Gobble Gobble Turkey T-Shirt Tutorial

Materials List:
  • T-shirt
  • Assorted fabrics with a mix of patterns and solids
  • Adhesive fabric spray or fusible fabric bond
  • Embroidery floss and needle
  • Oval, Circles, and Letter Templates
  • Sewing machine
  • Sewing needle and thread

Skill Level: Easy
Project Type: Make a Project
Time to Complete: In an Evening
Sewn By: Machine and Hand
 

1. Use a template (this project uses the Fiskars oval template) to cut five ovals measuring 3" x 4" from assorted fabrics. Cut three patterned prints and one solid cotton to make an alternating pattern for the turkey's wings.

2. Next, use a circle template (this project uses the Fiskars circles template) to make the turkey's body. Use the 1.5" circle for the head and the 2.5" circle for the body. Draw in the turkey's neck to connect the head and the body and cut it out.

3. 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 them centrally on the front of the t-shirt. You can use 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.

4. Sew 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.

5. You can embroider the turkey’s face with two French knots for eyes and a little orange beak.
    
6. To make a French knot: bring the needle through the back to the front of the fabric.
    
7. Hold the needle against the fabric and wrap the floss around the needle 3 times.
    
8. Insert the needle back through the fabric very close to where it came up and pull the floss all the way through.

9. 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 it onto the front of the design.
    
10. To add the word 'gobble' to the bottom of my t-shirt, use letter templates to write the word backward directly onto the fabric.

11. After you cut the letters out, sew them onto the front of the shirt with a straight stitch.

12. This tutorial uses a cotton canvas, which will fray over time. For a different look, consider using a non-fraying fabric such as jersey, fleece, or felt.
    
    Plus, the technique and design could be used on almost anything, by using bigger or smaller template shapes.