Make a Custom Shirt with Bleach!

[@phee1143]

Four years later. This has been so helpful. 🥰

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm so glad!❤️

[@AdamChenevert]

if you iron freezer paper on the inside of the shirt before you put the stencil or mask on it'll reduce bleeding and feathering

[@JenniferMaker]

That's a great tip! We'll try that! Thank you! :)

[@amberp1452]

Do you mean so its shiny side is facing up inside? I am guessing the science behind this is that it stiffens the fabric of the shirt to void less movement of the bleach. Not easy to find freezer paper around here, but will give it a shot. Seems like a cheaper solution then to vinyl and any bleed effect would add to the design, imo. Especially in a stary sky-scrape.

[@lisamorales81772]

Can you explain how you iron freezer paper on?

[@FionaJM65]

I have been so busy with my husband who is recovering from serious injury I have only managed to watch all of your daily videos and make a few gifts for Christmas, I have learned so much and got enjoyment from all your tutorials. I have family members who are Star Wars fans and I am going to make this star wars shirt for a birthday gift.

[@JenniferMaker]

That sounds like an awesome present. Wishing your husband a speedy recovery, Fiona. Happy crafting! :)

[@FionaJM65]

@@JenniferMaker Thank you :)

[@keljo123]

Normally bleach scares me because I have accidentally bleached clothing in spots in the past, but it would be interesting and fun to bleach some on purpose. :) The cold water and peroxide info is very helpful. Thank you, Jennifer!

[@JenniferMaker]

I think it’s happened to all of us! This is a really fun project, you should definitely check it out! 😊

[@nancyholston6746]

Did this several years ago with the plastic overlay sheets for overhead projects and made t-shirts for Halloween with skull and Frankenstein. I would love to do the "Star Wars" theme, but use a stencil with Santa and his sleigh flying into the night!

[@JenniferMaker]

Oh using plastic sheets is a great idea! LOVE your idea of Santa and his Sleigh!

[@malindaanderson6232]

I don't have a Cricut but my family and I are going to a sasquatch festival for my bday lol.. Instead of paying $20 a shirt I bought a set of sasquatch stencils from Amazon for $8. I've heard about the bleaching method so fingers crossed that it works out for me! I'm just going to take some of our old cotton tshirts and try it. I love the idea and for my family of 5 to be festive for a fraction of the price is a win win!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

That's awesome! Have fun! 😃

[@sandyhorne6795]

Perfect for Valentine's Day!

[@JenniferMaker]

Oh yeah this would be a cool Valentines day shirt method!

[@tawnyahaddock568]

Thank you for sharing this. My husband was upset because he had the chlorine discolor some shirts when he was treating the pool (just a few spots where it splashed). I told him I had seen this type of thing done & he liked the idea (especially since it'll save his shirts). So, I plan on doing a Harry Potter design one for him for our upcoming trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.

[@JenniferMaker]

That is SO awesome! Being crafty really comes in handy! Way to save the day, I hope you and your family have a wonderful time at Universal! Thanks for watching! 😊🌻

[@running.on.duncan]

The more I see these bleached shirts, the more I LOVE them!!! This was the most informed instructional video I have ever watched!! Thank you!! 🙂💜

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful, Emily! 😊

[@FalanaBlessed]

It’s funny how things come back around as “new” when various styles and/or tools come out. Although I was living in Europe at the time, we did this in the 80s just no Cricut

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, that is funny, isn't it, Falana? 😂

[@chippewagirl7299]

I'd like to use the Moon Flower stencil as a design using vinyl. I guess I can just cut it out using my vinyl and iron it on. Is that correct?

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes! Just use iron-on vinyl.

[@christacalton9742]

I love your tutorials! I made my first tshirt with my Cricut with the help of your video! Thanks!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Wonderful!

