Embroidering on a sun hat, like the one pictured above is easier than you would think. It just takes a little bit of know-how. You cannot hoop a hat (obviously), so this post details the "float" method of embroidery.
Step 1
Hoop your stabilizer
Step 2
Mark the center of your hat with a pin or sewing marker. Note that the hat is not attached to the stabilizer, it's just sitting there.
Step 3
Grab your spray adhesive. I use quilting basting spray I bought at Hobby Lobby for about $5 on sale. It works great, doesn't gum up needles, and lasts a really long time.
Spray the underside of the hat in the place that you marked with the pin.
Step 4
As soon as you spray it, quickly center your hat on the stabilizer where you want to embroider. Once the spray dries it won't be sticky anymore, so just don't dawdle here.
Step 5
Place thin craft foam on top of the hat between the straw and the foot of the machine and start embroidering. (I found this for $0.89 at Hobby Lobby, but it's just a cheap sheet of craft foam. Make sure you match the color of the foam to the color of your thread.)
The craft foam will prevent the stitches from sinking into the straw and looking like some were skipped. It also give it a great 3D look.
Step 6
Once the embroidering is done, take your hoop (and hat) off the machine. You can now start gently pulling the craft foam away from the hat.
Once the craft foam is off the front of the hat, you can go ahead and tear away the stabilizer from the bottom.
Those are my legs, just in case you're wondering. . . .
Those are my legs, just in case you're wondering. . . .
Step 7
Put that bad boy on and head to the nearest beach! You did it! See! It's not bad at all!
