How to Handpaint Designs on Kids T-Shirts

Painting designs on kids T-shirts is a fun, easy way to make plain, every-day clothes stand out. Make unremarkable T-shirts special by painting on things like flowers or cute animals. Some artistic ability is helpful, but not necessary. Just about anyone can learn to do this with a little practice. Come up with your own design ideas, or use simple designs from coloring books. Read on to learn how to handpaint designs on kids T-shirts.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tracing paper
• Iron-on transfer pencil (found at craft stores)
• Water-soluble fabric marker
• Small containers of acrylic paints
• Fabric painting medium
• 3-D or puffy paint
• Two or three sizes of good quality craft paint brushes
• Aluminum foil
• Washable craft glitter (optional)

1. Wash and dry a T-shirt. Put aluminum foil inside the shirt to keep the paint from leaking through to the back side of the shirt. If you have an easy, simple design in mind, you can draw it on the shirt free-hand with a water-soluble fabric marker. The marker is not permanent and will dissolve away with water.
2. If you don't feel comfortable drawing the design directly on the shirt, trace the design using tracing paper and the iron-on transfer pencil. Follow the directions that came with the pencil to iron the design onto the shirt.
3. Squirt small amounts of the paints you will need on aluminum foil or a styrofoam plate. Mix each color with about the same amount of fabric medium. This will make the paint stay soft and washable when dry.
4. Apply the paint to the fabric within your design using a paint brush. Allow the paint to soak into the fabric evenly while painting.
5. Use the 3-D paint to add outlines and highlights to the design. Practice first making neat lines with the paint on a sheet of aluminum foil (you can scape the practice lines back into the container afterward). Sprinkle washable, fine glitter on the 3-D paint while it is still wet if desired.
6. Allow the T-shirt to dry for at least 24 hours before wearing.

Tips & Warnings

• Try experimenting with the 3-D paint. You can put a glob of it on the shirt and press a button, sequin or rhinestone on top to "glue" the button onto the shirt.
• If 3-D paint has been added, T-shirts do best when hung to dry after washing.