Challenge: Cutwork edge on a knit t-shirt

I have to admit that I am a sucker for challenges. Tell me something that is not easy to do or can’t be done…I’m right there trying it out.  Some time back, a customer had asked about creating a cutworkedge on the neck line of a t-shirt.  As t-shirt material is not a stable fabric, I had explained about the difficulties affiliated with the idea. However, as time went by, I wondered if there was such a possibility of taming the knits to where cutwork could be applied.

The hemline of a t-shirt is different than the neck line of the t-shirt. In the hemline, one has the blessing of the weight of the rest of the t-shirt which helps the fabric from curling to the inside. On the neckline, however, one does not have the luxury and care has to be taken that the design won’t curl, wash after wash.  My first inclination was to prepare the knit, just like silk, and use the no show fusible poly mesh behind it for strength. However, the knit t-shirt that I had planned to use was quite slinky and thin. No show fusible poly mesh is great for a lot of things that need stabilizing but for slinky knits, it can add weight depending upon where the embroidery will be.  In the end, I decided to use the good ole’ $1.47 Pellon sheerweight fusible interfacing. As if pretty obvious from the picture, the interfacing worked like a cham and is definitely not so heavy as the fusible poly mesh. The designs are from the soon to be released Vintage Linen 2 collection.

Having prepared the fabric, I was ready for my challenge: a cutwork neck line. Using the PR600 gave me advantage in having the design stitch out in one go but…a word of caution for friends who may want to try the method. It is far better to open the shoulder seams and then do the embroidery than it is to try and do the embroidery on the neckline of a t-shirt. As my t-shirt is form fitting, I had the dickens of a time in doing the embroidery, which resulted in my standing next to the machine, literally holding my breath and the t-shirt so it wouldn’t get caught under the needles. My greatest relief that moment was that it is a good thing the designs are fast stitching, otherwise I would be standing here for hours. I have to admit to some doubts when I went to wash the t-shirt. Will it curl or not? As you can see from the pics, it held pretty good and yes I did have to try it on to see how it felt….felt great! The back side of the t-shirt was a simple scallop edge. So, for any friends out there who want to experiment in creating a completely different look for their t-shirts, my advice is to check and see the t-shirt first, whether it is a cotton blend or slinky type. I believe either type of t-shirt will work fine using the Pellon stabilizer and then using water soluble stabilizer in the hoop. I have noted to include the blue-print of the designs for creating a variety of neck lines etc. in the PDF for the collection.

This has given me several ideas. One is to definitely go shopping for t-shirts, preferably with a cotton blend. Meanwhile, my friend Carolyn sent me something that has sparked my interest. I am thrilled that she used the Vintage Linen 2 edge as a border around the collar but her hand smocking is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks Carolyn for sharing such a lovely creation.  Off I go to finish some more writing on the PDF and finishing the techniques. I am looking at releasing Vintage Linen 2 very shortly now….I know I  have been saying that for a long while…