How To Decorate a T Shirt by Cutting

Have you found your plain old t-shirts are dull? Are you using up all your paint to decorate t-shirts? Try decorating your shirts by cutting. Decorating t-shirts by using carefully placed cuts can be fun and interesting!

Step 1  

You can either use a sharp knife or scissors. A knife is more dangerous, but can leave a precise cut. Scissors are safe, but may leave ragged edges if they are not good quality or dull.

Step 2  

Stretch the t-shirt over a cutting board, a piece of wood, or other material that won't be damaged by your cutting.

Step 3  

Get creative! Cut off the sleeves, add some fringe to the bottom, and place some cuts across the belly or chest of the shirt that are suggestive but not too revealing. Have fun with it!

Step 4  

If you get too carried away, you can always wear a tank top under the shirt if too much skin shows.

Step 5  

Here's an example of a way to cut your t-shirt.  

1. Cut the sides horizontally about 3 inches into the shirt
2. Take the bottom of the shirt and cut upward (not into the sleeve)
3. Tie the sides for every end you get and cut off the top.

Tips

• Be safe, watch your fingers when you're cutting.
• Practice on an old t-shirt you don't like much so that if you mess up you won't be too upset.
• Check out some books at the library about cutting T-shirts. Try these for a start: 99 ways to cut, sew, trim, & tie your t-shirt into something special by Faith Blakeney or T-shirt makeovers:20 transformations for fabulous fashions by Sistahs of Harlem. (The first is a really great one)
• Look in magazines, at stores, and on the street at the ways girls wear their shirts. Are the arms sliced? It there a deep V-neck? Look around you, and if you find a style don't be afraid to ask the person, or try to replicate it.

Warnings

• Don't cut yourself!
• Using dull scissors will make the cuts uneven and jagged.