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Fun T Shirt Crafts and Projects For Kids

Creating fun and unique t-shirts can be a great way for adults and kids to spend quality time together. T-shirt projects are easy to do and are one of the most-loved projects for kids. With the help of an adult, kids can create their very own shirts with tie-dye, bleach pens, freezer paper stencils, and even stamps made out of potatoes! Read on to learn about some of our favorite easy t-shirt crafts for kids.

Tie Dye

Tie-dying is one of the best projects for kids because it is a fun way to create brightly colored t-shirts with cool designs. An adult will need to help gather supplies and prepare a dying station-make sure to wear old clothes or cover up with an apron, because this can get messy! You will need:

  • Plain t-shirts

  • Rubber bands

  • RIT dye in several colors

  • Rubber gloves

  • Buckets/bowls for dye

First, pick a few favorite colors and have an adult mix up the dye. Feel free to use lots of colors or just a few-be creative! Tie the shirt into sections with rubber bands. Designs (like a sunburst or stripes) can be made by tying the t-shirt in a specific way, or you can freestyle and be surprised at the end. Dip each t-shirt section into a different color dye (don't forget to wear gloves! Dye can easily hurt and stain hands). Leave each section in the dye for at least 20 minutes. Remember that soaking the shirt longer creates a darker color.

After 20 minutes, take the shirt out of the dye and rinse it under cold water until all the dye is out. Remove the rubber bands, and voila! Your very own unique tie-dye design!

How to Tie Dye

Tie Dye Instructions

Arts and Crafts Directory

How to Tie Dye- the Short Version

Easy Tie Dye for Kids

Stamping

One of the most popular t-shirt crafts involves decorating with stamps made from homemade materials. Did you know that you can make a stamp out of a potato? It's so fun and easy! For this craft you will need to have an adult gather these materials:

  • 2 or 3 potatoes

  • Knife

  • Cutting board

  • Fabric paint

  • Paper plates

  • Blank t-shirt

First, an adult should cut the potatoes in half and carve designs into the bottom of each one. A few fun ideas are hearts, stars, flowers, and circles. Next, put different colors of paint onto paper plates and spread a blank t-shirt out in front of you. Dip a stamp into the paint (make sure the design on the bottom is completely covered) and start stamping! Let the shirt dry completely before washing.

Potato Stamp Shirt

Potato Stamps

Potato Stamp Crafts

T-Shirt Project Ideas

Drawing

Drawing on a shirt with bleach or fabric paint pens is another creative option for crafting with kids. These t-shirt projects can be ready to wear in as little as two or three hours! You will need:

  • Solid color t-shirt

  • Chalk

  • Wax paper

  • Bleach or fabric paint pen

  • Paper towels

First, lay the shirt flat on a table and slip a piece of wax paper underneath so the bleach or paint won't bleed through to the other side. Draw on the design with chalk. Bleach tends to spread, so it's a good idea to keep the design simple. Fun ideas are cartoon animals, scroll designs, or even lyrics from a favorite song. Next, trace the chalk lines with the bleach or paint pen. Go slowly and be very careful! When using a bleach pen, the shirt will be ready to be washed when the design has completely lightened (anywhere from ten minutes to a couple of hours).

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Kids Craft Ideas

Bleach Pen Drawing

T-Shirt Painting Party

Stencils

Making t-shirts from homemade stencils is another fun way to involve kids in t-shirt crafts. Freezer paper is perfect for homemade stencils because it sticks to the shirt and peels off easily. Stenciling is one of the best fun and easy t-shirt crafts because it is so rewarding to pull off the stencil and see the unique design at the end. You will need:

  • Plain t-shirt

  • Sponge brush

  • Fabric paint

  • Freezer paper

  • Regular paper

  • X-acto knife

First, make sketches of your t-shirt designs on regular paper. Animals or superhero logos are great ideas for stencils! Next, have an adult draw a very neat version of the design on another sheet of regular paper and then trace it onto the freezer paper. After the design has been cut out and secured to the shirt, you can begin sponging on the paint. Leave the stencil on until the paint is dry and then slowly peel it off. Ta-dah!

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Arts and Crafts

Freezer Paper Stencils

Freezer Paper Stencil Tutorial