Easy July 4th Applique Tee Tutorial
Easy July 4th Appliqué Tee Tutorial
Got fabric scraps and a plain t-shirt? Let's turn them into a one-of-a-kind USA tee! Our thrift flip sis, Katey from Katey's Runway, is sharing a fun and beginner-friendly project that's perfect for Fourth of July celebrations. Using fabric scraps, appliqué, and her favorite blanket stitch on the Baby Lock Presto II, she'll show you how to give a basic tee a patriotic makeover while giving old clothes a second chance.
Grab the free template and follow the PDF tutorial with photos to make your own!
Create a one-of-a-kind USA tee in just 4 easy steps! In this appliqué tutorial, I'll show you how to upcycle a basic shirt using fabric scraps, handmade patches, and the blanket stitch on the Baby Lock Presto II.
Supplies List
- Shirt (from your closet, thrift store, or craft store)
- Fabric scraps (I love using denim!)
- HeatnBond Light Adhesive or fusible adhesive
- Pen
- Iron
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine (Baby Lock Presto II)
- Thread
- Needles
- My template if desired
- The printable version of this tutorial with additional images
- *Optional: projector for tracing a custom design
Getting Started
The best part about this project is that you can use items you already have! Start with a plain shirt and gather a few fabric scraps for your patches. I love using denim, but any red, white, and blue fabrics will work great.
3 Ways to Make Patches
Draw Your Own
This method works best for simple shapes like stars or hearts. Simply draw your design directly onto the smooth paper side of your HeatnBond. If you're creating words or letters, remember that they need to be mirrored (flipped backward) before tracing.
Use a Projector
Project your design onto a wall and trace it onto the smooth paper side of your HeatnBond. If you're creating your own design with letters or words, be sure to mirror (flip backward) the image first so it reads correctly once applied.
Use My Included Template
This is the method I'll be using for this tutorial. Simply print the USA template, trace the stars and letters onto the smooth paper side (not the bumpy adhesive side) of your HeatnBond, and cut them out. The letters on the template are already mirrored, so they're ready to trace and use.
Print out the template and cut it out.
Using the template, trace the patches onto the smooth side of the HeatNBond.
Lay out your patches on the wrong side of your fabric. Iron the HeatNBond to the cut out patches.
Grab your HeatNBond.
Cut out each patch, leaving a border around the edges.
Decide patch placement.
Mix and match patches to create a design you love. If you plan to layer them, sew those pieces together first, then attach the finished patch to your shirt. It makes the process easier!
Sew on Patches
To attach your patches, use the blanket stitch on the Baby Lock Presto II or similar sewing machine. A blanket stitch helps secure the edges of your patches, and prevents fraying. It's one of my favorite stitches because it gives the look of hand sewing, but your machine does the work for you! The Presto II features 100 built-in stitches and an easy-to-use LCD screen, making projects like this simple.
Flip up the stitch guide. The stitches are organized into categories using numbers and symbols. Locate #33 and select it.
To see photos of how to find the blanket stitch on the machine, download Katie's detailed PDF.
The Baby Lock Presto II Sewing Machine will automatically select the default stitch settings, but you can easilyedit your stitch by adjusting the Position and Total.
Stitch Position: Controls where the stitch falls in relation to the edge of your patch. Also known as the “bite”.
Stitch Total: Controls how wide the stitch extends between stiches (bites).
Small adjustments to these settings will change the look of your appliqué. I prefer a slightly wider stitch personally. You may want to adjust your stitch settings depending on the type of fabric you're using or the size of your patch. Try a few different combinations on a scrap piece of fabric to find the look you like best.
MY #1 TIP to do before stitching your final project: Practice on a scrap piece of fabric first. This will help you get comfortable with your stitch settings and learn how to sew around corners, curves, and points. Sew slowly around curves and stop with the needle down when turning corners. I prefer to work one patch at a time. I'll iron a patch in place, sew it down, then move on to the next patch. This helps keep everything exactly where I want it, but feel free to use whatever method works best for you!
Peel off the backing
and iron.
Sew patch into place.
Iron on more patches.
Repeat adding as many as you want!
You're Finished! Time to Rock that Tee
... and that's it! In just a few simple steps, you've made yourself a festive, one-of-a-kind top for the 4th of July. if you decide to share pics on social media... I’d love to see, so tag me and I can cheer you on. Keep going, keep making! I can’t wait to see what you create next.
For more from Katey, follow her on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, or TikTok.
