Stitching on Clothes
Every now and then I come across a piece of clothing that is calling out for some stitching. Embroidering clothes can be such a fun way to personalize a ready-to-wear item or to freshen up something that is new to you (second hand clothes are best for so many reasons). It’s an investment in our clothes that helps to reduce consumption and help us enjoy what we already have in a new way.
An assortment of wool to use on a denim jacket.
Denim is a favorite of mine for stitching. We each have denim jackets that have been calling out to us for some stitching. I see the many examples of extensive denim jacket embroidery that are magnificent. I love the look, but my real life does not allow for this kind of project right now. When I stumbled back upon this denim jacket, I decided now was the time for something - maybe I could do the embroidery in stages. Why not add some Sprat’s Head triangles to the waist band? Don’t mind if I do. York’s jacket is also a work in progress - and maybe the perfect place to try this DMC wool.
A border of Sprat’s Head Stitches along the hem is the perfect start to personalizing this jacket.
I’m loving this embellishment, so the jacket is one of a kind.
Trying out a new stitch on an article of clothing instead of a hoop is so fun. This stitch on the pocket is so cute and now these pants are truly one of a kind. Chessboard Filling Stitch is a great choice for filling in a small rectangular section like the top of this pocket. The light blue pairs beautifully with the grey, too.
Chessboard Filling Stitch works really well to fill in rectangular areas.
Our mom handed off a top that she thought could use some sprucing up. This vine detail on the cuffs and collar was just the thing. I used Fern Stitch for the vine. The amount of stitching is manageable - I used a single long piece of floss to minimize knots and such on the reverse side. The little French Knot berries are so cute, too.
Embroidering a cuff is a great way to personalize a top.
Back to denim for this pocket detail. Variegated floss makes the flowers pop - and again this project was done with a single long strand of floss. Total time invested about 15 minutes. Same thing for this skirt - another new stitch, Woven Wheel. Fun to practice and a plain old skirt is not plain any more.
Daisy Stitch is perfect for adding some floral details to a project.
These Woven Wheel flowers are really fun to play with. You can change the look by weaving all the way to the edge or leaving little spokes exposed.
This denim jacket for my youngest is next on my list . . . still in the planning stage of figuring out what feels right to add. We would love to see what you are stitching on clothes. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram.
Here’s a lovely blank canvas for my next project.