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Butterfly Print T-shirts

This is a method for making mono-prints that’s easy for kids to do. Instructions are for a butterfly, but other symmetrical shapes could be used.

Materials Needed
fabric paints, at least two colors
clear plastic (like the kind used to cover tables/tablecloths)
cardboard
old newspapers
t-shirt or sweatshirt (or anything other garment you want to paint)
sheet of paper
permanent ink marker, your choice of color (darks and mediums work best)
masking tape

Preparation
Pre-wash garment according to the instructions on your fabric paint. Most paints specify that the garment be washed and dried without the use of fabric softeners. Iron garment if needed.

Fold paper in half. Draw half of a butterfly on the paper, with the fold as the center. Cut out the butterfly. This is your pattern.

Cut a piece of plastic just larger than your butterfly pattern. Fold plastic in half and trace pattern onto it using a permanent ink marker. Allow ink to dry for several seconds, then cut out the plastic butterfly shape.

Use the masking tape to make tabs at the side of each wing. Tabs should be about one inch long.

Insert cardboard or several layers of newspaper inside garment (to prevent paint from seeping through to the other side).

Cover work table with old newspaper.

Printing
Open plastic butterfly and lay flat on paper-covered table. Squirt or dribble small amounts of paint on one half of the butterfly.

Fold the butterfly in half and press gently with fingers or palms to spread the paint. Pressing in straight lines or a circular motion will produce different effects. Spread the paint to the outer edges of the butterfly.

When you are pleased with the design, use the masking tape tabs to open the butterfly. Carefully turn butterfly upside down onto garment and press with fingers. Press entire butterfly area then use the tabs to remove the plastic.

Use the permanent ink marker to draw a small head and antennae on the printed butterfly.

Clean plastic butterfly with paper towels then soap and water. Dry before using again.

Allow paint to dry following the paint manufacturer’s instructions.

Notes
Small butterflies of about 4-6 inches in width are much easier to handle than larger butterflies. Also, several small butterfly prints can be more interesting visually than one large butterfly print.

For even greater visual interest, make 2 or 3 sizes of butterfly prints.

Getting the right amount of paint can take some practice. Do a few practice prints on paper until you get a “feel” for how much paint to use.

The thicker plastic works better than the really thin plastic.

Other materials, such as cardstock or an old vinyl tablecloth, could be used for the butterfly template. The great advantage to the clear plastic is that you can see what you’re getting before you open the butterfly.