Designed and made by Heidi Pridemore

Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner

Hand embroidery on stretchy fabrics, like t-shirts, can be a challenging task due to fabric distortion. Enter Camelot Fabrics' FuseFlex stabilizer—a 100% cotton, iron-on stabilizer that simplifies the process while ensuring stunning embroidery results. In this tutorial, I'll show you how I used FuseFlex to embroider a delicate floral design with lazy daisies, detached chain leaves, and a backstitched vine on a t-shirt neckline. Let's get started!

Supplies Needed:

• Camelot Fabrics' FuseFlex stabilizer

• A stretchy fabric item (e.g., a t-shirt)

• Hand embroidery hoop

• Embroidery floss (various colors)

• Embroidery needle

• Scissors

• Iron and ironing board

• Water-soluble fabric marker or chalk pencil

Step 1: Apply the FuseFlex Stabilizer

1. Cut the stabilizer: Cut a piece of FuseFlex slightly larger than the area you plan to embroider. This provides enough coverage to stabilize the fabric and avoid stretching.

2. Iron the FuseFlex onto the fabric:

• Place the FuseFlex with the adhesive side facing the wrong side of the fabric.

• Set your iron to a medium heat.

• Press the iron onto the stabilizer for 8–10 seconds. Move it gently to cover the entire area evenly.

3. Check adhesion: Ensure the FuseFlex is securely bonded to the fabric. If needed, press again in spots where it hasn’t fully adhered.

Step 2: Prepare Your Fabric and Design

1. Choose your design: For this tutorial, I created a simple floral motif with lazy daisies, detached chain leaves, and a backstitched vine. You can use this idea or choose your own.

2. Mark your design: Use a water-soluble fabric marker to lightly sketch your embroidery design on the fabric. Marking ensures accuracy and guides your stitches.

Step 3: Embroidery Time!

1. Hoop the fabric: Place the prepared fabric into an embroidery hoop. Ensure it is taut but not stretched.

2. Start stitching:

• For the lazy daisies: Use a detached chain stitch to create the petals of the flowers. First make one small petal and then a larger one on top of the smaller one to create the layered look.

• For the detached chain leaves: Stitch small, leaf-like shapes along the vine.

• For the backstitched vine: Create the vine by stitching a smooth line of backstitches.

3. Work through your design. The FuseFlex makes it easy to sew through while keeping the fabric stable.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. Remove the hoop and clean up: Once you finish stitching, remove the hoop. Trim any loose threads and rinse your fabric gently to remove the marker lines.

2. Admire your work: The stabilizer remains on the back of the fabric, ensuring durability and maintaining the stretchiness of the garment.

Why FuseFlex is a Game-Changer  

• Stabilizes stretchy fabrics: No puckering, no distortion—just smooth stitching.

• Sew-through ease: Despite its cotton construction, FuseFlex is incredibly easy to hand stitch through.

• Durability: It stays adhered through wear and washing, keeping your embroidery looking professional.

Pro Tips for Success

• Test first: Always test the FuseFlex on a small scrap of fabric to ensure proper adhesion and no damage.

• Use sharp needles: A sharp embroidery needle glides easily through the stabilizer and fabric, reducing hand fatigue.

By using Camelot Fabrics' FuseFlex stabilizer, hand embroidery on stretchy fabrics transforms from tricky to enjoyable. It’s the perfect tool for creating beautiful, personalized garments without the hassle of fabric distortion. Happy stitching!