How to Design One's Own T-Shirt
If you're tired of a closet full of plain t-shirts, customize a few with pretty, funky or innovative twists that suit your signature look. Even your kids can turn their basic tees into wearable works of art with simple techniques and a few crafts supplies. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plain t-shirts
- Scissors
- Stencils or cookie cutters
- Fabric markers
- Fabric paints
- Embellishments
- Studs and gems
- Foam stamps
- Decorative trim
Instructions
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Alter the style by changing the neckline, length, trim or sleeves. Use sharp scissors to make the neck larger or turn a crew neck into a v-neck, for example. Make straight snips to create a fringed hem or sleeves. Allow for shrinkage when cutting the shirt into a crop top since the fabric will roll slightly when washed.
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Trace stencils or cookie cutters around the bottom of the shirt with fabric markers. Either use scissors to cut the basic shapes out or simply decorate them with fabric paint or stitched-on buttons and sequins.
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Add glamour with a row of metal studs or gems around the neck, sleeves or seams. Push pronged studs into the shirt by hand and flatten the prongs with a wooden stick. If you plan to decorate several t-shirts, save time with a machine that will do the work for you. (See Resources)
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Use fabric paints and markers to doodle, add your signature, get autographs or write a favorite quote or song lyric on the back of your shirt.
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Pair foam stamps with fabric paints to stamp designs onto your t-shirt. Let your kids customize their own for holidays like Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day. If painting gets a little messy, tell them to press their paint-covered hands onto the design.
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Sew ribbon, lace or beaded trim along the bottom hem, sleeves and neck. Find styles and colors to coordinate with the shirt or the pants you plan to wear it with.
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Tips & Warnings
When you are adding a design to a t-shirt with fabric paint be sure to place scrap paper or a piece of cardboard between the layers so the colors don't seep through to the other side.
Preserve your new designs and embellishments by washing the shirt by hand rather than in the machine.
