Top 20 DIY t-shirt ideas - make your own fashion for fun and profit

Learn how to screen print, make t-shirt stencils, create a cool t-shirt using scissors, dye a design with bleach, how to make the
cheapest band t-shirts, draw designs on a t-shirt, make t-shirt designs with paint and pens, tie-dye using fabric spray paint,
make inkjet heat transfers on t-shirts, recycle t-shirts into a skirt, how to deconstruct a t-shirt without sewing, sew a tube top
out of a t-shirt, DIY a shopping bag, easy applique, DIY a hoodie scarf out of an old sweatshirt, give away t-shirts, much more!

Guide to the world's best FREE t-shirt and DIY fashion ideas for dyeing,
applique, printing and re-engineering (first bookmark this page):

How to tie-dye t-shirts and do creative dye effects...
How to do applique, lace and ribbon craft on t-shirts...
How to print, stamp and stencil on t-shirts...
How to make other clothing and craft items from t-shirts...
How to sound like an expert on the subject of t-shirts...

Also see our DIY fashion supplies store.

T-SHIRT IDEAS TO "DYE" FOR...

How to make your own "tie-dyed" t-shirts...
An ancient craft which exploded in popularity during the hippy days of the 1960's and 1970's, tie-dyeing is
back in a big way thanks to the retro fashion movement. You will find tie-dye t-shirts selling on eBay for up
to $45-50 each these days! Why pay so much for tie-dye fabric artistry when it's so easy and satisfying to
DIY at home. Visit http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cl_shirts_blouses/article/0,2025,DIY_13734_2272946,00.html
for a basic guide to the art of tie-dying, and see our DIY Supplies link above for your tie-dye supplies. The
ultimate instructions for traditional tie-dying at home are available on DVD and shipped worldwide from
http://www.truetiedye.com. A short video on the traditional method of tie-dying can be seen for free at
http://www.simplyspray.com.au/webcontent2.htm. 

How to have a tie-dye t-shirt birthday party for children...
We love this idea for a kids party, holiday or vacation care program activity - visit
http://familyfun.go.com/parties/birthday/feature/famf0603_tiedyeparty/ for instructions on creating the entire
theme including irresistible invitations, psychedelic t-shirt cake, blow painting, make-and-bake mini-magnets,
and of course - how kids can tie-dye their own t-shirts! That's the old way of doing it at least. The easiest way to
tie-dye t-shirts is to use Simply Spray soft fabric paint. Safe for kids to use, no mess, no fuss. Visit
http://www.simplyspray.com.au/webcontent2.htm and watch the video on how to have a tie-dye party for kids.

How to make kids "nature" t-shirts - a great holiday or camp activity...
Kids collect flowers, leaves, or objects of nature, then these shapes are bleached into brightly-coloured t-shirts
(with a little adult help) by a very easy method. The result is a strikingly beautiful, one-off design. Visit
http://www.libraryforlife.org/subjectguides/index.php/Crafts for instructions (scroll all the way to the bottom of the
page for this craft idea); and see our DIY Supplies link above for Zentex's "Sun Colour" light-sensitive inks - non-toxic
alternative to bleach for safe use by children. Soft fabric spray paint can be used with great effect for making
nature t-shirts. Leaves and shapes are placed on a lighter-coloured t-shirt, then the fabric paint is sprayed lightly over
the area. Wonderful 'resist' designs can be produced in this way. Visit www.simplyspray.com.au for more information
about this method.

APPLIQUE, LACE AND RIBBON IDEAS FOR T-SHIRTS...

How to make "ribbon flower" t-shirts...
A delightful gift idea - particularly for children - and so easy to do for those crafty types who enjoy sewing and
applique. A top seller for fetes and handicraft stores too. Visit
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cl_shirts_blouses/article/0,2025,DIY_13734_2269203,00.html for easy instructions.

