How to Make Silkscreen T-Shirts Using Pantyhose

Silkscreening sounds like such a daunting project. Burning screens, layering colors and all the chemicals – a trip to the mall for a new shirt sounds a lot easier. However, once you try silkscreening with pantyhose you might not feel the same way.

Suddenly everyone on your gift list will be receiving custom shirts. You will make monogrammed canvas bags for all your grocery shopping needs. Most importantly you will be sending your kid to school with the cutest t-rex t-shirt in the 2nd grade.

Check out this episode of DIY This With Jennifer Perkins to find out all about screening T-shirts using pantyhose.

Stretch pantyhose across an embroidery hoop. The size of the hoop will depend on the size of the design.

Draw or print the image you want to screen onto a piece of paper. Trace the image onto the stretched pantyhose.

Apply decoupage medium to the pantyhose, covering everything except the image. Everything without the decoupage medium will get screened (covered in paint). Allow the decoupage medium to dry completely and then repeat with a second coat.

Place the embroidery hoop on top of the t-shirt so that the pantyhose side is touching the shirt. Apply fabric paint on top of the design.

Use a piece of stiff paper or a plastic card to scrape the paint in smooth downward motions across the design (like a squeegee).

Gently lift the screen and allow the shirt to dry. If any paint came through you can touch up with fabric paint or apply more decoupage medium before the next screen.

Wash off the paint from the screen and repeat again and again and again.