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Tiger Eye Graphic Applique

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Did you know you can make cool tiger eye graphic appliqué on a blank oversized sweatshirt, jacket, hoodie or t-shirt? Instead of throwing old clothes away, this is a perfect method to hide the flaw and cover up the stain spot on a shirt in order to re-wear your top in a cool way. 

Simply download the free graphics and adjust the size if needed. Let’s make this cool DIY tiger graphic appliqué for any top you think it would look great on.

If you have any old clothes that you are about to throw away, give it a little love by adding patch or two to give second life to your DIY wardrobe. I’ve got you covered with more cool appliqué patchwork designs to upgrade your wardrobe and everyday outfit.

This tutorial is perfect for beginner level sewing experience because no special tools are required. The step by step instructions are easy to follow and you will also see a helpful video guide as well. 

So, if you have a variety of fabric scraps, and looking to make upcycled clothing, then give this project a try!

Tiger graphic applique oversized sweatshirt front view

You will love this DIY tiger eye graphic appliqué because…

  • No applique sewing experience is required.
  • Free printable patterns with adjustable sizes.
  • Practice straight stitch on various degrees of curved lines.
  • Use iron-on fusible to make sewing easier.
  • Learn proper way to attach woven pieces onto knit base fabrication.

For this decorative appliqué project, I used 3 different 100% cotton lightweight fabric in the solid colors black, golden yellow, and white color for the touch ups. You may use different colors or mix with print pattern along the tiger design to make your own personalized sweatshirt.

I chose black as my main color for tiger pattern because I thought it would stand out on the white sweatshirt that I’m transforming. So, if you have something similar that’s great, go ahead and have fun with something different that you have in mind.

The graphic pattern that I’m sharing in this tutorial is also adjustable in size. So, a smaller sweatshirt would go well with a smaller scale motif. Change the size of the free printable before you print out the tiger eye graphic design.

Tiger graphic applique oversized sweatshirt sideview

How do you make tiger eye graphic appliqué?

I tried trendy appliqué patchwork designs

Pre-wash your old top and prepare the basic sewing tools you need to get the journey started. This tiger eye appliqué design is cut and dry, so let’s cover the basics.

Sewing applique on a clothes is super easy, I’ve put together step by step instructions with video tutorial for you to easily follow along. In addition, I added free patterns for you to download and print out to use at anytime.

DIY Tiger Eye Graphic Applique Materials:

Materials to make a tiger eye graphic applique

To make the tiger eye appliqué patchwork, print out the free graphic design.

Trace the pattern onto the pebbly surface of iron-on fusible and outline around each piece. Use individual pieces of fusible backing to copy the tiny details inside the eyes.

Cut out all the pieces.

Flip the fabric scraps with the wrong side facing upwards and the bumpy side of the backing facing downwards. That way the glue melts to the wrong side of the fabric when ironed. 

Join the iron on backing to the patchwork design, then cut each piece out. 

Position the tiger eye pieces on top of each other, then pin to secure. 
Sew around each layer of the eye pieces using edge topstitch.

Afterwards, pin the tiger eye appliqué patchwork to the sweatshirt.

Slowly sew the detailed pieces so that the edges stay crisp and pointy to finish this tiger eye appliqué patchwork. 

How to make tiger eye applique design on white sweatshirt

DIY Tiger Eye Applique Design Sewing Tips

Tiger graphic applique oversized sweatshirt front closeup

In this DIY tiger eye patchwork tutorial, you will learn how to attach appliqué motif using single stitch along the style lines. In addition, I’ve put together sewing tips below to guide you through the process and avoid any obstacles and mistakes along the way.

  • Sewing Machine: Set your sewing machine by adjusting tension to get you started. Depends on the weight of the fabric that your garment is, test on a scrap to find the right tension for the project. 
  • Needle & Thread: Use universal thread and needle that you are already familiar with. Make sure the needle is sharp, pointy and no longer dull. If you experience missing stitches or any other threading issue, it means the needle is dull and it’s time to change it
  • Stitches: The motif has lots of different zigzag lines and in order to make those lines, it’s best to use straight stitches instead of zigzag stitches. But if you do choose zigzag stitch, you may loose the sharp pointy tips along the edges of the delicate detailed pieces. 
  • Sewing Foot: Whether you choose straight stitch or other type of stitches, you can comfortably use a regular sewing foot. However, if you need more support and help then use appliqué sewing foot to smoothly sew each piece. 
  • Iron-On Fusible: When working on appliqué, become familiar with using iron-on fusible backing. Always transfer designs on a pebbly surface instead of the smooth side. By doing so, you are copying the mirror side. When you attach the fabric, you will have the correct side to work on. Don’t forget to use the iron with a dry setting instead of steam. 

More make from scraps of fabric project for your next DIY fashion:

Tiger graphic applique oversized sweatshirt front
Yield: Tiger Eye Graphic Appliqué Oversized Sweatshirt

How To Make Tiger Eye Graphic Appliqué Oversized Sweatshirt

Prep Time: 1 hour
Active Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $0.00

From bold graphics to dominant layout, this tiger eye graphic appliqué is easy to achieve. Grab the tools you need and adjust your sewing machine. Follow the step by step tutorial and you are ready to roll.

Materials

Tools

  • Sewing Machine
  • Pencil
  • Measuring Tape
  • Fabric Scissors
  • Thread
  • Iron-On Fusible
  • Pins

Instructions

  1. For this tiger eye appliqué patchwork, print out the free graphic design and trace the pattern on top of the pebble texture of the fusible backing. 
  2. Outline around each piece. Use separate small pieces of iron-on fusible to copy the separate details of the eyes and shadow contours.
    Trace the tiger eye motif onto iron on fusible backing
  3. Next, cut the individual pieces out.
  4. Group the pieces that will use the same color fabric.
    Here I grouped all the white, black and yellow color pieces together. 
  5. Flip the fabric scraps wrong side facing up and lay the bumpy side facing down.
    As a result, the glue will melt to the wrong side of the fabric when you iron. 
    Adjust the iron setting to medium heat and pat the fusible backing lightly instead of pressing firmly.
    Iron the fusible backing onto the fabric scraps
  6. After joining the fusible backing on each detailed piece of fabric, cut along the edges to expose the design. 
  7. Before attaching to the sweatshirt, we need to secure the eyes. Lay the yellow pieces on the black background, then pin to secure the position. 
    Sew around the eye pieces using edge topstitch.
    Match the patchwork to the design artwork
  8. Now, it’s time to add the tiger eye appliqué patchwork to the sweatshirt! 
    Gather all the pieces and position on the center of the sweatshirt, and don’t forget the tiny details in between the eyes.
    Adjust the position until it is perfect, then pin all the pieces on the sweatshirt so it is easy to sew.
  9. Make sure to only pin the top layer of the sweatshirt and avoid pinning the back side too. 
    Slide the single layer of the sweatshirt into the sewing machine and sew all the detailed pieces. Take time and sew each piece slowly so that the edges hold their shape to finish this tiger eye appliqué patchwork. 
    Pin to secure and topstitch the patchwork onto the sweatshirt
    Finished tiger eye applique design on white sweatshirt

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