Expert: Angela - 11/29/2003

Question
I'm a beginner in x-stitch, I only know how to stitch on a x-stitch cloth, so may I have your instrution in stitching on a T-shirt?  

Answer
Hello, Chibihamu. :)

To stitch on a t-shirt, you would need to use a product called waste canvas, plus you would need to use tear-away interfacing to put on the wrong side of the t-shirt.  Here is the step-by-steo instructions on how to do this.

1.  Place your waste canvas on the front of the t-shirt, and pin it in place.  Next, thread a needled and stitch the waste canvas into place, pulling out the pins as you go along.  This will ensure that the waste canvas won't move as you're stitching it.  You will need to stitch along the outter edges of the canvas, and then stitched down along the center and again horizontally, and then in an X.  You should see that the threads come together in the center of the waste canvas.  This will be your starting point for your project.

2.  After you have securely stitched your waste canvas onto the front of the shirt, next turn the t-shirt inside out and stitch the interfacing onto the back of the area where the waste canvas basting threads are.  Make sure that you cut the interfacing to be larger than the area where the threads from basting the canvas are.  You don't want to stitch into the canvas.

3.  Stitch your design.  Be sure to NOT stitch between the threads of the waste canvas as you're stitching, otherwise you will have extreme difficulty pulling the waste canvas threads out when you're done.

4.  After completing your design, you will need to dampen a cloth, and blot the waste canvas around the design and over the design.  This will loosen the threads of the waste canvas.  Using a pair of tweezers, start pulling the threads out one by one.  First one way, then the next, or pull a few of the vertical ones, and then a few of the horizontal ones, however you see fit.  Allow the shirt to dry before continuing the next step.

5.  Next, turn the t-shirt inside out and gently start tearing away the tear-away interfacing.  It's ok if the interfacing is torn up to the stitches.  Be careful not to pull the stitches out.

6.  Once that is done, turn the t-shirt right side out again, and placing an old rag around the design, spray Scotch Gard (yes, that's the correct spelling) on the design to ensure that it won't get dirty.  Allow to dry.

7.  Turning the t-shirt inside out, and placing the same old rag around the design, spray a spray adhesive over the threads on the back of the t-shirt.  Be sure to NOT spray any other area other than the reverse side of the stitched design.  Allow to dry.

Machine wash ONLY in cold water.  DO NOT IRON, AND DO NOT PLACE IN DRYER AFTER WASHING AS THIS WILL RUIN THE DESIGN AND MAKE THE GLUE STICK TO EVERYTHING ELSE.  Hang dry only.

Ok, I hope this helps you.  Feel free to contact me again should you require further help.  Good luck, and happy stitching! :)

Sincerely,
Angela