Do you have an old t-shirt that you no longer wear? Maybe you have many. You could just like fashion design, arts and crafts, or...you’re having trouble getting rid of one of your favorites. Or maybe you're curious as to how some "designers" make over-sized and plain-looking t-shirts their own--because it looks so good on them, while yours looks--well--over-sized and plain. (Don't worry, that was me, too.) Regardless of the situation, these ideas are easy, kind of fun, and budget-friendly.
- Place a Cool Picture or Words on It
If your t-shirt is plain, you can try this idea for a pretty low cost and easy to get items. What you do is, first get a hand-crafted image or small pattern (say, a free online picture, your best drawing, etc.) save it to your computer, and using a sheet of heat transfer vinyl paper, print it. Then, get your t-shirt on an ironing board, heat up your iron (I'd do a low or medium setting, but of course, follow the instructions given in your HTVP packet), put the paper on the shirt (usually, it's with the image facing downward onto the fabric), and place the heated iron on the paper. When ready, slowly remove the paper, and you get your image printed on your t-shirt. How cool is this?! When done, depending on your style, you can add more images on other parts of the shirt, like the sleeves or the bottom, even the back, and get an even more unique look. And if you really want to be fancy, try HTVP sheets in different colors, or the glitter sheets. You'll love this idea so much, soon you'll be buying whole rolls of this stuff. Thank me later.
- Cut It Up
Too big? Cut a straight line lengthways down one side, so there's something like a skirt split, then tie the front and the back. You can also make it a crop top by cutting the bottom, or you can cut out the front and tie the left and right sides, making it an overcoat--does anyone wear that style anymore? Who cares? If you like it, go for it. Another idea is to cut the bottom of all sides except one (left or right) for an asymmetrical look. What if it's not too big--it's just not your style? Well you can make it a boat-neck, drawing attention to your neckline. Or maybe you like a more simpler wide neck. If you're feeling pretty crafty, you can try sewing some elastic at the waist, or under the bust, creating a sort of hour-glass shape. Why cut it up? It's simple. Plus all you'll need are a pair of scissors.
- Paint It
Whether your t-shirt is plain or has a logo on it, is dark in color or light, try some paint. You can even use stencils to create a specific shape or design. Just make sure you use acrylic paint, which is most suitable for fabric. Okay, so you don't have a steady hand, plus you're just not that good with paint. Well, there's also letter stencils for some wording, and some tricks. Try using tape to outline the specific space you want to paint. If not, who needs a steady hand, and all that measuring stuff? One painting technique requires a free hand. Dip the brush (even a toothbrush) in some paint, and rub your thumb over the bristles for a unique artsy pattern with some splashes. You can also mix the paint with a little bit of water, then once you dip your brush in it, without touching the bristles, flick your wrist in an up and down motion for some tiny polka dots. Or try moving your wrist around very loosely to create some fluid lines. No brush? You'd be surprised what you can do with a toothpick, a string of beads, some cotton balls, or even a sponge.
- Turn It Into an Open Shirt
This may sound challenging, but it's really more simple than you might think. First, cut out the collar, then the middle. You'll need to decide what type of buttons you'd like to use. Once you've picked a color and style, outline them along the length of the shirt to determine how many you'll need. If you'd like, you can also add a collar. Either reuse the collar you initially cut out, or add some cloth from another clothing piece you don't use. Sew it on to the top of your shirt, remembering that you must do so from the inside out so you don't see where the pieces are sewn together. Finally, it's time to hem the side that the buttons will be on. Next, grab a needle and thread, knot it so it doesn't slip through, place the button where'd you'd like it to be and push the needle through the wrong side of the shirt. When ready, cut out some button holes on the other side, and sew them so they don't come apart. Don't forget to hem that side and the bottom and--ta da!--you've turned your old shirt into a chic new button down shirt. Why not?
- Dress It Up
Speaking of chic, and adding material from other clothing, another fabulous idea is to dress up your old shirt. Try adding lace to the bottom and the sleeves, or chiffon around the neck. Even satin and polyester can make a very casual t-shirt appear more upscale. But it doesn't have to look like a patchwork quilt or something your great great great great great great great great great great great grandmother made. So how do you do this? Don't worry, I have some really good ideas. The name of the game here is chic. Make it elegant, not just with the choice of fabric, but also the length. Lengthen the sleeves, add the fabric to the bottom, or even the middle. What's more, see if you can add crinoline, that stiff mesh-like material or pad up the shoulders. Better yet, forget the length. Try layering. Sew chiffon or another see-through fabric over the whole shirt. It also doesn't have to be white. A dark color can work well if you're re-making a dark colored t-shirt. Have I said enough?
So...do you like fashion or are you in desperate need of a new t-shirt? Hopefully this post has helped you re-make your shirt, or at least given you another idea or two. Which of the 5 ways do you like the most? Do any of them sound familiar? Which one? If not, and you've tried one of my styling suggestions...well...how'd it go, and how does it look? Further, let me know if you've re-made your t-shirt in a way not mentioned here. Happy styling!
