Lace split seam Applique designs

Lace Split Seam Appliqué Designs

A finished lace split seam appliqué bow on the side of a grey t-shirt.

This design is perfect for adding a stylish touch to the side seams of a T-shirt or sweatshirt, especially if you want a more comfortable fit around the hips. These feminine and adorable side seam bows can take ordinary clothes to extraordinary in just a matter of stitches.

You can find a step-by-step video tutorial here:

Stitch Sequence

The color chart for the lace split seam bow embroidery design.

Materials Needed

For this project, you will need your main fabric (I used cotton) and a water-soluble stabilizer.

I recommend using a fabric-style wash-away stabilizer, like Vilene, rather than a film type.

A roll of Vilene water-soluble wash-away stabilizer.

Embroidering Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hoop

Hoop the water-soluble stabilizer. Use two layers for extra support.
Step 2: Stitch Placement Line

Stitch the position outline (Color 1) to mark the placement for the design.
Step 3: Position the Garment

Place your garment over the outline and secure it with pins or tape. Ensure that the bottom of the garment aligns with the ends of the bow's tails, and that the side seam runs vertically through the center of the bow, from top to bottom.

Tip: I recommend "floating" the garment on top of the hooped stabilizer for this type of design, as it makes alignment much easier.
Step 4: Tack Down the Garment

Stitch the tack-down seam (Color 2) to secure the garment in place.
Step 5: Appliqué the Bow

Lay a piece of appliqué fabric flat over the design, ensuring the whole shape is fully covered. Stitch the next tack-down stitch (Color 3).
Step 6: Trim the Appliqué and Garment

Cut the excess appliqué fabric from around the shape, close to the seam.

Tip: For the best result, I recommend using small, sharp, curved embroidery scissors.

Then, carefully cut the garment's side seam between the bow’s tails, close to the seam, to create the split opening.

Here is how it looks after trimming:
Step 7: Final Stitches

Stitch the decorative details if the design includes them. In this design, the decoration is a gingham plaid pattern inside the bow (Color 4). I skipped this step, so unfortunately, I don’t have a photo of it - sorry about that!
Next, stitch the final satin outline with the FSL (freestanding lace) edge to give the design a polished finish.
Step 8: Finishing

Remove the excess stabilizer by trimming, then rinse the garment to dissolve the rest.

Lay your garment flat on a towel and let it dry completely.

You’re done!