Gotta Have Bling Part 2- Chenille Letters

First let me say a big "Thanks!!" to all who emailed me for the first set of files.  I am happy to share my files, and would love to see what you make with them!

Second- let me just say a big "Boo-Yah!" and "Heck Yes!!" on the harvesting of the first vegetables from my garden!!!  Yes....it's true!  For a mere cost of $3500 and a timeframe of 7+ years, I grew and harvested 3 watermelons!  But, I don't want to toot my own horn here (right...?)

Okay...on to the tutorial and freebies!!  
Is this just the cutest High School sweatshirt ever??

 I branched out from the High School sweatshirts and did one just for the love of Texas:

And here is how to make some of your very own!

Like before, just shoot me an email and let me know what format you need the font files in, and I will send them to you FOR FREE!!


Note:  These are not true type fonts.  You will need to use your editing program to size them and arrange them.  These designs fit 4 x 4 or 5 x 7 hoops.  I am giving away these font files.  You may use them for your own personal use, sell items made from the files, give away the files with appropriate tag-back to Ticklish Moose, but may not reproduce and sell these font files.  Simple enough, right?  


If you do not have an embroidery machine, you can still make chenille letters by printing out fonts on freezer paper, pressing it to the fabric, and sewing a small zig-zag stitch following the outline of the fonts.  Use a stabilizer backing to give the letters some body.  Then follow the final steps to create the chenille. 


Start with any T-shirt, sweatshirt of hoodie, the fabric of choice, and I use flannel behind the fabric to make a *poofier* applique.  I have found that like the rag quilts, the flannel makes a really nice fringe-y edge.

For this applique, start by hooping a medium weight stabilizer.  Cut and iron your fabric and the flannel in the size of your design (4 x 4 or 5 x 7).

Just like last time, turn the sweatshirt inside out, and fold in 1/2 just under the armpits.  Then fold in 1/2 again to get the center of the shirt.  Spray the stabilizer w/ embroidery adhesive, and stick down the shirt, being careful to line up the center of the shirt w/ the center of the hoop.  


Bonus tip:  I have found that with my machine it is easier to stitch out the designs if the hood part of the hoodie is towards the outside of the machine, not bunched up near the throat of the machine.  

Unfold the shirt across the hoop and smooth it on, pressing but not stretching.
 Open the shirt from the bottom and be sure you have the fabric smooth, and hook up the hoop to the machine.

Bonus tip #2:  Run the smaller satin stitch font on this design first.  Be sure to use a top tearaway stabilizer to keep the stitches from sticking down into the knit.

Now lay the flannel and fabric pieces on top of the hooped area.  Run your desired applique.

 Unhoop and loosely trim the fabric, leaving plenty of excess for now.

Cut between your lettering.

Now go back and 'detail trim' around the lettering, leaving between 1/8" and 1/4" of fabric around the stitching.

 Now make tiny fringe cuts in the fabric layers to the stitch lines.

 Trim the stabilizer on the back close to the design so you don't have a bunch of extra on the inside of your shirt.


This is the point where I put the shirt in the washing machine on the rinse cycle to fluff the fringe-y cuts, and remove any last bits of the top stabilizer.
Dry the shirt in the dryer, and when you pull it out- you will have a cute fluffy applique!  I added some fringe trim to the hoods on these, which of course is optional.  I carefully handstitched it on, following the machine stitching on the hood, so the draw cord could still be used.  If you use a touch of fray check on the ends of the trim, you never have to worry about it coming unraveled in the wash.  :)


How simple is that?  I can't believe I was afraid of applique for so long.  These would make great gifts for just about anyone on your list.  I even did one for my doggie!

For all of my followers that could use a little help with their holiday shopping, in the next few days I will be announcing a gift certificate giveaway that will be good for any of the 200+ CNS Stores online!!  So, stop back soon!