T-shirt modification encourages individual fashion flair

T-shirts really offer endless possibilities: they can be converted into a tank top, a skirt, can be tapered or shaped, among many other things.

On the other hand, t-shirt devotees can also grab a can of spray paint, or get some fabric paint and decorate it with pictures or slogans that consumers wouldn't normally find sold in a store. So, here's a beginners guide to t-shirt design and alteration. The easiest way to alter a t-shirt is simply by cutting it. There are countless ways to go about this, but here are some pretty basic cuts to start.

4 Basic Cuts For a muscle shirt, cut off each sleeve. For an 80s, off the shoulder shirt, make a curved cut that comes down about an inch under the neckline. For a regular tank top, cut at least an inch away from the sleeves, and two or more inches down from the neckline. For a one-strap tank top, cut off one sleeve, and then up diagonally from the armpit on the other side.

Halter Top

Another design that takes a little more time and effort than a snip or two with the scissors, is a halter top. -First, measure about 1" up from the bottom of the shirt, and cut directly across. Make one cut so this piece becomes a long strip, and then save it to use for the strap. -Cut across the T-shirt directly under the armpits, from one side to the other, creating a tube-top. -Cut two evenly spaced holes in the front of the tube-top. -Thread the strap through the hole, tie it around the neck. Voila! A halter top. A totally different way to alter a t-shirt is to decorate it with stencils. Start off simply with text stencils, or you can get far more complicated and create a multi-layered picture stencil.

Creating Stencils Necessary Tools: A piece of sturdy paper (poster board, transparency, manila folder, etc) Preferably an exacto knife, though a box cutter will also work A print-out of the desired picture (unless you are going to draw it) To start, gather the aforementioned necessary tools. A can of spray paint, or fabric paint, a small roller, and a paint tray are necessary to color in the stencil. To create a stencil either draw a picture onto the paper, or if you're not particularly artistic, find a picture online. If you choose to print out a picture, simply tape it onto the piece of sturdy paper, and cut through with an exacto knife. The important thing to keep in mind is that not all pictures will function as a stencil. In order to work as a stencil, you will need a picture that does not have any enclosed white spaces. For example: Once the stencil is created, tape it onto the shirt in the desired space. If you choose spray paint, make sure to keep the can at a distance, and spray steady and consistently, or else you will over saturate the stencil. If you choose to use paint and a roller, do multiple, thin coats, instead of caking on the paint, which could cause the paint to run and ruin the picture. These instructions are just starting points. With practice, t-shirt artists can expand upon all of these ideas. In terms of altering shirts, with some skill you can make all different articles of clothing, accessories, and even household items. And with some practice and patience, t-shirt artists who stencil can eventually make layered, multi-colored stencils. Also, using Photoshop you can convert photographs into stencils. There are plenty of books and websites that offer more ideas and step-by-step instructions.

For many more ideas, and in-depth instruction about altering shirts, check out the following books: -Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt by Megan Nicolay - 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special by Faith Blakeney, Justina Blakeney, Anka Livakovic and Ellen Schultz - Tease: Inspired T-shirt Transformations by Superstars of Art, Craft, & Design by Sarah Sockit

For ready-to-use stencil patterns and information on creating more intricate stencils, check out : www.stencilrevolution.com http://stencilpunks.mattrunningnaked.com/ http://www.freewebs.com/stencilry