How to Make a Pirate T-Shirt

Make your own pirate t-shirt for Halloween

Part of the fun of attending a Halloween party or costume party is creating your own outfit. Not only is costume-making fun and easy to do, it will also save you a heap of money compared to renting something from a costume retailer. If you are a novice costume designer or you have little time, a pirate look is a simple and straightforward option. Make your own pirate t-shirt and team it with a pair of striped trousers, a waistcoat, bandanna and an eye patch and you will be looking the part in no time at all.

Things You'll Need

• 2 T-shirts, one old
• Paper
• Black marker
• Scissors
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Double sided iron- on adhesive strip
• Iron

Instructions

1. Find an old t-shirt which you don't mind cutting up to create a design for your pirate t-shirt. Alternatively, purchase one from a local thrift store. It should be one block color, preferably black, red or white so that it stands out.

2. Choose a t-shirt that you will use to become your pirate t-shirt. Think about the color and style of the t-shirt. A black and white stripet-shirt would be ideal, or something that is black or red as these are colors you most often associate with a pirate.

3. Select a design you would like to have on your t-shirt. Search the internet for pirate-related inspiration and print out your choice to use as a template or draw your own design onto a piece of paper with black marker. Opt for something simple that will act like a silhouette. For example, draw an outline of the face of a pirate wearing a bandanna with a parrot.

4. Place your paper template over the iron-on adhesive patch and trace around it using a black marker. Cut out your design from the adhesive patch and lay it on top of the old t-shirt.

5. Follow the instructions provided with the adhesive strip, to apply one side of the cut-out adhesive patch to the old t-shirt using the iron. Then cut out the template using a pair of scissors.

6. Turn the design over so that the other adhesive side is facing downwards and position the design on your pirate t-shirt. Using the iron once again, transfer your design onto your t-shirt. Use a cloth or paper towel between the iron and t-shirt to prevent the adhesive strip from sticking to the bottom of your iron.

7. Outline your design so it boldly stands out by finishing of the edges with a line of black stitching. Use a sewing machine if you have one or a needle and thread if not. You can also use extra stitching to create more details on the design, for example you can add criss-cross lines across your pirate's face to resemble a scar.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your design simple if you are new to t-shirt design, it will be easier to make and will look just as good.

• Take extra care when handling a hot iron to ensure you do not burn yourself. Do not leave an iron unattended when it is switched on and keep out of the reach of children.

References

• Daniel Adler; Theatrical Costume Designer, London