How to Customize Girl's Shirts

Customizing a girl's shirt is as easy as accessorizing it, layering and adding a little creativity. By purchasing supplies at a craft store, or even using basic sewing items you have have around the house, you can make a completely new look out of your old shirt in the time of a few hours or even less.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Sewing kit
• Fabric paint and/or markers
• Iron
• Iron-on patch
• Screen print or rubber stamps

Instructions

1. Take a look at the shape of your girl's shirt. If you want the shape to be different, consider trimming the sleeves, waist or neckline. Take care that you do not ruin the seams or overall fit of the shirt unintentionally. Trim off sleeves or change the shape of the neckline as you wish. Consider making your shirt sleeveless or cutting a v-neck.

2. Use hot glue or a needle and thread to add your personal style to the garment. Adding items such as buttons, pins, ribbons or small decorative objects makes the shirt new. Experiment with the positions and kinds of embellishments you add.

3. Create a screen print and use fabric paint to add a design to your shirt. While you have the option of drawing a design free-hand, using a screen print can be a great way to quickly add the perfect piece of art to the shirt. If this doesn't suit your taste, consider using fabric paint on a rubber stamp. These are often smaller and there is a huge variety.

4. Layer shirts for a complex effect. If you have more than one shirt that needs updating, considering pairing them. Playing with the necklines and shapes, as in Step 1, is a great way to be sure both shirt designs show through. If you want the look to be permanent, add a stitch or two at the sleeve seams and/or sides to keep the shirts together. Try different lengths and complementary necklines.

5. Iron on a printed logo to make the look professional. Using print-at-home or purchased decals can make shirts suitable for teams, events or clubs, and cost less than professional services. Follow the instructions on the patch or decal to be sure your application technique is correct.

References

• JoAnn's Fabrics: T-shirts and Wearable Art