Argyle Applique T-Shirt Tutorial

What you need for this project:

One t-shirt

Three colors of jersey knit fabric (I just cut up old t-shirts)

Heat n bond lite iron on adhesive

matching thread (to sew each applique on)

Contrasting thread (to stitch the argyle design)

a pencil and a ruler

an iron

a sewing machine

First, fuse the fabric to the Heat n bond according to the package directions.  (If you buy it off the role don't forget to ask them to cut the directions for you too.)

Next, you will create your diamond shapes.  

Cut them out.  Cut several in all three of the colors you chose.

Next fuse your diamonds on to the t-shirt with your iron according to the package directions.  

I use Heat n Bond lite a lot for applique.  Make sure to buy the light weight Heat n Bond.  There is an "Ultra Heat n Bond" but  the adhesive is very thick and stiff.  It is not meant for sewing on.  It says that it will not come off in the wash.  I have tried washing it a few times and it has never held through more than two washes.  

I started with the shoulders.  I chose a different shape there because diamonds didn't work in that area.  It's a square that comes down from the shoulder seams.  I clipped it to curve with the neck band of the T-shirt.  The next row looks white in the photo but its a "Heather Grey".  I started with the two middle diamonds first and then ended up cutting the  two one the ends in half to get them to fit.  

The third row is white (my third color).  All four fit this time.  Just keep fusing each row at a time alternating color every row.  Notice how I had to trim the points off the bottom?  You may have to mess around with them a little to get it right.  Who doesn't like  good puzzle now and then?

     

The next step is to sew a straight stitch around each diamond.  I used a color i felt would blend well with each color of diamonds.  I know, brilliant!

Break out your ruler and a fabric marker (I used a pencil because it was closer to me than the fabric marker).  Draw diagonal lines in one direction through the middle of each diamond.  First one direction, then the other.

   

Then, using a nice contrasting thread that goes well with your three colors, sew a straight line over each of the lines you drew.  It would look much nicer if it was embroidered.  But seriously,  who has the time for that?  It's for a kid.  It's just ganna get trashed anyway!

Here is what it will look like when your all finished (and all those stinkin threads are clipped).  

 
 This makes me miss the 80s.  Don't worry, I don't plan on losing my socks and flipping my collar just yet.  It sure was fun though!


   

 

Comments

[Holly]

I love it!

[katherine]

this looks great! can't wait to try it.

[Melissa Howard]

Wonderfully simple...great idea...

[julia Reedy]

This is great!

[Kelly]

Now, how come I didn't think of that?!

[Erin]

so cute. do you think i can pull it off?

[carol]

YOU are the Queen of CUTE!

[rootmix.blogspot.com]

this is so cute and you make it look do easy! will try!

xo

[Brianna Walling]

I love it! I recently created argyle style card using twisty ties (www.wecanbeaoriginal.com/blog)! Same idea...seemingly argyle from items you wouldn't expect. Great job!

[this is carrie]

I love the creativity in this refashion!! If you have a second, I would be honored if you added it to my flick group "Reduce, Reuse, ReFASHION for kids".

Make sure and link back to your post in the comments!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/kidsrefashion/

Carrie from thismamamakesstuff.com

[ROXY MARJ]

JEN!!!! I JUST FOUND YOUR BLOG & I AM IN LOOOOOOOVE WITH IT!!!! :[) I LOVE LOVE LOVE the lingere skirts!!! "the indecency of it all" <- Laughed sooo hard!!! ;) You are funny! And baby Alice is adorable! oh so cute! Hope all is well!!!

[rose]

Very cute little shirt. You gave directions so well that I think I will have to try it soon.

[Sara]

Love it! A really great idea for a non-pilling argyle and a way to match a skirt perfectly. Thanks so much for linking up at Craft Schooling Sunday, hope to see you again next week!

[Rock and Roll T Shirts]

Thanks for this new collection for kids… It made new trend in my area…

[The Persimmon Perch]

What a fun project! Thanks for sharing with Made it Monday! Jules

[Teri]

Wow...that is too cute...!

[urban craft]

I love Argyle more on girls than I do guys. And you can even applique a little poodle on the skirt too.
Super cute!

[Coretta]

HA! so cute. Love your spunky little model too.

[Carrie]

Awesome!! You are so creative!!

[Rock T Shirt]

Awesome collection of woolen t shirt you are having with fine rhombus shaped designs on them.

[Web Development Karachi]

Awesome. It is amazing how some people come up with cool ideas.

[kalleen]

Very cute. I would love to try this. Thanks for sharing the instructions.

[kirstin]

LOVE argyle, and LOVE this! I think it'd be such a fun Easter shirt to pair with preppy little pants for my little guy!
we have a friday fun finds party- if you're interested, we'd love it if you'd link up. :)

[Vintage Wedding Rings]

Great! It's really unique and beautiful! and soooo vintage. love it!

Until now I thought that it is customary to do crafting of jewelry and all kinds of weird garden statues, but now I also discovered you can do easily various clothes. Great result! You are sure an elite designer :)

[Lenetta @ Nettacow]

How fun! I linked to this on last weekend's weekly roundup and am just now getting around to letting you know. (I guess we were busy celebrating Easter!) Thanks so much for sharing!