When I was little, my mom had a room completely dedicated to her sewing projects — a special table for her machine, shelves and shelves of fabric, and hundreds of spools of thread. Not only did she make beautiful curtains, full length drapes, and swags for every single window in our home, she also made all of my clothes (and not just easy summer sundresses, I’m talking wool winter coats with velvet trim and matching hats level sewing!) She was also adept at DIY clothing embellishments — those small details like embroidery, unique buttons, and fun trim that make clothes extra special.
Unfortunately, she did not pass the “sewing gene” on to me (apparently it skipped a generation and went to my daughter). But I have always been a fan of adding details to clothing, and over the years have taken on some of the easier tasks… embroidering monograms on shirt cuffs, adding cute rickrack trim, and swapping standard buttons for more fanciful ones.
And today, with the price of kids’ clothing at an all-time high, those skills can really come in handy! So, instead of buying entirely new outfits, why not refresh some of what the kiddos already have hanging in the closet? Embellishing is a budget‑friendly way to transform plain tees, hoodies, jeans, and dresses into personalized favorites. With just a few supplies and a bit of imagination, you can turn everyday pieces into something truly special. (Note: When purchasing supplies, check your local Goodwill first. Goodwill often has a huge selection of brand-new yarn and embroidery floss, as well as tins of vintage buttons, and other supplies.)
Here are several DIY clothing embellishments suggestions to get you started.
Add Hand Embroidered Details
Using embroidery was one of my mom’s favorite tricks (I actually still have a nightgown she embroidered with my name — it’s so beautiful, I couldn’t part with it!). Although she used some advanced techniques, embroidery doesn’t have to be intimidating. Pick a small motif (like a star, heart, or an initial) and stitch it onto the cuff of a shirt or somewhere unexpected, like near the hem of a skirt. Use bright embroidery floss in contrasting colors so that the design, while small, really pops. Even a simple running stitch or backstitch can look charming and bespoke. (Here’s a link to Embroidery 101 which gives instructions on basic stiches for the novice. YouTube also offers great tutorials for specific projects.)
Swap Out Buttons
Replacing standard buttons is the easiest and quickest makeover ever! Swap plain plastic buttons on a cardigan or shirt for whimsical shapes — frogs, shells, flowers, or colorful wooden versions. Your child will love choosing their favorite button styles, and you’ll love how such a small swap can completely update a look. (When I was a kid, I used to do this with my 3-button Fair Isle sweaters!)
Get Playful with Appliqués
Sew‑on (or easier still, iron-on!) appliqués are perfect for covering stains and minor tears or holes, as well as adding serious personality. You can purchase pre-made or make your own using felt. Choose fun shapes (foxes, rockets, rainbows) and sew or iron them onto the knees of jeans, the pockets of a denim jacket, or the front of a sweater. (A 60-piece random assortment of kids clothing patches is less than $15 on Amazon.)
If sewing, for a clean finish, use a zigzag stitch around the edges. Appliqués let you tailor existing clothes to your child’s current interests (kittens one year, unicorns the next?) without cutting or altering the garment. Check out Redhat.creative on Instagram for truly spectacular ideas and inspiration.
Experiment with Pom‑Pom or Tassel Trim
A line of pom‑pom trim along the hem of a dress/skirt or the edge of shorts instantly adds fun texture (Bonus! This adds a bit of length if a garment is almost-but-not-quite too short). Simply pin the trim in place, then sew it on using a straight stitch. Tassel fringe works beautifully on the bottom of a skirt, at the cuffs of a boho‑inspired top, or along the edges of a scarf.
Replace it with Ribbon
Standard drawstrings on hooded sweatshirts can be swapped out for satin or grosgrain ribbon. Choose ribbon in your child’s favorite color or a playful pattern. Carefully remove the old cord, then thread the new ribbon through the hood casing with a safety pin. Tie neat bows at the ends and stitch an “X” of thread to secure each bow. This easy update adds both color and, plus personality, plus it’s a safer option for the littles.
Try Lace or Eyelet Insets
This look is so sweet! Add a lace inset to the neck of a plain dress or top, to the hem of a dress or skirt, or to sleeve cuffs. (Note: If your child finds lace too itchy, eyelet or crocheted trim are wonderfully soft alternatives.)
When you embellish kids’ clothes, encourage your child’s input — let them pick appliqué shapes, buttons, or ribbon colors so that their personality shines through (this just might short-circuit the “getting dressed before school clothing wars!).
While you are here, please take some time to enter our current fashion, beauty and style giveaways. And, if you liked this “Tiny Fashionista? DIY Clothing Embellishments They’ll Love” post, please visit Stylish Kids for even more inspiration.
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