How To Embroider Names and Simple Designs On A Sweater
Today I wanted to share with you one of my favorite fall activities…embroidering on clothing! More specifically, picking your favorite knit sweater and embroidering a name or simple design on it with chunky yarn.
I’ve done a few tutorials for embroidery on knits in the past but most of those tutorials were for more intricate embroidery (see tutorial for flowers on knitting) using embroidery floss.
Today I’m changing things up and using a thicker cotton embroidery thread that’s a similar weight to yarn. I just love the look of thicker thread, especially on knit sweaters.
This craft is great to personalize any sweater, and would make an especially thoughtful embroidered gift!
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How To Embroider On A Sweater
Supplies Needed
- A sweater
- Embroidery thread, or chunky yarn
- A large chenille needle you can thread the yarn through
- An embroidery hoop
- Small pair of embroidery scissors
- A water soluble marker or stick and stitch
Choosing A Sweater
For this project, I would recommend choosing a knit sweater that is made of a natural fabric. It’s much easier to work with wool and cotton as opposed to synthetic materials like acrylic. (If you don’t have one made in those materials, don’t worry: acrylic should work too.)
Choosing A Yarn
Wool, cotton, or acrylic blend yarns are totally fine to use. You can also find a lot of tapestry yarns that are a little bit thinner but still pretty chunky to use.
I am using DMC’s matte cotton thread, which is a non-divisible thread that is very nice to embroider with. You can find it by the skein at Michael’s.
It’s not necessarily required, but it’s helpful to choose a yarn in the same material as your sweater. That way, it will have a similar texture and similar care instructions for washing.
Transferring Your Design
If you’re feeling confident, you can use a water soluble marker and draw directly onto the fabric.
Another option is to use stick and stitch. This makes it easy to print or trace a design and then you can stick it on top of the fabric.
Is Stabilizer Necessary?
For this particular project, I didn’t use stabilizer because I’m stitching a very simple design that doesn’t involve a ton of stitching.
Using stabilizer on the back wouldn’t hurt if your knit sweater is extra stretchy, though. I like to use pellon stick and tear away on the back of the sweater when I need a little extra stabilization. However, if you’re using stick and stitch to transfer your design, that actually acts as a bit of a stabilizer as well!
The Best Stitch For Simple Shapes and Names
The most popular stitch choice for embroidering on a sweater is the chain stitch. This stitch looks decorative but it’s very easy and simple to learn. It creates a nice bold line but still allows you to easily be able to stitch along curves and lettering. We’re keeping this embroidery simple, but it’s going to look so cute in the end!
Outlining With The Chain Stitch
To make a chain stitch, come up through the fabric with your needle and thread.
Place your needle back down through the same hole you initially came up through.
Pull the thread until a small loop forms. Skip a stitch length ahead and go up with your needle through the loop.
Gently pull the working thread until a loop forms.
Then repeat, placing your needle down through the loop where the working thread is.
Pull through until a loop forms and make another stitch up through the loop.
Repeat along the outlined shape or lettering.
Starting A New Thread
The chain stitch uses a lot of thread, so you’re bound to run out of thread at some point. Usually, you would just make an anchor stitch over top of the last loop you make. But here is a nicer way to seamlessly start a new strand of thread.
- Leave a loop on the surface of the fabric.
- Thread the new piece of yarn on your needle and go up through the loop.
- Then gently pull the old piece of thread until the loop tightens.
Then you’re good to continue working with the new piece of thread!
Securing The Stitches
To secure stitches, especially on clothing, I like to do a sewing finishing knot.
- Place your needle underneath one of the last stitches you made.
- Pull through until a loop forms. Then place your needle through the loop.
- Pull tight, then repeat these steps once more. A small secure knot will form.
Care And Washing
As long as you have been extra careful to secure the threads well, washing on delicate in the washing machine according to the sweater’s care instructions should be totally fine.
It’s best to avoid tumble drying; air drying is the best option to preserve the stitches and prevent any fuzzies or loose ends.
If you have any other questions or concerns, check out this other article all about embroidered clothing care.
I hope this tutorial sparked your creativity…stay cozy and keep creating magic!
Amanda is a hand embroidery teacher and artist. With over 15 years of experience in the craft industry and embroidery, she owns and runs Crewel Ghoul, sharing accessible tutorials and patterns to help inspire fellow crafters to get creative. In addition to running this website, she teaches on Skillshare and Youtube.
