DIY Embroidered Tees

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The final product of Eva Amurri Martino's embroidered tee DIY

I think DIY gets a bad rep sometimes because it’s perceived as too time-intensive, complicated, or kitschy.  And it can certainly be all those things! But I like to find DIY projects that mimic store-bought, chic items that I’ve seen and admired…and thought to myself “I could make that!”.  The Gold Brushed Vases I shared last year are a perfect example, and these embroidered Tees are another! Not long ago at Barney’s, I was admiring a T-shirt line that had embroidery around the collar and sleeves of cotton t-shirts.  It made them look boho and cute, but also handmade, in a fabulous way.  They were selling for $400 each.  I actually LOLed.  I saved a pic in my phone and vowed to make a version one day.  I adapted the concept and I’m sharing these embroidered Tees today!

Eva Amurri Martino cutting thread for her embroidered tee DIY
Eva Amurri Martino knotting pink thread for her embroidered tee DIY
Eva Amurri Martino sewing a detail of thread on the collar of an old tee

 I made one for myself with a T-shirt that I had worn a bunch but was growing tired of (to reinvent it), and some simple white T-shirts for the kiddos.  But you could really apply this technique with any item of clothing– you could even try it with napkins or tablecloths!

Eva Amurri Martino sewing a detail of thread on the collar of an old tee
Eva Amurri Martino sewing a detail of thread on the collar of an old tee
Eva Amurri Martino sewing a detail of thread on the collar of an old tee

Materials…

  • Needle
  • Embroidery string of your choice, 2 colors
  • Scissors
  • T-shirt of your choice
Eva Amurri Martino sewing a detail of thread on the collar of an old tee
Eva Amurri Martino sewing a detail of thread on the collar of an old tee
Eva Amurri Martino sewing a detail of thread on the collar of an old tee

To begin, select your string. I used embroidery string in two different colors to create a fun dynamic.  Create a knot in one end of a 3 foot piece of string,  Begin by drawing the needle up through the inside of the T-shirt collar, at the base of the collar band.  This will be the line you return to all around the collar, with each loop.  Crossing over the top of the collar, go back around, about 1/2 inch further around the collar and under along the same rim, pulling the string firmly but not too tight.  Repeat around the entire collar.  Using  your second color, repeat the process, just slightly distanced from the first round of stitches.  Tie off at the inside of the color, so you can’t see the knot!

Marlowe Martino wearing a DIY embroidered shirt made by her mother Eva Amurri Martino
Marlowe and Major Martino holding hands in their embroider tees made by mom Eva Amurri Martino
The final product of Eva Amurri Martino's embroidered tee DIY

I love how these DIY Embroidered Tees turned out, and now my wheels are spinning about doing a tablecloth runner with red and gold for holiday! It’s truly so simple and took me no time at all.  Keep me posted if you try this fun craft!

Marlowe Martino wearing a DIY embroidered shirt made by her mother Eva Amurri Martino
Marlowe Martino wearing a DIY embroidered shirt made by her mother Eva Amurri Martino
Marlowe Martino wearing a DIY embroidered shirt made by her mother Eva Amurri Martino
Marlowe and Major Martino hug in their embroidered tees made by mom Eva Amurri Martino
Marlowe and Major Martino hug in their embroidered tees made by mom Eva Amurri Martino
An easy embroidered shirt DIY from Eva Amurri Martino

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Photographs by Julia Dags

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