Polka Shirt

Bleach Pen T-Shirts proved to be a very fun challenge! I took pictures along the way, so I'll show you how to do this project.

You will need:

• a t-shirt that you don't mind permanently altering
• a piece of cardboard
• a stencil (optional)
• a bleach pen (make sure you get the one that says "for whites"!)
• running water

First, make sure your shirt is stable and proofed against leakage. Mom and I found that the easiest way to accomplish this was to put a piece of cardboard in between layers of the t-shirt. That way, you can have an easy drawing surface without bleach soaking through the back.

Second, start drawing! My polka dots were made easy because Mom let me borrow a circle stencil. But she freehanded hers and it looks great!

Third, let your completed design rest until the desired color appears under the bleach gel. I was aiming for a rust color. Make sure you don't leave it too long, or the bleach will eat through your fabric.

Fourth, rinse your design. We found that it was easiest to use a spray attachment on your sink. After rinsing, throw your shirt in the washer and dryer (alone, so your other clothes don't get bleached).

Ta-da! You have your own bleach pen shirt!