Nursery World - In style

All ages and abilities of children should enjoy decorating a T-shirt - from simple prints to detailed, embroidered designs. offers some tips Designing a T-shirt goes down well with children of all ages. Apart from the fun of the activity itself, it gives them a truly unique item of clothing to wear afterwards.

Designing a T-shirt goes down well with children of all ages. Apart from the fun of the activity itself, it gives them a truly unique item of clothing to wear afterwards.

Before children get started on their own designs, gather together a collection of T-shirts to look at for inspiration. Try to include examples with slogans, patterns on both back and front and embroidered details.

Look at your collection of patterned clothing. Point out to the children that big, bold patterns look good, as do simple, colourful shapes such as dolphins, flowers, hearts and teddies.

Then discuss the different techniques that can be used to decorate their T-shirts. These can include: Fabric paints These come in all colours and many suppliers offer glitter, pearlescent and fluorescent versions. They are easy to use, but do check instructions on the pack as some may have to be ironed in order to make the colours 'fast'. There may also be special washing instructions that will need to be passed on to the child's carer.

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