I finished the boys' birthday shirts today. I used some coordinating tees and went with reverse applique. I've previously posted on how I sometimes use phonebook paper for more detailed appliques when I'm too lazy or rushed to cut out detailed shapes. But with simple shapes and numbers, here's how I do it.
First, I head to my computer and use a word processing program to pick a font that has nice clean lines (so it won't be fussy to sew around). I scale it to the size I want by playing with the font size and bold option. I print it and cut out the number.
Next, I turn the t-shirt inside out and pin my contrast fabric to the area I plan to embellish. I then just tape the number down to hold it in place.
I sew a smidge outside the paper template...
...then trim and cut the t-shirt fabric away from the top to reveal the applique.
I then repeat two more times because Charlie has not yet taken over dressing the boys to "man" things up a bit. I think I have a few years before that happens. Or roughly three more outfits where I use turqoise--whichever comes first.
I think the boys will look nice in their special bday tees at their no-themed-party party*. I'll try to get some action shots. Because let's face it. I do these primarily for the photo op. Happy Friday!
*Incidentally, I just might be sneaking a wee bit of a theme into the no-themed-party party. And I am well aware that this will shock exactly no one.