I am going to what is supposedly the most epic 4th of July party in the history of ever (according to every person who’s been in the years before). It is actually a whole weekend event, so when I saw this tank top on Pinterest I figured I had to make it. Unfortunately the picture didn’t have a tutorial attached, so I decided to wing it. My girlfriend and I got together and picked up a couple boy Ts from the Goodwill and stopped by Joann’s for the rest of the supplies.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A plain white T shirt
- Blue tape
- Red and blue spray paint (NOTE: it is way cheaper to buy this somewhere besides a craft store! i.e. Lowes, Fred Meyer…)
- Star stickers
- Scissors
Directions:
- Cut your T shirt how you like (For a easy way to fold it so that everything is even see my “How to fold for even cutting” picture). Be sure to save one of the sleeves you cut off. (If you want more detailed directions on how to cut the shirt look at this DIY tank top tutorial from Dollars, Sense & More.)
- Slide a piece of cardboard inside the shirt. For the red part tape off stripes and make sure to cover up the part you want to make blue. Depending on what kind of stripes you want you’ll spray differently. I went with a more faded look so I sprayed from farther away, while my friend did a more graffitied look. You could also do it more solid if you like. (Keep in mind that the thicker you spray the paint, the stiffer the fabric will be.)
- After the red has dried, take off only the tape that’s over the section where you want blue and tape over the surrounding red parts. Lay down your star stickers however you like and spray away!
- Take one of the sleeves that was cut off and spray it whatever color you like. I did both red and blue. You’ll cut this and use it to tie the back together.
- After everything has dried, take off all the tape. Cut your sleeve piece lengthwise — it can be skinny or thick, depending on the look you like (Mine was about two inches — keep in mind that it will roll a bit). Tie the back together with your extra strip, knotting twice with the knot on the inside. Cut the ends off, leaving enough extra to tuck it into the knot so they don’t show.
Enjoy!
NOTE: You can do any design with this idea. You could do letters or cut out a silhouette and spray paint over those as well. You could do a tank for each holiday! I have also seen fun Pinterest shirts where you spray over a cut-out with bleach instead of spray paint. Have fun with the possibilities!
If you like crafts like this check out more on Laina’s Pinterest.
Do you also enjoy cooking, eating, and food? Take a look at Small Detail Food!
Cool! One question, doesn’t the shirt smell like paint when you wear it?
Hi Frank. No, after the paint dries it doesn’t smell. You can wash it too, if you like.
How do you wash it so that it doesn’t fade?
Hi Cassie, I didn’t do anything special — I just threw it in the wash with my other clothes. I didn’t get any special fabric spray paint but if you are concerned maybe that could be an option for you.
Pingback: Red, White and Blue DIY | Tips From Town
Do you get a t-shirt a few sizes bigger so it will tie better?
It was a T-shirt I got at the goodwill that fit well around my waist/hips, but the shoulders were a little big.
I made one today and loooove it! Thanks for the inspiration!
I followed your tutorial, and posted the results on my blog with a link back to you! Thanks for great instructions!
http://shoestringstyle-amanda.blogspot.com/2013/06/what-i-wore-or-fourth-is-coming.html
I love how yours turned out, the graduated stripes look great!
Thank you Thank you thank you!!! This was such an excellent idea and so easy that even those of us that are craft challenge can do it. The Zumba class I go to does special classes around different holidays and making our own shirts is one of the big things. You just made it so much easier. Have a wonderful 4th if July.
any specific type/brand of paint?
Nope, any will work!
Reblogged this on Boots & Betsy and commented:
Love this! 4th of July ready!
Hi! I’m just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration! I’m currently making dresses for little girls based off of this. I left the top white and made red, white, and blue stripes on the bottom. I painted a large strip of fabric blue and tied it around to make and empire waist. On the back I used your idea to spray red and blue on some left over fabric and instead of one tie in the back, I split the back and made two. It looks so cute!
I thought this was great, I’m going to attempt to make this myself- (I’m terrible with spray paint) but I honestly would have done the spider back- (some call it the skeleton back) where you gut slits getting smaller as you go down the back and twist and pull through. It’s pretty cool.
Pingback: Fabulous Fourth of July Fashion | OCM Blog
Pingback: Wholesale Tank Tops: How to Stay Cool in Style All Summer Long | The Adair Group
Pingback: 25 DIY 4th Of July Shirts Your Whole Family Will Love ~ The Work At Home Momma