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Easy DIY Screen Printing on T-Shirts Using Pantyhose: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Screen printing often feels overwhelming with chemicals, emulsions, and multiple layers. But this clever pantyhose method from crafting expert Jennifer Perkins makes it simple, affordable, and mess-free. Once you master it, custom tees become effortless.

Easy DIY Screen Printing on T-Shirts Using Pantyhose: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Photo: Jennifer Perkins

Personalized t-shirts make perfect gifts, monogrammed tote bags elevate your style, and your child's T-Rex shirt will stand out in class. Discover the full technique in this episode of DIY This With Jennifer Perkins.

Easy DIY Screen Printing on T-Shirts Using Pantyhose: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Photo: Jennifer Perkins

Tools and Materials

  • T-shirt
  • Embroidery hoop
  • Scissors
  • Old credit card or hotel room key
  • Fabric paint
  • Decoupage medium
Easy DIY Screen Printing on T-Shirts Using Pantyhose: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Photo: Jennifer Perkins

Stretch the pantyhose tightly across the embroidery hoop. Choose a hoop size that matches your design.

Easy DIY Screen Printing on T-Shirts Using Pantyhose: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Photo: Jennifer Perkins

Draw or print your design on paper, then trace it onto the stretched pantyhose.

Easy DIY Screen Printing on T-Shirts Using Pantyhose: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Photo: Jennifer Perkins

Coat the pantyhose with decoupage medium everywhere except the design area—this seals it to prevent paint leaks. Let it dry fully, then apply a second coat.

Easy DIY Screen Printing on T-Shirts Using Pantyhose: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Photo: Jennifer Perkins

Position the hoop over your t-shirt so the pantyhose side faces down. Spoon fabric paint over the design.

Easy DIY Screen Printing on T-Shirts Using Pantyhose: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Photo: Jennifer Perkins

Use the credit card or key as a squeegee to gently spread the paint across the design.

Easy DIY Screen Printing on T-Shirts Using Pantyhose: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Photo: Jennifer Perkins

Carefully lift the screen and let the shirt dry. Touch up any bleeds with extra paint or decoupage medium before reusing.

Easy DIY Screen Printing on T-Shirts Using Pantyhose: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Photo: Jennifer Perkins

Rinse the paint from the screen and repeat for more prints.
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