DIY Rocker T-Shirt

Using the Tulip Screen-it and some scissors you can turn a boring t-shirt into a fun printed tank for summer. For this project I used one of my husbands old t-shirts, since it’s a little large, once it’s tied it works perfectly. The t-shirt I used has David Bowie on it, so I created a graphic of a lightning bolt and used the Tulip Screen-it which is really easy! I was amazed! Follow the instructions on the ILTC website and you’ll be able to create your own awesome t-shirt designs in no time!

TOOLS & MATERIALS:

1 T-shirt a few sizes larger than normal

Tulip Screen-it

Tulip Soft Fabric Paint

Aleene’s Tacky Spray

Graphic image

Scissors

Ribbon

Aleene’s Fabric Fusion (optional)

Timer

Sponge

step 1

Choose your design and print it out in black ink. It’s very important that your image is dark.

Find a room in your house that you can make a dark room. Cover every possible place that light could get in.

Set up a plastic bin with enough water to soak your film once you’ve burned your screen or use your tub, if your bathroom works best for your darkroom. That’s what I did.

Once your room is ready, use the yellow light bulb as your only source of light.

Be sure to have all your supplies with you, Aleene’s Tacky Spray, your films, your graphic, the Screenit, squeegee and a timer before you get started.

step 2

Spray the base of your Screen-it with the Aleene’s Tacky Spray and place your film on top of the base. Use your squeegee to smooth out any bubbles.

Next, spray the design side of your graphic with the Aleene’s Tacky Spray and place it graphic side down on your film.

Place the frame and the top of the Screen-it on top of your graphic.

step 3

Turn on your Screen-it for 8 minutes.

When your 8 minutes are up lift the top of your Screen-it, rotate it 180 degrees, set it back on top and turn it on for another 8 minutes.

You will use your Screen-it for a total of 16 minutes.

step 4

When that is finished, peel your graphic off your film and submerge your film in your pan or tub of water and let sit for 10 minutes.

This is where you’ll see your design emerge!

step 5

When your 10 minutes are up, lay your film on top of the base from your Screen-it and using a sponge (soft side only) rub your film under running water.

This will loosen the emulsion on your film, revealing your image.

Let your film dry.

For more detailed instructions on using the Screen-it click here.

step 6

Now you’re ready to print your shirt.

Lay your t-shirt out on a flat surface.  

Use the base of your Screen-it inside your shirt, this will provide a hard surface to screen on and keep any paint from soaking through.

Spray the area of your shirt with Aleene’s Tacky Spray and place your film on top.

Place the frame of your Screen-it on top of your film. 

step 7

Apply a generous amount of your Tulip Soft Fabric Paint across the top of your design.

Hold the top of your film with one hand and use your squeegee to pull the paint across your design with your other hand. Be sure to add even pressure with your squeegee as your pull it across.

You may need to do this a couple of times. Depending on the color of your shirt and your paint.

My image is a bit light, since I used silver paint on a dark gray t-shirt, but I wanted a vintage faded look. Using lighter colored t-shirts will give you a stronger color with your fabric paint.

Let your image dry.

Be sure to rinse out your film when you are done, it can be reused many times!

step 8

Now you’re ready to cut your t-shirt.

Lay it out flat and cut off the sleeves and the bottom band.

Cut the neck in large scoop shape, you can go slowly with this and keep trying it on as you go. That will keep it from getting too big to wear.

Cut the back of your t-shirt lower than the front.

step 9

When your t-shirt is cut the way you want it, you’re ready to tie the back.

Using a ribbon or the bottom strip of your t-shirt or whatever you like, wrap your two back shoulder straps with your ribbon and tie in a bow.

 

step 10

The front of my t-shirt was puckering a bit (since I’m not much of a busty gal) I used Aleene’s Fabric Fusion to hold small tucks on either side of the neckline.

I also used the Fabric Fusion to hold the bow, just a few drops inside the knot, to keep it from untying.

I had so much fun using the Screen-it, in a really short time you can create fun graphics for t-shirts and so much more! Also, this way of turning a t-shirt into a tank is a great way to keep those old t-shirts from ending up in the rag pile! You could also use small adult or teen sizes to make tops or dresses for girls! I guess I know what my daughter will be wearing this summer!

To see more DIY fashion be sure to check out my blog at Trinkets in Bloom.