Project: T-Shirt Flowers

THIS POST WAS (VERY RANDOMLY) FOUND IN MY “DRAFTS” FOLDER…WRITTEN IN 2009 AND NEVER POSTED.  HERE YOU GO!

I love embellishing comfy, everyday things to make them more special.  Keep in mind you can apply these flowers to all kinds of things – headbands, tank tops, cotton dresses – but you should probably stick to things that are cotton, any fabric more luxurious will be too dressy for these flowers.  Check out “decorate your wardrobe” for flowers that are appropriate for a wide range of pieces, from t-shirts to silk cocktail dresses.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• a t-shirt you can chop into pieces.  it can be a new shirt, but i suggest using an old shirt that is no longer worn – its always better to REUSE and REPURPOSE people!  i like to have two or three shirts in different colors so i can create mulitcolored flowers.
• the t-shirt, tank top or other piece of clothing you want to embellish.  Make sure that it’s comfy and you like the way it fits; its so horrible to put all the work into redesigning a shirt and then finding you don’t like the fit of the shirt – I’ve done it.
• Fabric scissors.  Using scissors intended for fabric make this MUCH easier; you will be doing A LOT of small cuts and your joints will thank you if you use the correct shears.
• Needle and thread.  You make the color decision: you can choose a thread that matches your t-shirt material so it blends or a contrasting color so your stitches stand out.  Decide on what you want your final product to project.
• Beads or faux pearls.  This one is optional, you would use them in the center of each flower.
• a thimble.  always use a thimble – your fingers will be eternally grateful.

Okay, let’s do this.  I am going to give you instructions using one color t-shirt, if you choose you can layer different colors of t-shirt fabric or make multiple flowers each in a different color.

First cut 4″ x 4″ squares of t-shirt fabric (from here on out, it will just be referred to as ‘fabric’ because I’m tired of typing ‘t-shirt’) You’ll need five layers for each flower so cut at least fifteen squares to start.

Second, take one square and fold it in half.  With the scissors on the folded edge, cut a half flower with the top and bottom petals as half petals (when you open the fabric the two sides of the half petal will become a full petal) Cut either one full scallop or three full scallops between the half scallops to make the rest of the petals. IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER: although you use five pieces of fabric for one flower, you need to make gradation in size…the biggest for the back of the flower, each layer being slightly smaller with the smallest at the front, or on top of the pile.  You can make more layers for a fuller flower, but I would suggest five layers at the very least, otherwise it will be too thin.

Third, thread your needle and tie off the end (see sewing 101) Make an “x” stitch to connect all the layers together. If you are using beads or faux pearls, string one on your needle now.  Make two more “x” stitches to make sure that the layers are secure together and the bead is tight, if you chose to add one.  You don’t want that bead left behind in the wash!

Finally, arrange the flowers on the piece of clothing you have chosen.  Is it a v-neck t-shirt?  Place them along one side of the “v”.  Scoop neck? Make enough flowers to cover the entire neckline from shoulder seam to should seam; if you’re feeling showy, continue the flowers around the entire neckline including the back of the neck.  You can make a real show-stopper by making enough blooms to create a thick diagonal strip of embellishments from the left shoulder to the right hip.  Get creative with your placement.  Once you have your design chosen, commit it to memory, make a sketch or take a quick digital photo so you don’t lose your idea.  Now stitch one at a time until the pattern is full.  To stitch, sew the flower to the t-shirt with an “x” stitch.  Now start connecting the base petals of the flower with a tack stitch (simple one in, one out so it looks like a dash) Once the base petals are secure sew through layers NEAR THE CENTER so the rest of the petal layers are connected to the t-shirt.  Tie off your thread and hold the shirt up and shake it to check how secure the flower actually is.  Does it hang crooked? Add a few more stitches to straighten it out.  Repeat this process with every flower.

Now, wear your masterpiece and bask in the glow of compliments you will receive.

TIP…as always, the basic rule is “hand-made = hand-wash” But I have a two year old and ridiculous amounts of laundry to do so I rarely…okay, never…hand-wash.  I pretty much rely on the delicate cycle and then air dry delicate projects like this.  If you want a rougher look to your flowers, go ahead and throw your shirt in the dryer, but it makes for one shriveled looking t-shirt flower. Just a warning.  Have fun!