Velveteen T-Shirt DIY

So I've been experimenting with different fabric paints and I have been enjoying using Velveteen Fabric Paint. To me it makes the shirt seem less 'homemade' and I like the texture it creates.

So here's what I do to get these shirts.

1) I Create a stencil (just like when I bleach my shirts). I've been using 'Martha Stewart: Adhesive Stencil Film' because I find it's durable enough to reuse the stencil again.

2) Place your Stencil on the shirt and then slide newspaper or cardboard between the layers of the shirt to prevent the paint from bleeding through.

3) Paint it using fabric paint that says "Velveteen". I prefer flat square synthetic brushes (cheap from the dollar store) because you get the best coverage. The instructions on this brand is to wait 4 hours for it to dry.

TIP - If you want it 'thicker' in texture after steaming then do a second coat after you have given it 20 minutes to dry.

4) Remove the stencil carefully. If you wait until it is dry (assuming you haven't globbed the paint on) it is best because you don't risk smudging or smearing your paint.

It will be shiny in colour, and you can leave it like this and wear it around now. But if you want the velveteen texture just keep going!

5) Plug in your iron and set it to 'high steam' or cotton. Ever iron is different, but you need the steam and nothing else, so if you have a steamer then that's great too.

6) Making sure that lots of steam is coming out, place the iron about an inch above the fabric and hold for a second or two until the paint reacts.

(The top part is done, the bottom isn't. Just so you can see the difference as you steam.)

7) Make sure you got any smaller parts. I haven't been able to over steam it, so dont' be afraid of going over it a second time if you know you missed parts.

All Done!

Few Thoughts to add...

You can use Velveteen paint over other fabric paint, like I did here with my Star Wars Shirt.
You don't have to Stencil, you can free hand!
Don't over saturate the material, if the shirt is inside out, you should barely be able to see the paint.
Two coats, especially in thin areas, can really help the paint 'pop' when steamed.
Double check the paint you are buying, instructions might vary.
Use cheap brushes, because the paint washes out with water and soap, but it can dry in teh bristles and ruin good brushes!