How to make fashion applique t-shirts
Clever DIY fashionista Katie McRae has some great ideas about how to make beautiful applique t-shirts at under NZ$10 each
- and deconstructions for next to nothing. Cross the Tasman for the instructions and more pics - visit
http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/articles/4235.

IDEAS FOR KIDS PRINTING, STAMPING AND STENCILS...

How to make potato-print face t-shirts for a smash-hit kid's party activity...
Can you believe this cool kids t-shirt was printed using POTATOES!!! This is a fabulous birthday or slumber party
entertainment idea - and every child gets a precious gift to take home. Also a great gift idea for kids to make for parents,
grandparents, teachers, siblings, friends. Great for schools and OSH programs too! Visit
http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10396 for materials list, instructions, and step-by-step
video demonstration; and see our DIY Supplies link above for non-toxic fabric ink supplies.

How to decorate t-shirts using rubber stamps...
A very simple method for making unique t-shirts as Christmas/birthday gifts, party favours - there are so many rubber
stamp designs available at craft, bargain and stationery stores. Visit
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cl_shirts_blouses/article/0,2025,DIY_13734_2270995,00.html
for easy-to-follow instructions, and see our DIY Supplies link above for unique designs in rubber stamps.

How to make t-shirts for kids to colour-in with crayons after every wash...
Here's a clever home-made gift idea with a built-in activity that will entertain young children again and again. Visit http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cl_shirts_blouses/article/0,2025,DIY_13734_2270859,00.html
for easy-to-follow instructions.
 

How make your own stencils and print your own t-shirts...
Dedicated DIY girl Anya Merryfield describes an easy way to make your own stencils for t-shirt decoration - simple shapes
are best to begin with - visit http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/articles/6747.

How to do basic screen printing on t-shirts...
Visit http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cl_shirts_blouses/article/0,2025,DIY_13734_2271128,00.html and become a
DIY screen printer today! See www.nehoc.com.au for screen printing starter kits available in Australia.

T-SHIRT RE-ENGINEERING & DECONSTRUCTION IDEAS...

How to make beautiful dresses for babies and girls - from a t-shirt...
This idea is simply brilliant. You won't believe it! Gorgeous, unique, individual dresses for babies and girls
made in a jiffy from next to nothing. What a welcome gift, and an eye-catching offering for stalls and fetes. Visit http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cl_children/article/0,2025,DIY_13726_2271293,00.html to find how it's done.

How to cut an old t-shirt into a halter top within five minutes...
Teens find their own way to re-engineer t-shirts into grunge fashion. Got a pair of
scissors? Visit http://teenfashion.about.com/od/diyfashion/ss/diyhaltertop.htm. 

T-SHIRT HISTORY, FACTS AND TRIVIA...

Q: Who invented the t-shirt?
Did you know that underwear wasn't developed until the 19th century, and the t-shirt as we know it didn't
evolve until somewhere between 1913 and 1932? Discover these and other amazing facts about t-shirts at
wonderful Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia, at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-shirt.

Choosing the right fit for blank t-shirts:

classic
square cut, deeper cut armholes, wider sleeves, usually longer length

regular
more modern square cut, regular armholes, regular sleeves, regular length, usually unisex

slim fit
modern tailored cut (usually in men's and ladies' versions), sleeves shorter and narrower than with regular or classic

fitted
usually stretch, skin tight or body hugging according to size

What is a "half-chest" measurement for t-shirts?
T-shirts measurements usually refer to the width of the t-shirt itself when laid flat on a table, measured just underneath the point
where the sleeves join the body of the t-shirt. Industry-insiders refer to the "half-chest" measurement, but to make it easier for
everyone we call this "across chest". Some manufacturers prefer to use the old "to fit chest..." way of stating measurements.

Need fabric art and craft supplies?

Got a DIY idea you'd like to share? Send some pics of your project.

Like to recommend a link?

Return to our blank clothing range here www.blankclothing.com.au.