and back stitch freehand, but the t-shirt will end up with a more “unique” look. Technique: free blackwork Supplies: • DMC white mouliné • a T-shirt in a suitable size • evenweave linen, or Aida
Step 2
Draw the pattern using a white marker pen, but don’t push too hard because the fabric breaks through a fair amount with this pattern, and you don’t want to see traces of the pen through the embroidery.
Step 3
Next, cut pieces of evenweave linen, or Aida, to cover the shape of the pattern, in this case approximately 5 x 5 cm/ 2" x 2". Sew whipstitch around all edges to prevent the weave from fraying.
Step 4
Pin and baste the weave over the pattern so that it ends up right on top. Now draw the shapes again, on the weave.
Step 5
Embroider through both the weave and the T-shirt with two threads mouliné floss. Fill the shape you’ve drawn with cross stitch and/or flat stitch. Make sure that you bring the needle through between the threads in the supporting weave, or you will have a hard time removing it.
Step 6
To remove the hemmed edge, use embroidery scissors to cut the weave around the embroidery. Carefully pull the threads that are now loose. Remove one at a time, first horizontally, then vertically. The actual embroidery now remains on the T-shirt, aligned and neat.
Step 7
Continue with the rest of the patterns and shapes. The stem that ties the flowers together is sewn using back stitch and doesn’t need supporting weave.
Step 8
This how-to is excerpted with permission from <a href="http://amzn.to/1Bj3EUy">"Scandinavian Stitch Craft: Unique Projects and Patterns for Inspired Embroidery"</a> by Karin Holmberg (Running Press).