[@brucebonscott4881]

I have a pair of shorts that got splashed with a few spots of bleach. I am going to try making a stencil that will incorporate the spots and use the bleach spray to see if I can make them wearable.

[@JenniferMaker]

That's a great thing to do! :)

[@babsherrin8954]

I love this idea. It will be a project I make using butterflies. Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

Ohhh...butterflies would be adorable!

[@billtrivett823]

When you washed with hydrogen peroxide did you add the regular detergent as well? Thanks, love the shirts.

[@JenniferMaker]

No, Bill, just the hydrogen peroxide! Glad you love them! 😍

[@timvanvranken2479]

Thanks Bill - this was just the question I was looking for.

[@BecGCollins]

Great tip about using freezer paper instead of vinyl. This is so beginner friendly!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like it! :)

[@chrisreinhart5072]

I’m off to Michael’s to buy 2 more T-shirts for the grandsons for Christmas. These, along with the ones I got for for infusible ink project, will make a great Christmas gift project for us to do together. Much better than gift cards-gift experiences!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

These are definitely really great ways to bond with your grandson. Making memories (and gifts) together will sure be memorable! :)

[@sususlp]

I am a newbie to cricut but I cannot tell you how much your tutorials are helping me learn!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm so glad to help! :)

[@Katiethehappycat]

thanks for the detailed instructions. I would like to make one with the Enterprise starship from StarTrek.

[@JenniferMaker]

That would be cool!

[@brendalawrence6732]

I have seen this done many times, but was always scared to do it myself Jennifer. Maybe now I will try it since you did it step by step. I always thought peroxide was a type of bleach and could make clothes lose it's color. But then you washed your shirt in peroxide. It didn't make the shirts any lighter then? Interesting. Thanks Jennifer, will have to give this a try. Hugs, Brenda

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, definitely give it a try! It's a very fun project :) Let me know how yours turns out!

[@wandadruhan9935]

Not sure if I will make one of these but they are so cool

[@JenniferMaker]

Oh, go ahead and try, Wanda! They are fun! :)

[@AshleyakaLeopardgirl]

I can’t wait to try this!

[@JenniferMaker]

Hope you love it! It's so much fun!

[@sweetthreedesign8859]

These shirts are so so cool

[@JenniferMaker]

Totally agree with you! :)

[@beckster1953]

almost like a ol fashioned tie dyed shirt. great idea

[@JenniferMaker]

Exactly! :)

[@MsDiamond611]

All these years I've avoided spilling bleach... You've given great tips!

[@JenniferMaker]

Right? Who ever thought to intentionally apply bleach? ;-) It gives such a cool effect!

[@SafariSis]

Jennifer, I don't have enough time to make all these FANTASTIC creations! 🤣😂❤️

[@JenniferMaker]

😂😂

[@beaharris8019]

Getting ready to try with mt kids right now ❤

[@JenniferMaker]

Awesome, Queen!

[@MaisieAndGrandmaShow]

I can't wait to try this!!! I'm new to the Cricut world & it has been so overwhelming!! I've loved your videos tho ~ quite helpful!! When I make the bleach t-shirt I'll probably put hearts with my granddaughter's name!! Thanks for being there for us newbies!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Awwww! What a darling idea! :)

[@barbaraheacox5027]

Jennifer, I don't understand how the moon with flowers got bleached. Did you just spray it with bleach and out it on the shirt?

[@JenniferMaker]

For that one, you just do opposite. So you would create your shape and weed the positive space vs. the negative. Apply it to your shirt and protect the other areas of your shirt that you don't want to get bleached. Then spray the bleach on the same way, only it's in the positive space this time...not the negative. :)

[@stacy1916]

Loved this! I’m going to try to do a bunch of small longhorns scattered on an orange shirt for my niece going to UT. Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

Great idea, Stacy!! 😍

[@wendyfeichtl3669]

Jennifer, what a cool effect. Very unique.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you Wendy! :)

[@pyroschick]

I want to try this... adding it to my crafty to-do list!

