Unicorn 3 dimensional

3D Dimensional Unicorn Hooded Towel Topper

A finished hooded towel with a dimensional unicorn face, 3D ears, horn, and nose.

These are the general instructions for creating dimensional unicorn designs for hooded towels.

Included Files

The project folder includes files for the unicorn's head and its 3D elements (ears, nose, horn) for each size.

The embroidery design file for the unicorn's head.

Project Overview

This project is completed in two separate hoopings:

Prepare the 3D elements: ears, nose, and horn.
Stitch the unicorn face and attach the 3D elements.

Part 1: Preparing the 3D Elements (Ears, Nose, Horn)

The embroidery design file for the 3D ears, horn, and nose.

NOTE: You may need to pause the machine and take the hoop out, but please do not unhoop your project! The backing is taped behind the hoop.

Stitching the 3D Pieces

Hoop only the tear-away stabilizer and attach the hoop to the machine. Place a piece of your main fabric inside the hoop, covering the area where the pieces will be stitched.

A piece of fabric placed over the stabilizer in the hoop.

It is helpful to use tape to ensure the fabric stays flat. The outlines for all details will be stitched first.

Next will be the horn appliqué. Continue embroidering as you would with a typical appliqué design (Colors 2-8):

Color 2: First horn fabric appliqué tack-down seam.
Color 3: Second horn fabric appliqué position seam.
Color 4: Second horn fabric appliqué tack-down seam.
Color 5: Third horn fabric appliqué position seam.
Color 6: Third horn fabric appliqué tack-down seam.
Color 7: Fourth horn fabric appliqué position seam.
Color 8: Fourth horn fabric appliqué tack-down seam.

After each tack-down seam, stop the machine (do not unhoop) and trim the excess appliqué fabric.

The horn appliqué pieces stitched and trimmed.

Note: I stitched two sets at one time; your file will only contain one set.

Two sets of the 3D elements being stitched at once in a larger hoop.

Complete the appliqué satin stitches and other details (Colors 9-13).

The decorative and satin stitches completed on the 3D pieces.

Finishing the 3D Pieces

Take the hoop out of the machine, but do not unhoop it.

The embroidery hoop removed from the machine.

Turn the hoop over to the back side and attach the lining/facing fabric behind the hoop.

A piece of lining fabric placed over the back of the hoop.

Please ensure there is plenty of excess fabric around the perimeter. I am securing the lining with tape.

The lining fabric taped securely in place on the back.

Sew the final outline seams to tack down the appliqué fabric and the lining. Then, carefully cut out the shapes on the front and trim the lining from the back.

Trimming the excess fabric from the front of the 3D pieces.

This is how the back looks after trimming the lining:

The back of the hoop with the excess lining trimmed away.

And this is how the top looks after trimming:

The front of the hoop with the excess appliqué fabric trimmed away.

Attach the hoop back on the machine and continue with the design. The final satin stitch outline will be the last step. I am sorry, I lost my photos for this step. Below is an illustrative photo from a similar project.

An illustrative photo showing a completed piece with a satin stitch outline.

When the design has finished, remove the tape, unhoop, and gently tear away the excess stabilizer.

Part 2: Embroidering the Unicorn Head on the Towel

Load the second file with the unicorn head.

The embroidery design file for the unicorn's head.

Stitch Color 1, which is the position seam for the horn and ears. Now it is time to use your prepared 3D elements. Lay them right inside their respective shapes.

Placing the finished 3D horn and ears onto the towel.