Using Sharpie Markers to Personalize a T-Shirt
Sharpie permanent markers, available in a wide range of colors, are suitable for decorating fabric. This guide explains two methods for creating designs on a T-shirt: freehand drawing and tracing, along with instructions for setting the ink and washing the finished shirt.
By Rowan Rivera9 steps
Use Sharpies to create a work of art on a T-shirt.
Sharpie markers are permanent and come in a wide array of colors. They work well for adding personal touches to many items, fabric included. Creating a design on a T-shirt with a Sharpie is an easy and enjoyable activity. It can be a craft project for children at a birthday celebration or similar gathering, or simply a way to add interest to a plain white T-shirt.
Step 1
Place a thick piece of cardboard inside the shirt. This prevents the Sharpie ink from soaking through to the back of the shirt as you draw.
Step 2
Draw whatever design you like on the shirt.
Step 3
To set the design, press it lightly with a hot iron for a few seconds.
Step 4
Turn the shirt inside out and wash it in cold water, then hang it up to dry.
Step 1
Use a dark-colored Sharpie to draw your design on a sheet of white paper.
Step 2
Put the glass or clear plastic inside the T-shirt to stop the marker from bleeding through.
Step 3
Place the T-shirt on a glass-topped table and position a bright lamp beneath the table.
Step 4
Slide the paper with your design under the top layer of the shirt, above the glass or plastic. The lamp should shine through the shirt, making your design visible for tracing.
Step 5
Carefully trace the design onto the T-shirt, using the paper as a guide. Then follow the earlier instructions to set the design with an iron, and wash and dry your customized T-shirt.
