Hi, friends! Jennifer Long from Sew A Story here, and I’m so excited to share this month’s project—The Be A Police Officer T-Shirt Appliqué!
This fun and easy project lets kids dress up as a real police officer without needing a full costume! Whether it’s for imaginative play, career days, or just a creative way to celebrate their heroes, this DIY t-shirt is sure to inspire. And the best part? We’re adding a touch of sparkle and texture using ThermoWeb’s Sparkle Paste and the It Takes a Village Stencil.
We’re also giving ThermoWeb readers a FREE month in the Sew A Story Pattern Club, where you’ll find the SVG cut files and printable templates for this project. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
T-Shirt Appliqué Supplies
- A Blue T-Shirt or Sweatshirt (Any size)
- It Takes a Village fabric (For the collar, tie, badge, and belt)
- HeatnBond Lite Fusible Web – Perfect for securing appliqué pieces before sewing.
- SVG Cut Files or Printable Templates – Available for FREE inside the Pattern Club
Join for a free month HERE (Use code: POLICEPLAY)
ThermoWeb Embellishment Must-Haves
- It Takes a Village Sparkle Stencil – Adds stars, stop signs, and fun police-themed details.
- ThermoWeb Sparkle Paste – Gives the badge, belt, or name details extra shimmer.
Suggested colors:- Hero Blue – Perfect for accents on the tie or badge
- Silver Shimmer – Great for lettering or police stars
- Fire Truck Red – Adds a fun pop to name details
- SpraynBond Fabric Stiffener – Helps stabilize the appliqué fabric before cutting.
Step-by-Step: Create Your Own Police Officer Shirt
Step 1: Download and Prepare the Templates
- Get your free month in the Pattern Club to access SVG cut files and printable templates.
Join HERE (Use code: POLICEPLAY) - Print the templates on standard paper or upload the SVG files to your cutting machine.
- Cut out all appliqué pieces from HeatnBond Lite Fusible Web, following the instructions.
Step 2: Cut and Fuse Your Fabric Pieces
- Trace each appliqué template onto the paper side of HeatnBond Lite Fusible Web.
- Fuse the HeatnBond-backed fabric onto the wrong side of your chosen fabric.
- Cut out the fabric pieces and arrange them onto your blue t-shirt or sweatshirt.Step 3: Add Stencils and Sparkle Paste
- Use the It Takes a Village Stencil to add stars, stop signs, or even “Junior Police Officer” text on the shirt.
- Apply Sparkle Paste over the stencil for a shimmery, professional look.
- Use Silver Shimmer for a classic badge effect.
- Apply Hero Blue or Fire Truck Red for name details or pocket accents.
- Let the paste dry completely before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Secure Your Appliqué Pieces
- Once you’re happy with your design, fuse the appliqué pieces onto the shirt with an iron (following the HeatnBond Lite instructions).
- Sew around each appliqué piece with a zigzag or blanket stitch for durability.
Personalization Ideas
- Add your child’s name on the pocket using ThermoWeb Sparkle Paste and a stencil.
- Stencil a fun “Junior Police Officer” badge on the back.
- Let kids decorate their own shirts with washable markers or fabric paint.
Special Gift for ThermoWeb Readers
We’re so excited to share this project that we’re giving ThermoWeb readers one FREE month in the Sew A Story Pattern Club!
Inside, you’ll get:
✔️ SVG Cut Files & Printable Templates
✔️ Exclusive Patterns & Tutorials
✔️ Creative Sewing & Crafting Inspiration
Claim your free month here: Join the Pattern Club for free HERE
Use code: POLICEPLAY
Share Your Creations
We’d love to see your finished Be A Police Officer T-Shirts! Share your photos and tag us:
- @sewastory_jenniferlong
- @thermoweb
- Use hashtags #SewAStory, #ThermoWeb, and #BeAPoliceOfficerAppliqué
Join the Sew A Story Creative World
At Sew A Story, we believe that handmade projects do more than decorate a home—they tell a story, spark imagination, and bring families together. Whether you’re sewing a keepsake doll, crafting a memory-filled quilt, or adding playful details to a t-shirt like this, every stitch holds meaning.
If you’re new here, welcome! We’d love to invite you into our creative community, where sewing is more than a skill—it’s a way to connect, inspire, and create lasting memories.
So grab your supplies, bring your ideas to life, and let’s make something amazing together!
Hi Friends! I am so happy you are here. My name is Jennifer Long, and I am a Riley Blake Designs Fabric Designer, Quilt & Doll Pattern Writer, Machine Embroidery Digitizer, and online educator. I am also the founder of the Sew A Story Pattern Club and the Modern Rag Doll Membership.
I am married and a mom to (4) pre-teens / teens and live on a little hobby farm in rural Prairie Canada. I grew up training to be a professional ballet dancer, and later studied Early Childhood Education. I taught ballet and ran my own dance studio all the while sewing and designing costumes for myself and many of my colleagues and students.
I am passionate about all things FABRIC, imagination and design and am so blessed I can share this passion with others.
This journey has inspired me to make a positive difference by designing dolls and quilt patterns and fabric for others to be EMPOWERED to sew themselves! I have designed dolls and quilts for individuals, organizations, companies, designers, authors of children’s books, and international companies for mass production.
What I LOVE the most about creativity is finding INSPIRATION everywhere and, in turn, INSPIRING others to do the same! Thank you for joining me on this creative journey.