How to Decorate a Shirt With a Sharpie Marker

Enhance plain white T-shirts with markers.

Jazz up a basic white cotton T-shirt with a Sharpie marker and a few stencils. You can completely customize the look of the T-shirt to design a one-of-a-kind creation. Decorating T-shirts with Sharpie markers can make a great hands-on birthday or slumber party activity. Supply the children with plenty of stencils to stimulate their imaginations and allow them to take the T-shirts home as favors. Be sure to use a permanent, non-washable marker designed for use on fabrics.

Things You'll Need

• Plain cotton t-shirt
• Parchment paper or cardboard
• Sharpie marker made for use on fabrics
• Stencils

Instructions

1. Spread the T-shirt out on a flat surface, such as a table. Place a piece of parchment paper or cardboard in between the shirt layers in case the marker bleeds.

2. Plan your T-shirt design by sketching it onto a piece of paper first. Choose stencils, such as flower or letter shapes, to reflect the design.

3. Place the stencil onto the front of the T-shirt in the desired location.

4. Hold the stencil against the T-shirt with one hand. Trace around the stencil with a Sharpie marker using your other hand. Remove the stencil and color the outline in with the marker to complete the design.

References

• Artists Helping Children: Personalize Your Backpacks by Drawing on and Decorating Your Book Bags with Sharpie Markers
• Sharpie: Rub-a-Dub Laundry Marker
• Kids Fitness Central: Fun Toddler Craft Ideas