DIY | CUSTOM EMBROIDERY | Shark edition

Spending this much time at home has resulted in me picking up new hobbies and embroidering and cross-stitching seems to be a calming task for days I want to be away from a screen. Embroidery may seem like something a grandma does, but with a modern twist can be the coolest edition to your DIY-belt of skills!

I decided to embroider a crewneck I had on hand with this cute shark detail that I had spotted previously at Aritzia in a past season. The result is super cute and with my own twist makes it one of a kind! Read on to learn how to embroider your own clothes and create cool custom pieces!

See here for a previous post in which I embroidered a T-shirt!

TIME | 1 hr

COST | $

DIFFICULTY | Easy

What you’ll need:

• Crewneck sweater (or any other item of clothing)
• Thread (embroidery or sewing)
  • Dark grey
  • Light grey
  • Red
  • White
  • Black
• Sharp needle
• 2 x 4mm black beads
• Embroidery hoop (optional)

Shark pattern:

Video tutorial:

Steps:

1. Copy out the pattern or pattern of choice
2. Transfer the pattern to the item of clothing in a visible manner. I used tracing paper and a pencil; other options include pen, chalk and graphite transfer paper.
3. Starting with the 3 threads, outline the dark grey area of the shark. I use a backstitch/chain-like stitch for outlining.
4. Take another 3 strands of the dark grey and fill in the outlined area.
5. Use 3 strands of a light grey to outline the belly of the shark
6. Take 3 strands of the red to create the crescent shape of the mouth
7. Separate another 3 strands of the light grey to fill in the belly
8. Take 2 strands of white to create the teeth
9. Using black thread and sew on two black beads for the eyes.
10. Rock your new customized loungewear!