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Bleach Stenciling T Shirt Project
Jennifer Juniper here from Hope Studios to share a tutorial for bleach stenciling your t-shirts. I have a few t-shirts that are scarred with unintended bleach marks from laundry and cleaning projects. There must be a way to save them? Well, here is what I came up with. This project is easy for the novice and fun for the experienced crafter - have fun with this one and come up with great stencil designs to bleach your plain jane into a modern millie!
Materials:
- T-shirts
- Bleach
- Rag or old sponge
- Squirt bottle
- Newspaper
Steps:
- Line the insides of t-shirts with newspaper to protect the backs.
- Using a purchased stencil, (or a design cut out of computer paper like mine) blot bleach onto the t-shirt using the rag or sponge. Let sit for about 5 minutes then rinse thoroughly and dry.
Note: T-shirts that have been washed previously will soak up the bleach better.
- For a more free-form design, fill a squirt bottle with bleach and "draw" your design free hand. I found these ketchup and mustard bottles at Walmart for under a dollar.
- Here I drew a drippy heart, but you could use an initial, names, smiley face, or whatever else you can think of. Let sit, then rinse and dry as directed above.
See? A one of a kind tee!
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bdtliv 2315379
Aug 13, 2017
I tried bleach pens and wasn't impressed. I have read several places on pinterest 1/2 bleach and 1/2 water. Then you use a misting spray bottle and don't do it up close. I haven't tried but will at some point.

SherryD24
Nov 13, 2013
I have a suggestion as to what to put inside your T-shirt to stop bleach from going thru: use a pice of cardboard, from a box or use those large sheets sold in the craft/office supply stores (& dollar stores) & cover it with Wax Paper. It will definitely stop the bleach from going thru (if you don't want it to), thus protecting the back or front. I use to paint T-shirts & I used this method to protect the other side of the shirt.

craftinmotorhome
Oct 27, 2013
I accidentally spilled bleach on one of my favourite t.shirts and I'd only worn it twice. I put some bleach in a container with a little water and used a nail brush and 2 different shaped washing up brushes. I purposely left the lining out of the inside, as I wanted a pattern on the back of the t.shirt. The result of my t.shirt was amazing. Every time I wore my new t.shirt I had several comments and was asked 'where did I get it from'. I always replied that it was a designer t.shirt and it was a one off! I loved it. This ha reminded me of my t.shirt and I have several now that are not as nice as they used to be, and guess what I'm going to be doing with them this week. Can't wait to see the results. Thank you.

JanetTobiasCoverda le
Jun 04, 2012
I've been wanting to do this for years and even bought some gel bleach. I used it for *gasp* cleaning. I wondered how to do it with just plain bleach and these instructions are great. So simple, but I know if I'm not really careful with bleach, it can do some awful stuff, so thanks for this well written project.

momforever
Jan 07, 2012
I would assume you are talking about "cotton" t-shirts. prewash and use vinegar solution to "stop" the bleaching action and rinse well. Try black shirts as they may result in a different color for the bleached area that is interesting.

bdtliv 2315379
Aug 13, 2017
Do you mean when washing it originally or when you wash it after the bleach has been applied?

patbiv
Apr 13, 2010
One of my favorite techniques. (I did it on some old stained jeans). TY

Crafter 5572921
Apr 07, 2010
You can also use rubber stamps and sunshine dishwashing detergent. The detergent is like a gel and will stay on the rubber stamp. Let sit after stamping for a few minutes and then rinse and wash as usual.

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