How to Add a Large Fabric Applique Heart to a Sweatshirt

This is an easy way to turn a plain sweatshirt into something custom and giftable. You’ll use a big fabric heart, fuse it in place, then stitch around the edge for a clean, durable finish.

What You’ll Need

• Sweatshirt
• Cotton fabric for the heart 
• Fusible web (HeatnBond Lite or similar)
• Matching or contrasting thread
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Iron + pressing surface
  

Step 1: Make a Heart Template

Cut a paper heart in the size you want. A large heart usually looks best centered on the chest, about 7 to 10 inches wide depending on sweatshirt size. Fold the paper in half before cutting to keep it symmetrical.

Step 2: Fuse the Web to Your Fabric

Rough-cut a piece of fabric slightly bigger than your heart. Fuse the fusible web to the back of the fabric following the package directions. Let it cool, then peel the paper backing.

Step 3: Cut and Position the Heart

Trace your heart template onto the fabric (on the fusible side) and cut it out cleanly. Place the heart on the sweatshirt and take a quick mirror check for height and centering. When it looks right, press to fuse it in place.

Step 4: Stitch Around the Edge

Hand stitch around the heart using an applique stitch. Or, machine stitch around the heart using a wide zigzag or satin stitch. Go slowly around curves, and keep the stitch just barely covering the raw edge for a polished look.

Final Thoughts

That’s it. A simple applique makes a sweatshirt look boutique-level with minimal effort. Try gingham, florals, or a denim heart for a totally different vibe. For washing, turn the sweatshirt inside out, use cold water, and tumble dry low to keep the stitching looking crisp.