Learn how to DIY a hand embroidered name sweater using 4 supplies from Amazon! Stay with me as I walk you through this step-by-step tutorial, complete with supply links to ensure the same final product.
After I had a baby, the home DIY projects slowed to a crawl. Just because I didn’t have time to remodel the house like I used to, didn’t mean that creative itch disappeared. I found it easier to complete small crafts like updating thrifted art with paint, Dollar Tree wreath makeovers, and learning hand embroidery. For a full beginners guide to this craft, you can find my complete dedicated post here. This will provide a general background to help you gain confidence, learn the terminology and ensure you are ready to tackle this DIY hand embroidered name sweater project.
You can definitely purchase a hand embroidered name sweater if you decide this DIY is not for you. The average price online for a baby name sweater is $40.
But you know I love DIY for a multitude of reasons! To name a few- I love the ability to learn a new skill, save money, and create a custom product exactly the way I want it. I was able to purchase al the supplies listed below and make this sweater for $30. However, once you purchase the initial supplies you can embroider additional sweaters for the cost of a new sweater only. Follow the links below to shop the exact supplies I used!
Don’t want to lose this tutorial? Save it for later on Pinterest here!
Supplies Needed to DIY a Hand Embroidered Name Sweater
Optional:
Prefer to shop directly through Amazon? Shop my Hand Embroidery Storefront here!
Step 1: Create the Name or Word
There are 3 ways you can complete this step. First, you can simply use the water soluble pen to write the name on your blank sweater if you are confident in your handwriting skills. If not, read on.
I chose to create my name (“Rebs” which is short for the Ole Miss Rebels, the mascot of our Alma Mater the University of Mississippi) using the graphic design website Canva. Open a new project using the 8.5×11 flyer blank template. Add a text box, then type out your name. I played around with a few fonts, and ultimately chose “Harmonie” to type my name. Some other good fonts that look like handwriting are “Brittany”, “Apricots” and all caps in “Julius Sans One“.
Expand the text box so it is touches the edges of the 8.5×11 space. When you are happy with how everything looks, download and print the design.
I trimmed around the letters using scissors, which was tedious. But once I had the outline, I lined it up on the front of the sweater and traced it using the water soluble pen. I now had a perfectly scripted word drawn on my sweater ready to embroider.
The third option would also be to use Canva to create your name, print, but then instead of cutting around the lines you trace it onto Sulky stabilizer using a water soluble pen. You can either use a tracing box or the trusty window method to transfer your word. Peel the backing and stick the traced name on the stabilizer directly onto your sweater, and embroider it all. To remove the Sulky stabilizer, simply wet and rub it off to remove.
Step 3: Embroider
Now it’s time for the fun part- embroidering the name! This brings your project to life and makes it a truly custom and cherished handmade creation. To learn more about the basics of hand embroidery, I am going to direct you again to my dedicated post for beginners. Once you have a basic understanding of the process, you are ready to begin.
You will use the chain stitch for this project. I also like the larger needles I purchased, and the thickness of the yarn I used.
Begin by cutting a strand of yarn a bit longer than the length of your hand to your elbow. Thread the needle and knot it. Starting at the highest point of your name, come up from the inside of the sweater to the front. Then, push the needle back through the same hole while holding back a small loop of thread. Your needle will now be on the inside of your sweater.
Now when you come back through to the front of the sweater, choose a location along your line about 1/2″ away. Position your needle so that it is coming back up and through your loop from the previous stitch. You should pull each loop tight, but not too tight! Tight enough that it will be and stay secure, but not so tight that it is pulling. Continue this pattern until you run out of yarn, and need to tie it off. 
This process is hard to put into words, especially if this is a new craft for you! I recommned watching it in real time to see the process from start to finish. Search “chain stitch” on Youtube to get a better understanding of the process.
Once you either run out of thread or get the the end of a row/letter, you need to secure your stitch. Instead of directing the thread back through the same hole as you have done previously, you need to move your stitch slightly ahead of the previous chain. Your needle should now be inside the sweater. Weave your yarn through your previous three stitches in the back of the sweater to secure the thread before cutting it, then tie it off.
Continue this process until you have stitched all of the letters in your name (or phrase)! I chose to embroider “Rebs” for our Alma Mater Ole Miss. Our baby now has a personalized sweater to wear on gameday!
Want to learn more about Ole Miss and the greatest college town (in my humble opinion) in the country? I’ve written an entire dedicated post here to help you plan a bucket list trip to this amazing southern town.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once your embroidery work is completed, rinse off the water soluble pen (if that’s what you chose to use!). I rinsed mine in the sink and gently rubbed the background lines away. You can also use a spray bottle to spray water and rub the marker off to achieve the same results.
Enjoy the process,
