While parents tend to worry that craft projects may ruin their kids’ clothing, here is one idea that will help you save items of clothing that may have become stained. This idea will help children and parents alike feel better if a piece of clothing, especially a new one, acquires an impossible to remove stain.
Now, instead of sending that shirt, skirt, pair of shorts or pants to the ragbag, you and your child can save these items for continued use. Even if these item do not still qualify as “Sunday best” they can certainly still be used for play clothes. Not only will the clothing still be usable, you and your child can have a lot of fun in the process.
First, wash the stained item. Then press it. It is easier to work with fabric that is not creased or wrinkled. Next, slide a piece of cardboard in between the layers to keep paint from seeping through onto the other layer.
Use fabric paints to cover the stained area. You can sketch a design onto the clothing with pencil or chalk and fill in the design with paint, or you can simply sponge or brush paint on for an abstract design or mock tie-dye look. Another good way to do this is to tape off an area, and paint within the taped lines. You can use tape to create stripes or layout a star shape too. Dipping a small paintbrush into paint (without removing the excess) and then spattering it onto the garment creates another cool look.
You can also use iron-on appliqués or other types of iron-on transfers to cover soiled areas. You may want to apply more than one, especially if the stain is in an awkward area. Apply them in random locations. The clothing will look like it was made this way, and no one has to know that the clothing was ever damaged.