If you’re in the world of custom apparel or just love DIY projects, learning how to appliqué on a sweatshirt is a must-have skill. Whether you’re decorating blank sweatshirts for resale or adding a personal touch to your own wardrobe, appliqué offers a bold and textured way to make your designs stand out.
What Is Appliqué?
Appliqué is a decorative technique where you attach pieces of fabric onto a base garment, like a sweatshirt or hoodie, to create a custom design, logo, or monogram. It’s especially popular with blank sweatshirts because it adds both texture and visual interest without needing complex printing equipment.
Unlike screen printing or sublimation, appliqué gives your product a tactile, high-end finish that works perfectly for boutique brands, team apparel, and personalized gifts.
What You Need to Appliqué a Sweatshirt
- A blank sweatshirt or hoodie (cotton or cotton/poly blends work well)
- Appliqué fabric (felt, cotton, fleece, or knit fabric)
- Fusible web (like HeatnBond or Wonder Under)
- Scissors or a rotary cutter
- Iron or heat press
- Sewing machine or needle and thread (optional but recommended for durability)
- A printed or drawn template design
- Optional: Embroidery hoop or stabilizer for added control
Step-by-Step: How to Appliqué on a Sweatshirt
1. Prepare Your Design
Choose a design and trace it onto the paper side of the fusible web. This can be a name, number, shape, or logo—anything that suits your project.
2. Attach Fusible Web to Fabric
Iron the fusible web onto the back of your appliqué fabric. Let it cool, then cut out your shape along the traced lines.
3. Position on Sweatshirt
Remove the backing from the fabric piece and place it on the sweatshirt where you’d like the design to appear. Use a ruler for alignment if needed.
4. Fuse with Heat
Use a hot iron or heat press to bond the fabric shape to the sweatshirt. Apply even pressure for 10–15 seconds to ensure it sticks properly.
5. Secure with Stitching (Optional but Ideal)
Use a zigzag, satin, or straight stitch to sew around the edges of the design. This step enhances durability, especially if your sweatshirt will be washed frequently.
Shop the Best Blank Sweatshirts for Appliqué
Ready to get started? Make sure you’re working with the best materials. Our collection of blank sweatshirts, blank t-shirts, and embroidery blanks is ideal for decorators and apparel resellers. With high-quality fabrics and affordable bulk pricing, you’ll have the perfect canvas for your next project.