How to Decoupage on a Shirt

Decoupage can add some life to an otherwise-plain shirt.

Decoupage is a method of applying cut or shaped pieces onto a solid surface in an effort to alter or improve the look or appearance of an item. Decoupage with paper requires a special glue, which allows you to apply the pieces, along with an acrylic spray that coats and seals the item. If you want to apply decoupage to wearable items you plan to wash, you must use an alternative method to keep the fabric soft and washable.

Things You'll Need

• Iron
• Fabric pieces
• Scissors
• Double-sided fusible interfacing

Instructions

Preparation

1. Iron the shirt and fabric pieces.

2. Cut the decoupage pieces out of the fabric with scissors.

3. Cut a piece of fusible interfacing the size of the area you plan to decoupage.

4. Allow the shirt and fabric to cool completely.

5. Perform a trial layout with the fabric pieces on the shirt. Move them around until they create the desired look.

Applying the Fabric

1. Remove the fabric pieces from the shirt.

2. Remove any backing or protective coatings from the interfacing, and lay it over the area of the shirt you plan to decoupage.

3. Place the fabric pieces over the interfacing, taking care to cover all the interfacing and avoid overlapping the pieces of fabric. If the fabric does overlap, cut extra pieces of interfacing to go between the fabric that overlaps.

4. Iron the fabric and shirt. again. Press the iron to all decoupaged areas of the shirt without sliding it.

Tips & Warnings

• You can stitch decoupaged fabric into place for added decoration and security.

• Use permanent fabric glue with a paintbrush to replace the interfacing.

• Do not use dissolving interfacing unless you intend on stitching each piece of fabric into place.

• Wrinkles ironed into the interfacing will be permanent.