DIY Approach: Fabric Paint + Helvetica Letter Stencils

I came up with this diy version of the coveted Creme de la Creme sweatshirt when I was unable to find the right font of iron-on letters on the night I was inspired/ had time to jump in and give the project a shot. It turned out to be cheaper, in my case, since I already have black acrylic paint & fabric medium.

Instructions & Tips

[Related: Precursor to the Creme de la Creme Tutorial]

- Slip the shirt you’ll be painting on over a sturdy, flat piece of cardboard, or the like (I slipped mine over my lap desk), it’ll keep the paint from bleeding through to the back of the shirt, and give you a steadier surface to work on.

- Use the ruler & washi tape to mark where you’ll be placing each letter, then stencil the outline of each letter onto the sweatshirt with the fabric marker.

- Since the stencil set didn’t have an accent mark, I just took the ruler and drew them above  each “e” with the marker.

- If you’re a stickler for accuracy: The C’s, R’s and D’s are in a boxier font than Helvetica, so I used the stencil as a general guide, but used the ruler to give the letters the desired look (using light strokes with the fabric marker; you may also use a disappearing ink marker pen so you won’t have to worry about leaving any permanent marks as you freehand these letters). *This was actually less tedious than it sounds – the boxier letters consist of basic straight lines and using the stencil as a general guide makes them easier to sketch out.

- Take the black fabric paint (or mix 2 parts black acrylic paint w/ 1 part fabric medium) & using the fine-tip paintbrush, fill in the stenciled letters (take your time, once you get the hang of how the paint brushes onto the type of fabric you’re working with, your strokes become more confident and the job goes faster).

- Let dry for 24 hours, then throw the shirt into the dryer for a regular cycle (by itself!) in order to heat-set the paint.

That’s it!

Stenciling not for you?

Click here (or the image below) for other options…

[thank you, Polyvore]