Together in T-Shirts

crayola supplies

Fabric Markers
Crayola Cutter
Construction Paper

household supplies

recycled newspaper
clothes dryer
masking tape
sandpaper
iron (for adult use only!)
T-shirt

Why

Designing t-shirts together at a family reunion or summer barbecue is not only fun, but also makes a great keepsake to commemorate the occasion! This craft brings everyone closer as creative talents are pooled together.

Steps

1. Before your get-together, use the Crayola Cutter to make a stencil for everyone to trace in the center of the t-shirt. The stencil might be the family name, a picnic slogan, or other design. Having the same slogan or design on every t-shirt will give all of the t-shirts a uniform look so everyone will feel like part of a team! Cut several stencils for everyone to share.
2. Plan ahead to be sure everyone has a t-shirt. Craft stores are a great place to pick up t-shirts at reasonable prices. Gather sizes ahead of time to be sure you have enough t-shirts or ask everyone to bring a plain 100% cotton T-shirt.
3. At your event, cover tables with recycled newspaper or old plastic tablecloths. Put newspaper inside each t-shirt so the colors do not bleed through to the other side.
4. TIP: Placing a piece of sandpaper inside the t-shirt—over the newspaper—holds the fabric in place so you can draw more easily!
5. Use masking tape to secure t-shirts to the table top. TIP: The tighter you pull the fabric, the easier it is to draw on it.
6. Design the t-shirts. Use the stencils to trace the slogan in the center of your t-shirt.
7. Practice creating personal doodles using Crayola Fabric Markers on doodle paper. Everyone can create a theme doodle or a doodle representing him or herself. Making the doodle personal will make every t-shirt special.
8. Use Crayola Fabric Markers to add your doodle to each t-shirt. Draw it in the same place using the same colors on every t-shirt. Make sure you saturate the cloth as you draw. Note that Crayola® Fabric Markers stain clothing and surfaces, CLOSE ADULT SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED.
9. Stain Advisement: Fabric markers are permanent on clothing and contain colorants that may stain household surfaces. Wear a smock to protect clothing and cover your work surface. Recap markers as soon as possible and store in a horizontal position. Do not shake markers.
10. When you are finished, ask an adult to iron your design. Set iron on cotton setting and iron on the reverse side using a back and forth motion for 4 minutes. Or place garment in the dryer for 30 minutes on the hottest setting. This will fix the color to the fabric.
11. Invite everyone to put on their t-shirts for a photograph!

When & Where

"We decorated t-shirts at our family reunion. We even made tiny ones for the babies!"
- Darlene T., grandmother of 12

"Our newest church picnic tradition is making Together in T-shirts! "
- Lawrence C., religious school volunteer

Interesting Info

The citizens of Hancock, New Hampshire like picnics so much that what started as a family picnic in 1879 has grown into Hancock’s Old Home Day, a picnic for the whole town and anyone who has ever lived there.

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.