[@JenniferMaker]

You must! It's so fun!

[@SingleAngel101]

Love the millennium falcon

[@JenniferMaker]

Isn’t it wonderful? It looks like it’s flying through the galaxy! :)

[@tawnyahaddock568]

I find that contact paper works better than transfer tape (plus it's WAY cheaper, I usually grab a roll at the Dollar Tree) on all but textured vinyl (easier to get the design to stick to the shirt & not the tape). Just thought I'd share in case you hadn't heard that before. ;)

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes! Thank you! Contact paper does work great. 😃

[@aprilsuk7311]

Can you do some typical rubber band tie-dye techniques on the bottom and maybe sleeves as well as the stencils?

[@JenniferMaker]

Absolutely! Love that idea!

[@aprilsuk7311]

@@JenniferMaker thank you! We made "Strength in Sisterhood" shirts at our Girl Scout meeting and they came out AMAZING! Thank you for all of your tips!

[@wendywilson2616]

I would do flying keys or a snitch from Harry Potter. Love the Star Wars shirt!

[@JenniferMaker]

Great ideas, Wendy! 😀

[@robinwilliford4105]

What a fun idea! I would love to make this with flower and motorcycle stencils.

[@JenniferMaker]

Oh, those two stencils would look wonderful! What a good idea! :)

[@sharon94503]

Like tye-dying, wad up the shirt and tightly wrap with rubber bands, then spray. Bleach WILL burn skin and fabric if used too strong or left on too long.

[@JenniferMaker]

Absolutely! So many methods can be used! Agree...Bleach is dangerous, always use caution.

[@Jennferchrist]

Thank you again Jennifer

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 💜

[@garyjames2568]

love the idea that would look great on tied dyed

[@JenniferMaker]

I think so too, Gary! 😍

[@jackelinefreytes6022]

This is so cool.!!! For any occasion!! Love this idea!

[@JenniferMaker]

It's great, isn't it! :)

[@mariekeys3714]

Very interesting. I love the moon design

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like it, Marie! I just can’t decide which I like better! :)

[@leonornarvaez4727]

I loved this video. I'm learning so much❤️. Thank you so much!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much for watching! :) Are you going to be making a shirt today?

[@leonornarvaez4727]

Jennifer Maker I need to buy the bleach and some utensils😃 first. But definitely, I'll be making many t-shirts under your guidance. Thank you!❤️

[@leonornarvaez4727]

Jennifer Maker in January I'm planning to buy many Cricut Maker items I need. I just have my Cricut Maker, the iron on press and the little one too. I have some blades, not all so I want them all. I need more vinyls, iron on, infusible inks, blanks, etc. I'm planning to buy it on your webpage because there I find how to use every item I'll be purchasing, yayyy I'm so excited❤️

[@tammy9491]

I'm going to have to give this a try.

[@JenniferMaker]

Please do, Tammy! It's so cool! 🥰

[@aliceminx1596]

Some cute designs. I may be brave enough to try this

[@JenniferMaker]

You can totally do this, Alice! :)

[@diannadean8445]

I've been meaning to do one of these for a long time. So fun!

[@JenniferMaker]

They are lots of fun! :)

[@msablan1]

These look fun to make

[@JenniferMaker]

They sure are very fun! :)

[@MyVinylCut]

What a fun project! I like the galaxy look!

[@JenniferMaker]

It IS a fun project! :)

[@aemanus]

Great technique. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@JenniferMaker]

You’re welcome! :)

[@caroled7949]

I love how these come out! Beautiful!

[@JenniferMaker]

They are really unique, aren’t they, Carole? :)

[@vernaglasmann7764]

These are the best, can not wait to give it a try, you are the best. Verna G

[@JenniferMaker]

Awe...thank you so much! :) Best of luck on your shirts! :)

[@velmaaguilar2541]

definitely trying this

[@JenniferMaker]

YAY!!! Have fun, Velma! 😍

[@debcurrie3082]

Good tutorial...thank you! One question....you mention using permanent vinyl for the decal but could you use removable vinyl as well? Only asking because that's what I've got lots of in my stash!

