T-Shirt Spinner Crafts

Turn an ordinary T-shirt into a designer original with a spin-art machine.

Use a spin-art machine and fabric paints to turn T-shirts into wearable works of art. Create designer originals for a fraction of the purchase price. Combine the shirts with matching pants, and make outfits for young children. Once you start making these T-shirts, you'll soon be making clothing gifts for friends and family members. Make several in a variety of sizes, and sell them at local craft shows and bazaars.

Monograms

Tape off the initials you plan to use in the monogram with low-tack painter's tape. Block letters are easier to make. Press the tape firmly into the T-shirt, rubbing the full surface of the tape to secure it to the shirt. Put the shirt in the spin-art machine, and add the paint in the colors of your choice. Spin the paint across the surface of the shirt. Remove the shirt carefully, and let it dry overnight. Remove the tape to expose the monogram.

Checkerboard

Tape off a checkerboard grid with low-tack painter's tape. Extend the edges of the tape past the edges of the T-shirt to ensure the lines are fully protected. Place the shirt inside the spin-art machine and spin the shirt, adding paint during the spinning process. Remove the shirt carefully, and let it dry overnight. Remove the tape to expose the checkerboard grid pattern in the paint design.

Stamping

Place a piece of cardboard inside the T-shirt so you have a firm work surface. Pin the shirt to the cardboard with thumbtacks. Place a piece of card stock in the spin-art machine and spin it, adding paint to create the spin-art design. Remove the paper, and immediately press your rubber stamp into the wet paint. Press the stamp firmly onto the T-shirt, and lift it up to expose the stamped design in the spin-art pattern. For large designs, you must spin several pieces of card stock.

Designs

Cut a basic design out of a thin sheet of plastic. Choose a design from a coloring book or picture book. Cut the design out, and tape it to the plastic. Cut carefully around the design, and sand the edges of your cuts to make them as smooth as possible. Wipe the plastic with a damp cloth to remove the dust from sanding. Tape the plastic tightly to the T-shirt, and place the shirt inside the spin-art machine. Spin the shirt, adding paint as it spins. Let the shirt dry overnight before removing the plastic. Outline the design with fabric markers to create a clean, crisp edge around your design.

Borders

Tape protective plastic over the T-shirt so only 1-inch stripes at the bottom hem and the hems of the sleeves remain exposed. Place the shirt into the spinner and spin it, adding paint to the stripe above the bottom hem. Remove the shirt, and let it dry before returning it to the spinner to paint the stripe above the sleeves. Once the shirt dries completely, remove the tape and plastic to expose the painted borders.