Materials & tools you'll need
A shirt with a stain or damage to redesign · 7-inch embroidery hoop · Embroidery threads in shades of purple, orange, yellow, blue, and green (Anchor or DMC brands work well) · Embroidery needle · Chalk · Scissors · Safety pins · Water soluble fabric marker (optional)
Step 1 — Sketch the design in chalk
Lay your shirt out flat on a clean surface. Using chalk, sketch your cosmic scene directly onto the fabric — planets, a spaceship, or any other shapes you'd like to include, using your design to cover or work around any stained or damaged area. Once you're happy with the layout, secure the section you're starting on in an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric taut while you stitch.
Step 2 — Outline and fill the first planet
Choose a base thread colour for your first planet — a shade of purple works well for a cosmic look. Using back stitch, outline the planet shape starting at one edge and working your way around the entire circle. Once the outline is complete, continue filling in the shape with more back stitch until the whole planet is covered in thread.
Step 3 — Layer in a second colour for depth
Switch to a brighter or contrasting thread colour, such as orange against your base purple. Use back stitch to add details and patterns over the filled planet, building visual depth. For extra texture, weave two strands of thread — one from the original colour and one from the new colour — around each other as you stitch through the same area.
Step 4 — Build a nebula-style fill
Choose a shade of blue that complements your existing colours, and use back stitch to fill in remaining spaces on the planet, creating a soft, gassy look reminiscent of a nebula. Continue layering in patterns and details using both your original and newer thread colours until the planet has a dynamic, layered appearance. Repeat this outline-fill-layer approach for any additional planets, spaceships, or other shapes in your design.
Step 5 — Finish and wash the shirt
Once all of your embroidery is complete, remove the fabric from the embroidery hoop. If any chalk lines are still visible, trace over them with a water soluble fabric marker to help make sure they dissolve fully. Wash the shirt by hand or on a gentle cold cycle to remove any remaining chalk and thread debris, then let it dry completely before wearing or displaying your finished space masterpiece.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a nebula-like texture within an embroidered planet?
Layer a base colour with a contrasting shade using back stitch,
and weave two strands of thread from both colours around each
other within the same area. Filling in additional patches with
blue and purple tones on top of this builds the gassy,
nebula-like look.
Can I embroider over a shirt that's stained or damaged?
Yes, a stain or bleach mark can work well as the starting point
for a design, since you can chalk your planets or shapes to
cover or incorporate the damaged area. This is a good way to
give a ruined garment a second life instead of throwing it out.
How do I remove chalk lines from a finished embroidery project?
Most chalk lines wash out with a gentle hand wash or a cold,
gentle machine cycle. If any faint lines remain after washing,
a water soluble fabric marker traced over them beforehand can
help ensure they dissolve fully once the piece is washed.
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