Tips for Making T-Shirts

Series Summary

Oh, the t-shirt has seen many different trends. Once hidden under dress shirts, it has emerged from its modest beginnings into one of the most common forms of expression. Today, we see t-shirts with funny sayings, ironic social commentary, and a multitude of advertisements. And, what would a tourist attraction be without the classic t-shirt souvenir? How could we brag about our recent indulgences without paying a pretty penny for that small piece of evidence that screams “I've been here?” There are many different fashion rolls that the t-shirt has helped communicate. However, if you are one of those creative souls, you know that real fashion is all about the unique! And, what better way to do that than create your own custom t-shirt design? With a little direction, you could be well on your way to re-defining the t-shirt trend.

In this free video series, learn how to make a completely unique t-shirt design. Our expert, Chantelle Tibbs, makes her own designer t-shirts, and she gives you advice for painting your t-shirts. Learn the supplies you need to paint a tshirt, and get tips for making stencils for your art project. With Chantelle's help, you can learn how to use a stencil to paint a t-shirt, and you can learn how to add details to your painted shirt. So, what are you waiting for? Find the inner artist in you!

Video Transcript

"GRACE FRAGA: Hi! You're watching Expert Village and I'm your host Grace Fraga for arts and crafts and everything fun. Today, we're going to learn how to make your own t-shirt. And I have here an expert on t-shirts, Chantelle Tibbs. How are you doing, Chantelle? CHANTELLE TIBBS: I'm doing all right. How are you doing? GRACE FRAGA: I'm doing great. So, today, you're going to teach us how to make our own t-shirt from scratch. CHANTELLE TIBBS: Absolutely. Not only am I going to do that, I'm going to teach you how to do it like the most cost effective way you possibly can. GRACE FRAGA: What is the first step that you're going to teach us? CHANTELLE TIBBS: Well, first, I'm going to teach you how to make a t-shirt using a stencil as opposed to using or going to a screen printer, paying any kind of setup fees, or getting involved with any other machinery, anything technical. We're just going to use a stencil. GRACE FRAGA: Okay. CHANTELLE TIBBS: And how am I going to about teaching you that is you'll going to learn how make the stencil, how to cut the stencil, what material you want the stencil to be, whether it'd be acetate or cardboard. We're going to use cardboard today. I'll teach you how to paint the design on the front of the t-shirt... GRACE FRAGA: Okay. CHANTELLE TIBBS: ...without having it stick to the back and drying it real quick, real easy, fantastic. GRACE FRAGA: Great! Great, and you do have your own t-shirt company, correct? CHANTELLE TIBBS: Yes, I do, Wear Me Naked. GRACE FRAGA: Wear Me Naked. And people can go, buy your t-shirts, and look at your designs. What's the website? CHANTELLE TIBBS: It's WearMeNaked.com and... GRACE FRAGA: So, go and check her out, WearMeNaked.com. Wear Me Naked. Where did that come from? CHANTELLE TIBBS: Well, it's what you do with a shirt. You wear it naked [OVERLAPPING] GRACE FRAGA: Oh, well. You do that. I wear underwear, but that's okay. CHANTELLE TIBBS: I know [OVERLAPPING]. You can wear them naked too. GRACE FRAGA: So, I can't wait. I'm sure you can't wait to see how to make your own t-shirt. We'll be back."