Update a plain cotton t-shirt by turning it into a customized fashion piece! This project uses stencils and household bleach to create your own t-shirts. Bleach Stencil T-Shirts are easy to make and exciting to wear!
Supplies Needed
- T-Shirt
- Spray Bottle w/ Bleach
- Vinyl Stencil
- Iron
- Squeegee
- Cardboard
- Gloves (Optional)
Tips for Selecting Your Shirt:
This project will work best with a cotton t-shirt in any color of your choosing. Darker colors will show the transformation the most.
How to Make A Bleach Stencil T-Shirt
Step 1: Place the Cardboard Inside the T-Shirt
The cardboard is used to prevent the bleach from bleeding through the shirt. Insert the cardboard inside the t-shirt, between the front and back of the shirt. Align the cardboard to where you want to place the vinyl stencil. Fold the rest of the t-shirt underneath the cardboard.
Step 2: Iron the T-Shirt
Iron the area of the t-shirt where the vinyl will be placed. You will want to be sure the area is free from wrinkles.
Step 3: Apply the Vinyl Stencil
Apply the stencil onto the t-shirt; use a squeegee to make sure the vinyl is well-adhered to the t-shirt. Next, carefully peel off the transfer tape to expose the vinyl; use the squeegee to keep the vinyl on the t-shirt if it peels up during the process.
Step 4: Spray the Bleach on the T-Shirt
Spray the bleach on the general area of the stencil. Make sure the spray bottle nozzle is turned to its mist setting; 2-3 light sprays should be just enough. You want the stream to be as light and fine as possible so the bleach spreads out over the area, and to avoid all the bleach concentrating in one area.
Step 5: Wait for the Bleach to Work
Allow some time for the bleach to take effect. The bleached areas should show up after a few seconds. You can blow dry the area to accelerate the bleaching.
Step 6: Peel Stencil Off T-Shirt
Once you’re satisfied with the bleaching effect, carefully peel off the stencil to reveal your full design!
Step 7: Care at Home
This step is really important to prevent further discoloration, which could impact your design. Once the t-shirt is dry, rinse it in cold water and then hang it up to dry. Then put it through a wash and dry cycle alone before washing it in a normal load.