Tribal Feather Sweatshirt Embroidery Project

Madeira threads offer several types of variegated threads. Though each type of variegated thread will result in lovely feathers it helps to know the difference between the types. Ombre threads are variations of single color, i.e., various blues, greens or reds, etc. Multi-color threads are just that, combinations of various coordinating colors. Astro threads are much shorter lengths of color in multi-color threads so that the sections that will show in each color are more subtle. Though you can use variegated threads from any type of these special threads, your results will be more pleasing if you pick the three variegated threads from one type i.e., Ombre, Multi-color or Astro variegation. Chose solid colors for the bottoms and stems of each feather that coordinate with the colors in the variegated thread.

Run a sample of the design on a fabric the same color as your sweatshirt to make sure that the colors are going to please you. The color chart listed below shows the colors listed with this design. The penciled in red numbers shows the colors substituted to achieve the variegated effect. The last three colors listed were used in the original colors in the color chart.

The top of full front sweatshirt designs should be 3” below the neckline. Place your sample on the sweatshirt so that the top of the design is 3” below the neckline. If you did not run a sample you can use a print out of the design to do this.

Then use your print out of the design to align the top of the feathers 3” down and put a pin in or mark the center of the design to use as a hooping guide.

Hoop shirt with no show stabilizer aligning the center pin or mark carefully as the design will pretty much fill the hoop and you won’t be able to move the design much inside the hoop.

Rotate the design at your machine to the correct orientation to your hoop. In this picture the feathers were rotated upside down as the top of the shirt is hanging off of the machine and the bottom of the shirt is towards the inside of the machine.

Stitch the design in your chosen colors.

When you trim the stabilizer from the back of the design, trim between the feathers as well as around the whole design. This will prevent the sweatshirt from puckering between the feathers when the sweatshirt is washed.

Congratulations you just upscaled an ordinary sweatshirt into one that you can proudly wear or give as a thoughtful gift!