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes you can!💗

[@speedypearl6631]

You made to look so easy, and I guess it is! I will try making this to gift to our family in Utah

[@JenniferMaker]

Have fun!

[@Prettyjunk1]

hi Jennifer..I love love love your videos...i had a project that i cant find how to do online and i thought you would know...i am tring to put vinyl on a handsaw blade but im having trouble making the words taper as the hand saw starts off big and gets smaller towards the end...HELP!!!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

I do not have a tutorial that would show how to do this. I would probably set it up outside of Design Space in Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator and skew the font so it goes large to small. :)

[@amberp1452]

It is very interesting that for this technique you need Mostly Cotton based and for In-fusible Inks you need mostly Polyester. :P Love this and can't wait to try it. I might have to wait for spring to do the spraying the garage. Too cold in my location right now. Can't stop watching your videos, totally distracted. :P

[@JenniferMaker]

Exactly...cotton for bleach...poly for infusible ink! :) Thanks for watching! Glad you're here!

[@lisamorales81772]

Definitely want to try this out!

[@JenniferMaker]

You definitely should! :)

[@chippewagirl7299]

For the Moon Flower design, do you have to block out the T-Shirt around the Moon Stencil. I'm guessing you can use the freezer paper to be sure bleach doesn't get on the shirt.

[@JenniferMaker]

I used permanent vinyl and weeded out the moon for the bleach to be applied to.

[@khockinson]

I don’t understand how you did the moon. Did you use the bleach pen?

[@GrandmaNutt]

I’m going to try this with a group of 10-year-olds who are coming for a sleepover 😬. I didn’t quite catch how you did the one with the flower moon did you put the bleach on the stencil itself and then just lay it down on the T-shirt? How did you get that flower to show up so well I would think that the bleach would bleed. Thanks!

[@JenniferMaker]

Here is the blog post, this will walk you through step by step! jennifermaker.com/bleach-stencil-shirt/ Good luck! 💕

[@amyhanks8707]

I love the moon flower shirt. I may have to borrow your file.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! All of my designs are free! You may get them here: jennifermaker.com/resource-library/

[@krhone6]

Love this! I think I'll do something for Halloween!

[@JenniferMaker]

Great idea!!

[@dawnmccormick7243]

Great instructions !!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!

[@bayleyheckathorn3885]

I will be trying this!

[@JenniferMaker]

Great! It is a lot of fun to do and such an interesting look when you are done! :)

[@tammykipp5748]

Love this I am putting this on my list

[@JenniferMaker]

Great! Can't wait to see how it turns out! :)

[@MariaRamirez-lb6ct]

beautiful shirts

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like them! :)

[@karencollins2069]

Thank you so much for the video! Such great tips!

[@JenniferMaker]

They are some awesome shirts, aren’t they, Karen? So much fun to make and wear! :)

[@gypsymama4915]

I’ve always wondered how this was achieved. My imagination is running wild with possibilities already!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

So glad it is! This is such a fun project! :)

[@denarich250]

I love this! What a great creative idea!

[@JenniferMaker]

So glad you love it!

[@TheStitchWitch9]

What a fun project!

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, this is a fun project to make and a fun project to wear! :)

[@danielledesnoyers7602]

I would love to make a sunflower

[@JenniferMaker]

That would be amazing!

[@vickiestrem9654]

This is such a great idea! I’m looking forward to trying this out.

[@JenniferMaker]

They are a fun project, Vicki!

[@debbiepeterson418]

You did a great job! Thank you! So exciting, I can't wait to give it a try!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! Best of luck on your shirts! :)

[@tracycorell3014]

Can't wait to try this! It looks awesome! One question--I also have a front load washer, when you add the cup of hydrogen peroxide, do you pour it on the shirt in the washer or in the drawer where the detergent usually goes?

