This Seattle/Atlanta skyline t-shirt was made for my grandson who wanted a unique, light-weight winter shirt. I suggested that instead of making the entire shirt, that we simply pick up a good quality, long-sleeved t-shirt, then create a meaningful design and appliqué it to the back of the shirt. He loved the idea and so this dual skyline shirt was born.

The design was not as difficult to create as I had first imagined. Follow through and I will share how I made this shirt, then you can create a skyline t-shirt for someone you love too.

Step 1: Supplies

This is what you will need.
For best results pre-wash and dry the t-shirt and iron if necessary.

1 t-shirt
1 black cotton fabric slightly larger than skyline pattern
1 White Cotton fabric slightly larger than skyline pattern
Sewing thread
Heavy duty sewing thread for hand sewing
Metallic silver Embroidery thread

Skyline pattern
Sewing needle
Embroidery hoop
Metallic ( silver ) Embroidery thread
Sewing machine or hand sew
Embroidery needle with large eye
Sewing pins
Seam ripper optional
Measuring tape
Scotch tape
Chalk or pencil
Iron and board optional
Cardboard or something to place between the top of the shirt and the inside for easier pinning
Sewing scissors and it helps to have small sharp pointed scissors for precision cutting of the pattern
Cardboard or card stock paper for pattern
Tracing paper optional

Step 2: Skyline Pattern

Choose two cities. One for the top and one for the "reflection" at the bottom. Do an image search for royalty free images for each skyline. Resize both images to how big you want each city in your appliqué to be, then tape a piece of tracing paper directly to your computer monitor and trace the outline of each city onto the paper. My daughter said she had to modify the image so it would be easier to cut out so she basically rounded some of the edges.

Remove the tracing paper from the monitor and then tape the design onto a piece of card stock. Cut out the skyline and remove the tracing paper.

Step 3: Trace Design to Fabric

Tape the skyline pattern over the black fabric and trace around the edges using chalk or a pencil.
Remove the pattern from the cloth.
Tape the skyline pattern over the grey fabric and repeat the process.

Step 4: Embroider Skyline

Place the fabric into the embroidery hoop.
Using the silver embroidery thread, start sewing around the outline on both the skylines using an outline stitch.

Step 5: Sew the Two Skylines Together

Sew the black and grey skylines together as shown and press if needed.

Step 6: Applique Layout

Press 1/4 inch hem all around the applique.
Place the cardboard inside the t-shirt and center it.
Center the applique on the back of the shirt and pin into place.

Step 7: Sew Skyline to Tshirt

Sew the appliqué to the t-shirt and iron if needed.

Step 8: Sunshiines Final Thoughts

I was extremely happy with the results and would like to make one of these for my son with Seattle and Austin in the design instead. That said, crafters have many things they want to make but do not always have the time to get all of them made!

I wish to thank Instructables, our sponsors, contributors, and all my visitors for making this a great place to share. If you have any questions please feel free to comment.

sunshiine