DIY Painted Sweatshirt

You can make this easy DIY painted sweatshirt. Copy a design you like or make up your own using freezer paper as a stencil.

I saw a cute sweatshirt in Anthropologie last year and I thought “I can make that!”. Of course sometimes I think that and it is just not true but I always have high hopes. In this case I was actually pretty doubtful that it would come out okay but I have to say that I love the final result! You should try this – I promise it is easier than you think.

Supplies:

Sweatshirt (mine is thrifted)
Fabric paint
Sponge or stencil brush
Sharpie
Freezer Paper
Scissors or exacto knife
Masking Tape
Idea or example for your image
Scrap paper for a template
Iron
Cardboard insert to protect the inside of your shirt

This photo shows the inspiration shirt from Anthropologie that is no longer in stock. I was going to do the dip dye also but then I thought “Lets just tackle one thing at a time” right? First you want to cut out your shapes from your scrap paper and arrange them on your shirt. You can tape them on and try the shirt on – this way you can strategically place things if they need to be.

Once I knew where I wanted the images on my shirt I placed a bit of tape on the shirt so I could draw my stencil.

I put the freezer paper shiny side down on top of my shirt and arranged the templates for my design on top. I could see where the tape was underneath the freezer paper.

Using my marker I traced the templates on the freezer paper also marking where the top of the shirt collar was so I knew where to position the paper after I cut it.

Using your exactor knife cut out your shapes from the outlines you drew. As you can see a simpler design is better for this step.

Once your shapes are cut place the freezer paper back on your shirt.

Use a ward iron to iron down your freezer paper to your shirt. Take your time and make sure that the edges around your cut shape are ironed down.

Mix your desired color fabric paint. Before painting add a piece of cardboard or paper underneath the side of the shirt you are painting. This will prevent the paint from bleeding through to the other side.

Using your sponge or stencil brush paint your stencil. Let dry and repeat until you get the saturation you are happy with.

Once your paint has dried thoroughly you can slowly peal away your freezer paper.

I love the way this design came out! The edges are nice and crisp and the color is showing up really nicely.

My design required some freehand detail work which I did with a fine paint brush and more fabric paint. I used a water soluble pencil to sketch out my freehand lettering.

The final step is to put a piece of cloth on top and iron the painted portions of the stencil to set it. This will help the stencil to last longer through multiple washings.

I hope you try this project and would love to see what you make if you do try it!