add stripes with fabric paint {sweater refashion}
Monday, November 12, 2012 at 06:00AM 
I purchased a white cardigan at the thrift store last year for $3 and only wore it once or twice because I didn't love the fit on me. Recently I found another $3 white cardigan that I liked much better, and I really don't need two, so I decided to take apart the first and make a cute A-line sweater for my little girl with it.
And then I decided a cute A-line sweater would be even cuter with bright yellow stripes. Guess what? It is. Keep reading to see how you can use fabric paint and masking tape to add stripes to any garment (and for more photos!).
Since I was making the sweater for my daughter, I was able to add the stripes to each pattern piece before sewing them together, which simplified the process. However, you could still do the exact same thing to an existing garment - just make sure you place a piece of cardboard in between the front and back layers before painting. Then paint the front, let dry, and paint the back (same process for the sleeves).
I used masking tape to create my stripes - I just placed rows of masking tape across each pattern piece about 1/4 inch apart. You could create any size stripes you like, but less fabric paint is generally better (keeps the garment from feeling too crunchy) so narrow stripes might be your best best. Also, be aware that the painted part of the fabric won't have much stretch once it dries, so don't use this technique on something that needs to be very stretchy.
I just squeezed a small line of paint across each untaped area then pounced it in with a foam paintbrush.
I let the paint dry just a little, then removed the tape. That stretched the fabric out a bit, which was fine, because it sprung back into shape with a quick ironing (on the non-painted side).
I sewed the sweater together with long, skinny sleeves...
...and an elastic loop and button closure in the back (so the neckline wouldn't have to stretch too much).
The button came straight off the original cardigan - the neckline "ribbing" did as well. It was actually the finished edge of the cardigan down the front where the buttons were originally.
A simple refashion with a bright, modern twist. I love it! (For more on the construction details of a refashion, check out this post, or this one, or this one.)
Linking to some of these parties:
Monday: Skip to My Lou | Brassy Apple | Craft-o-Maniac
Tuesday: Tip Junkie | Ladybug Blessings | Sugar Bee Crafts | The Blackberry Vine | Hope Studios | Funky Polkadot Giraffe | Not JUST a Housewife | Homework Today's Assignment: Be Inspired | Shwin and Shwin
Wednesday: Handy Man, Crafty Woman | Southern Lovely | Sew Much Ado | SNAP | Someday Crafts | The NY Melrose Family | Printabelle | Simply Kierste | Lil Luna
Thursday: Somewhat Simple | House of Hepworths | Momnivore's Dilemma | The Shabby Creek Cottage | Yesterday on Tuesday | Fireflies and Jellybeans | The Taylor House
Friday: Chic on a Shoestring Decorating | The Shabby Nest | Stuff and Nonsense | Naptime Crafters | It's a Hodgepodge Life | At The Picket Fence | 504 Main | Blissful Bucket List | Whipperberry
Weekend: Tatertots and Jello
Reader Comments (5)
What a cute idea, I love stripes!
How totally cute! I have to remember this for upcycling clothes for my boys... a little bit of paint really does so much!
What an easy way to be able to add a lot of fun to my son's clothing. I use mainly repurposed fabrics so I don't always have the exact kind of prints I might wish for when I get an idea. I will definitely be doing this! Pinning... :-)
What a fun idea! Your little girl is so adorable too!!!
a very fashionista refashion! i love it. i want a navy and white one:)