How to Design a Baby's T-Shirt

Let's face it...babies are gorgeous. You could wrap them in rags and they'd still make it look good. But for those more 'fashion conscious' little ones, you might want to add a little something unique to their wardrobe. Why not try your hand at designing a baby tee? Whether you go for something cute or sassy, you may just start a trend! Here's an easy way to put a cute slogan or picture on your baby's t-shirt.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby t-shirt or bodysuit (aka 'onesie')
• fabric paint
• stencils
• brushes
• iron on transfer paper
• computer and printer

1. First decide if you want a t-shirt with a slogan or a photo. If you want a picture you'll probably want to use your computer and some iron on transfer paper. If it's a slogan you want, you can use the computer and a word processing program or you can use paint and stencils. You could even try writing on the shirt freehand, depending on the type of paint you buy.

2. If you are using the computer, pick your photo or type your text out in the font and color you want. Make sure that it is a good size...not too big and not too small! Print your image or text on plain paper to see how it will look. Now comes the tricky bit...depending on what type of iron on transfer paper you buy you may have to reverse the image or text. Some paper comes with software you can use to do this, but some word processing or graphic art software (such as Photoshop) already have this feature. Some transfer paper does not require you to reverse the image, so make sure you read and follow the instructions on the packet very carefully before you ever put the paper in the printer! See resources below for places to purchase this paper.

3. Once you are sure about what you are printing and whether it needs to be reversed, put the transfer paper into your printer and print per the instructions. Once the ink is dry you can cut your image or text to fit your t-shirt. Then follow the manufacturer's instructions for ironing on your work of art!

4. If you choose to use paint and stencils you can find a huge selection in most craft stores. Stencils will help you make your letters more uniform. You may want to tape the stencil to the shirt first, and remember to put something inside the shirt to prevent paint from seeping through from the front onto the back of the shirt. You can now buy paint pens, which make it much easier to do writing on fabric. There's also glitter paints and even glow in the dark paints, so there's no end to the cute designs you can make! Remember to let the shirt dry thoroughly before baby wears it, and you may have to iron or wash the shirt depending on the type of paint used. Again, follow the instructions on the paint for best results!

Tips & Warnings

• Get creative!
• Don't be too hard on yourself if it's not perfect...babies really don't care if it's messy or not!
• Never let babies get into the paints...this could be dangerous for them!
• Make sure you read the labels on the paints to make sure it is safe for all types of fabric. If you are not sure whether a fabric paint is safe to use on baby's clothes, call the manufacturer, the number will probably be on the back of the paint.

Resources

• Good old Walmart! You can get transfer paper and even fabric paints very cheaply here. Plus you can get the tshirt, too!
• Hobby Lobby...a great place for craft supplies and ideas.
• Michaels is another fantastic arts and crafts supply store.

[Merriment]

on 5/3/2009 Very good idea and wonderful suggestions and information!

[starlet67]

on 4/4/2009 Great idea with great tips and instructions!5*

[georgelarson]

on 3/30/2009 Very creative. Thanks.

[jamaclassics]

on 3/30/2009 Nice job!