[@JenniferMaker]

Hi Tracy! If using a front load washer you could pour the peroxide into the bleach dispenser. 🙂

[@tracycorell3014]

@@JenniferMaker Thanks!

[@buyinginknoxville]

I love this! I can't wait to try it out!

[@JenniferMaker]

Hope you like it, Brianna! 😍

[@juliasnider5905]

I really love how these come out! you have so many great ideas!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Awww! Thanks for the compliment! :)

[@laurielopez964]

Hi Jennifer, I made the Millennium falcon t shirt and I think that my spray bottles didn't have a fine mist. I would like you option as to whether or not you think I could try it again on the same shirt using a fine mist spray bottle to apply the bleach solution.

[@laurielopez964]

*opinion not option

[@JenniferMaker]

I haven't tried that, Laurie, so can't say for sure what would happen! I can tell you, though, that I love to experiment, even if the experiments don't always come out the way I want them to!!! 😉🥰

[@gentryluz]

Great tutorial as always. Fir the moon. Do you cover the entire shirt since you are spraying just the inside of the moon. And with freezer paper?

[@JenniferMaker]

If you think it will splatter you can cover the whole shirt or just around the area that you do not want the bleach to contact.

[@colleencheng3814]

That's a nifty idea!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! Glad you like it! :)

[@laurad5356]

What a fun idea!

[@JenniferMaker]

It sure is! :)

[@caroled7949]

Just beautiful!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! :)

[@lunasmum6869]

I like this. Like you I would never have thought of putting bleach on a t shirt. On the one with the moonflower did the bleach turn it to that lovely gold colour? It is really beautiful.

[@JenniferMaker]

It sure did! Because the shirt is so dark, it got that shade when putting the bleach on it. Thank you, Maggie! 😊

[@lunasmum6869]

@@JenniferMaker Wow! I can't wait to try it but I don't know anyone who would wear it. Still, it will be fun.

[@brittanyhibbs-mcelroy9946]

You might have mentioned it already, but what are you using in the little blue bottle?

[@JenniferMaker]

That's a bleach pen. :)

[@alisonhudson1539]

Such a cool idea!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like it, Alison! It is a fun project, and fun to give to others! :)

[@amandac9674]

So how would you stop the bleach on say a snowflake ❄ with cutouts if you want to spray around it instead of the internal pattern of the snowflake? I've seen someone do that and they sprayed the snowflake stencil with a solution before spraying with bleach and the internal pattern wasn't affected

[@JenniferMaker]

I am not totally sure. I have heard of people ironing the freezer paper to the front of the design, and ironing a solid piece on the back to prevent bleeding. That might work as well.

[@sandrawalters]

This is so cool

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks!

[@gingicarrasquillo9205]

I love this idea. I would make a silhouette of my dog.

[@JenniferMaker]

Ohhh love it! What kind of pup do you have?

[@gingicarrasquillo9205]

@@JenniferMaker I have a Jack Russell Terrier and 2 Chihuahuas.

[@betteboop57]

I can't wait to pull our our shirts that have been splashed by bleach by accident. GREAT idea!

[@JenniferMaker]

Oh, great idea! Recycling! 😁🥰

[@t.k.cavazos2209]

Love this project!

[@JenniferMaker]

YAY!

[@glumbug]

Hi, durning the video after you bleached there was a moment you seemed to use something to enhance the back end of the Falcon and made other random marks but I couldn’t catch what it was, it looked like a glue stick which I’m sure it’s not, any ideas....

[@JenniferMaker]

It was a bleach pen! You can check out the materials list here. 😊 jennifermaker.com/bleach-stencil-shirt/

[@lindajohannesen6035]

This is so cool, thank you.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks for watching!

