Sunflower Embroidery on Shirts: 5 Styles That Always Work

person Vee Threads Studio
calendar_today Jun 11, 2026
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Sunflower embroidery on a shirt - hand-stitched yellow sunflowers across a white cotton tee

Sunflower is one of the most popular designs we stitch. It's bright and easy to wear, and it suits just about anyone. This is a look at the sunflower styles we make, where they sit on a shirt, and which colours work well together. You can also browse our floral embroidered t-shirts or our embroidered t-shirts for women for more.

5 sunflower styles

1. Single bloom on the chest

Single hand-embroidered sunflower on a black cotton tee, yellow petals and a brown centre in real thread — Two to three inches across, left chest. The simplest version and the easiest to gift. Our Blossom Sunflower tee.

One sunflower on the left chest, around 2 to 3 inches across. The Blossom Sunflower tee is the simplest version: yellow petals, a brown centre, two small leaves. Good for everyday wear and gifting.

2. Sunflower field

Three to five sunflowers in a small cluster. More to look at than a single bloom. Good on oversized tees and for summer.

3. Minimal sunflower

Minimal single-line sunflower hand-embroidered on a white cotton tee, drawn like a sketch in thread — One continuous line of thread. Clean and unisex. Our minimalist sunflower tee.

The minimalist sunflower is drawn in a single line of thread, almost like a sketch. Clean and unisex.

4. Detached petals

The petals sit slightly apart from the centre, which gives the flower a bit more dimension.

5. Sunflower with vine and leaves

A sunflower with a curling vine and a few leaves. A little more ornate. The sunflower field tee is in this style.

Where it sits on the shirt

Left chest is the usual spot and works for almost everything. Across the shoulder is bolder. A small sunflower on the sleeve or low on the hem is quieter. Pick one spot rather than crowding the shirt.

Colours that work

White shirt with a yellow sunflower is the brightest and most cheerful. Black with yellow gives the most contrast. Cream with a golden yellow looks softer and more vintage. Denim blue with yellow is a classic pairing.

For men and women

A small sunflower works on anyone. A larger, detailed bloom leans more feminine but still works on men in a relaxed oversized fit. A full field or garland suits women's wardrobes better.

Beyond t-shirts

Sunflower hand-embroidered on white cotton socks, a bright yellow bloom in real thread — The same motif, scaled to a sock cuff. Our sunflower embroidered socks.

Sunflowers work on more than tees. We stitch them on caps, and they're one of the most popular designs on our embroidered socks too.

How it's made

Every sunflower is stitched by hand by women artisans in our Bulandshahr studio, so no two come out exactly alike. Custom pieces take about 2 to 3 days, and more detailed designs take 5 to 10 days.

Care

Wash inside out in cold water, by hand or on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent. Dry in the shade rather than direct sun, which can fade the yellow. Iron only on the reverse, never straight over the stitching.