Thanksgiving Turkey T-Shirt

  • Difficulty Rating: Beginner
Tags

Appliqué, Beginner, Cutting, Emma Jeffery, Fabric, Fall, Felt, How-To-Projects, Winter,

Tools used:

Circle Shape Template 8 1/2 x 11

Circle Shape Template (8 1/2" x 11")

  • Quickview

    Item:

    • Look for this at your local retailer
Ovals Shape Template 8 1/2 x 11

Ovals Shape Template (8 1/2" x 11")

  • Quickview

    Item:

    • Look for this at your local retailer
Letter 3 Shape Template 8 1/2 x 11

Letter 3 Shape Template (8 1/2" x 11")

  • Quickview

    Item:

    • Look for this at your local retailer
Micro-Tip Scissors No. 5

Micro-Tip® Scissors (No. 5)

Razor-edge Softgrip Scissors 8

Razor-edge Softgrip® Scissors (8")

Rag Flowers from Upcycled T-shirts

Rag Flowers from Upcycled T-shirts

Put your scissors to those old t-shirts and make something pretty today!

Read more »

Chat Button
Handmade Sewing Kit Using Thrifted Clothing

Handmade Sewing Kit Using Thrifted Clothing

Find out how to create your own handmade sewing kit that will keep you organized and show off your creative side at the same time!

Read more »

Thanksgiving Turkey T-Shirt

This adorable, embellished turkey t-shirt looks cute and is fun and easy to make. The simple appliqued design is made using the Fiskars’ shape templates and by switching patterns and color schemes, it would look great on a tee for a girl or a boy. It’s also a great way to use up some of those small fabric scraps we all have lying around.

I used my Fiskars Oval template to cut five ovals measuring 3” x 4” from assorted fabrics. I cut three patterned prints and one solid cotton to make an alternating pattern for the turkey’s wings.

Cutting-ovals

Next, I used the Fiskars Circles template to make the turkey’s body. I used the 1.5“ circle for the head and the 2.5“ circle for the body. I drew in the turkey’s neck to connect the head and the body and cut it out.

Cutting-head-and-body

It is important to adhere the wings to the t-shirt with an adhesive before sewing the fabric pieces to the t-shirt because pins will NOT hold the design in place and your jersey WILL ruffle up in all directions. Apply a fabric bond to the wrong side of the wings and position centrally on the front of the t-shirt. I used a fusible fabric bond, but you could also use an adhesive fabric spray to hold the applique onto the front of your shirt as you sew.

Position-wings

I sewed a small zig zag stitch close to the edge of each of the wings. The fabric on the edge of the stitching will fray as the top is worn and washed, so stitch close to the edge for a neat look.

Zig-Zag-Stitching

I embroidered the turkey’s face with two French knots for eyes and a little orange beak.

To make a French knot, first bring the needle through the back to the front of the fabric.

Hold the needle against the fabric and wrap the floss around the needle 3 times.

Insert the needle back through the fabric very close to where it came up and pull the floss all the way through.

French Knot Collage

When you have finished the turkey’s features, apply fabric bond to the back of the head and body as before and stick it to the wings before sewing onto the front of the design.

I couldn’t resist the temptation to add the word ‘gobble’ to the bottom of my t-shirt, so I used the letter templates to write the word backwards directly onto the fabric.

Letter-template

After I cut the letters out, I sewed them onto the front of the shirt with a straight stitch.

Gobble

I used a cotton canvas for mine, which will fray over time. For a different look, consider using a non-fraying fabric such as jersey, fleece or felt.

Canvas-words

I put my design onto this t-shirt for my daughter, but the technique and design could be used on almost anything, just by using bigger or smaller template shapes. I think a set of turkey place mats, dishtowels or napkins would be a very appealing way to bring some Thanksgiving decor into your kitchen this year or putting the design onto a tiny baby onesie would be so sweet.

Thanksgiving-t-shirt-2

Supply List

T-shirt
Assorted fabrics with a mix of patterns and solids
Adhesive fabric spray or fusible fabric bond
Embroidery floss and needle