How to Sew Fabric Onto a Shirt: Your Ultimate Guide (2024)

FAQs

What stitch is best for a shirt? ›

The best stitch for sewing stretchy fabrics is either a stretch stitch (looks like a lightning flash as per the image above) or a very narrow and short zigzag as shown in the image below. If your machine doesn't have a built in stretch stitch, you can use the zigzag stitch and adjust the width and length.

The word "appliqué" derives from the French verb "appliquer," meaning "to put on." Applique is a sewing technique that involves stitching a small piece of fabric onto a larger one to make a pattern or design. We start by stitching the piece of applique to the shirt in the shape of your design.

As long as you know how to operate a sewing machine, you can sew your own shirt. If you've never sewn a shirt before, though, it might be easiest to start with a basic t-shirt. Work from a pattern or draft your own to begin the process.

First, we start out with a simple square pillow this teaches you how to sew straight lines, backstitch, turn corners, and do a little bit of hand stitching. The next project is a tote bag with a handle.

To quickly hem a thick piece of fabric or to join two pieces of fabric together, the whip stitch is your best bet. Unlike the running stitch or back stitch, the whip stitch goes right over the edge of the fabric so can seal in loose fibers.

Step 1- Cut up the side seam of your shirt! You can go all the way up to the armpit seam but I opted to end a little below that, just based off the shape I was going for. Step 2- Lay out your insert fabric, making sure that the stretch direction matches up with your shirt. This will make sure that it hangs nicely!

Embroidery is a method of sewing where colorful thread is used to create pictures. Appliqué is another sewing technique where a fabric shape is sewn onto another piece of fabric. This is different from simply mending a piece of fabric, as this method serves a decorative purpose and not a practical one.

You can choose to make a paper pattern or to trace directly on the fabric. If you choose to make a paper pattern, remember you will need to mark a seam allowance around all edges. To mark directly onto the fabric, mark the seam allowance with tailor's chalk or an erasable fabric marker around the template top.

Knits are a popular choice for beginners – take a look at the selection of knit dress patterns for beginners here. From Tilly and the Buttons is a simple to make pull-on dress with scoop neckline and elasticated waistline. The plain skirt version is perfect for those new to sewing.

What is a confident beginner in sewing? ›

As a Confident Beginner you'll have mastered the sewing basics and know your way around an easy pattern. We'll help you progress your skills to the next level with our collection of patterns, classes and fabrics, all perfect for a confident beginner.

Final Verdict. The Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing & Quilting Machine is simple to use right out of the box. It's a great model for beginners, but more advanced sewers will appreciate the even stitching and easy-to-use buttonhole function. Plus, it's a great value.

Sew seams with straight, zigzag, stretch, or overlock stitching. When a straight stitch is used, loosen the machine tension and shorten the stitch length to achieve some “stretch” in the stitching. Two rows of straight stitches on each seam will prevent seamlines from breaking easily.

The straight stitch is the most common stitch because of its simplicity. This type of stitch is used in nearly everything. It includes an up and down passage of the needle through the fabric, securing two pieces of fabric together.

These pieces have a greater chance of being a reproduction if they are on a double-stitched shirt. Moreover, the appeal of a single stitch is that these tees have stronger joints with encapsulated raw edges that prevent them from unravelling.