[@karencollins2069]

Great tips!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful, Karen! 😀

[@charlotteosborne9717]

Can’t find the project - Millennium Falcon bleach shirt that you show in the video - please help!! I’ve searched it on Cricut Design Space

[@JenniferMaker]

Oh, gosh, Charlotte, that is one of MY designs! You can always get the SVG's from my Library - instructions to get the file are shown in the Dropdown box underneath my videos! And then just follow the tutorial here in the video for the instructions on how to make a shirt of your own! But, here is how to get to the Millennium Falcon file! 😍 jennifermaker.com/bleach-stencil-shirt/

[@gsdmama2]

I want to make a orange and black shirt like your moon flower one, is it the same process as the falcon one? thanks! I am getting into the whole bleach shirt thing.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes it is the same process you just need to protect the part of the shirt you don't want the bleach on! 💕

[@gsdmama2]

@@JenniferMaker Ok. Thank you Jennifer!

[@lydiabellknap373]

Thank you for the helpful video. Someone on Facebook uses this technique but also added color back by using Tulip spray fabric paint. At what point do you think they added back the color? Did they do it on the bleached, but not washed shirt OR do you think they washed/dryed the shirt and then sprayed the color? Thank you!

[@blancagonzales2444]

Did your ever find an answer? I'm attempting this exact method this weekend. Bought tulip color shot but not sure at what point to spray the bleached out parts with it! No answers anywhere..

[@bellknapable]

@@blancagonzales2444 I did not receive an answer but I did figure it out. Here’s how I made mine. Create your stencil on your cricket machine using permanent vinyl. Transfer to the shirt and use a brayer to really secure it as best you can. Keep the shirt flat I put plastic between the two layers and plastic around the areas that I did not want to bleach out. I did this outside and in the sun. Then I used bleach, 50% bleach 50 And used a fine spray bottle creating a oval where I wanted to bleach out the T-shirt. If you do it in the sun it goes really quickly. Once it’s lightened up as much as you want put it into a mixture of peroxide and water this will neutralize the bleach so that it doesn’t ruin the fabric. I then ran it through my washer on a spin cycle. Take the shirt lay it flat just for safety put plastic between the two layers again. At this point you would have already removed the stencil after you bleached. Now take this tulip spray dye and spritz the colors over the bleached areas. You will notice that they absorb and color the bleach portions of the shirt and they leave the black areas black. So where you made your stencil and removed it from the shirt will now remain black. Once you get as much color as you want on the shirt then you just let it lay for a couple days then remove the plastic between the layers and run it through the washer. So far I made three and it was simple and quick.

[@blancagonzales2444]

@@bellknapable thanks, girl!!! I appreciate it! Not many people like to help too much. Do you have a KZbin channel or tiktok? I'll be happy to follow!😊

[@bellknapable]

@@blancagonzales2444 glad to help. Don’t have any type of channel.

[@adbiz6893]

That's pretty cool! 😍

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, it is, isn't it? 😉

[@margiehouchin3907]

Wish me luck. Going to get my daughter to help me. Can you bleach a yellow shirt?

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, it might not end up as vibrant, but you can bleach any color shirt.

[@denisejohnston6243]

I been doing it the way you do them

[@JenniferMaker]

YAY! 🥰

[@beate58]

Love this video! Thank you!!

[@JenniferMaker]

You’re welcome! They are SO much fun to make! :)

[@theTitangirl2004]

Bleach is becoming very popular right now

[@JenniferMaker]

That it is!!! 😄

[@georginaguemez6312]

@@JenniferMaker can I use contact paper insted?

[@Blondie.2386]

Help! If you’re doing more than one bleach shirt, can your wash them together in one load or do you have to do each individual??

[@JenniferMaker]

You can wash them together!

[@Blondie.2386]

Oh thank goodness!! I had a few different ones I needed to make and I thought I needed to run my washer that many times lol 😩 phew!!