Reverse applique is a fun project to do on t-shirts. Knit fabric doesn’t fray so you don’t have to worry about finishing the edges.

Supplies Needed:
*old t-shirt
*fabric scraps
*freezer paper
*sharp scissors
*contrasting thread (optional)

Step 1: Draw your pattern on a piece of freezer paper. I just drew my design free hand taking a cue from the fabric I was using.

Step 2: Cut out the freezer paper pieces and iron the shiny side down to your t-shirt. If you need to, baste your freezer pieces down as well, just once down the middle of the piece.

Step 3: On the inside of the shirt place a piece of fabric so the right side of the fabric is against the wrong side of the t-shirt. You want to make sure your fabric will cover the parts of the pattern thoroughly. Baste this piece in place with your sewing machine.

Step 4: On the right side of your t-shirt sew around each freezer paper piece. It’s okay if you accidentally sew on the paper. It will rip off later and no one will be the wiser. ☺

Step 5: After you’ve sewn around the pieces you want in the first fabric turn the shirt inside out and take a peek. You want to make sure that you didn’t sew off the fabric. If you missed the fabric you’ll have to take out the stitching, readjust your fabric on the back and try again.

Peel of the freezer paper pieces you’ve sewn around.

Step 6: Trim the fabric on the back about 1/8 inch away from the outside of the stitching.

Step 7: Repeat steps 3-6 using different fabrics for different parts of your design until you have sewn every detail.

Step 8: On the front of your t-shirt carefully clip away the t-shirt fabric 1/8 inch inside the stitching, revealing the fabric underneath. Magic! It’s like doing one of those scratch boards and you’re not quite sure what colors will peek through when you start scratching out a drawing.

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