We’ve all been there – the night before the “100 Days of School” celebration, scrambling to come up with a DIY shirt idea that doesn’t make you look like you’re trying too hard. You don’t want to be the person who shows up in a plain tee, but at the same time, you’re not looking to spend hours crafting something overly complicated either. Trust me, I’ve been in your shoes. But what if I told you there’s a way to pull off a cool, easy, and uniquely YOU 100 Days of School shirt without the last-minute stress?
11 Steps to Create Your Perfect 100 Days of School DIY Shirt
1. Start with a Blank Canvas
Before you dive into the creativity, grab a clean, well-fitted shirt. Fit matters! A shirt that feels comfy but still looks put-together is the key to pulling off anything DIY. My personal fave? A simple cotton tee in white or gray—it’s a blank canvas just begging for your creativity.
Why it works: A basic shirt gives you flexibility to experiment with color and designs without feeling boxed in.
2. Pick a Color Theme
It’s easy to get caught up in the rainbow of options, but pick a few complementary colors to keep your design cohesive. I went with gold, black, and red to keep it sleek and celebratory.
Why it works: A focused color palette ties everything together. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I tried to use every color in the box one year—yikes.
Picture This: Imagine your shirt with vibrant gold and black accents, adding that “wow” factor.
3. Gather Supplies That Make It Look Pro
Now, let’s talk about the tools. You’ll need fabric paint (I like Tulip Fabric Paint because it’s easy to work with and dries quickly). You’ll also want a stencil kit if you’re not a freehand kind of artist (no shame in that).
Why it works: Getting the right supplies helps you feel like an expert, even if your artistic skills are still “under construction.”
4. Decide on Your “100” Design
The star of the show: The big “100”! I recommend something bold and eye-catching. Last year, I used glittery gold fabric paint to make the “100” pop. You can stencil it in the middle or go quirky and place it on the side.
Why it works: When you place the “100” in a strategic spot and use eye-catching materials like glitter, you get that wow factor without overdoing it.
5. Add Personal Touches (Think Stickers or Patches)
I love to add small, fun embellishments—stickers, iron-on patches, or fabric appliqués—that fit your personality. One year, I added a tiny patch of a pencil because hello, what’s more school-appropriate than that?
Why it works: Little details can make your shirt feel like YOU, not just another generic piece of clothing. It’s all about those personal touches.
6. Get Creative with the Number 100
Rather than just slapping “100” on there, get creative with the number itself. My best idea yet? Use buttons or sequins to make up the “100.” It’s a fun way to make the shirt a DIY craft project in itself.
Why it works: Adding texture (like buttons or sequins) takes your design to the next level. Plus, it’s a fun way to get your hands involved.
Budget Binder To LOVE
7. Incorporate Fun School Elements
You’re celebrating 100 days of school, so why not use that as a springboard for creative ideas? Think pencils, books, and apples—you can easily add these using fabric paint or iron-on transfers.
Why it works: These symbols are playful and recognizable, tying back to the theme while still allowing for creativity.
8. Embrace the DIY Imperfection
Listen, you’re not Picasso, and that’s okay. I learned this lesson the hard way when my first attempt looked like a 5-year-old’s finger-painting session. But embrace the imperfection—it’s what makes it uniquely yours.
Why it works: The charm of DIY is its personal touch. A perfectly symmetrical design? Nah, that’s not the vibe here.
9. Get the Kids Involved (If You Can)
If you’re crafting for your little one (or you just want to bond), let them have a hand in it. For my daughter’s shirt, I let her paint a few parts of the “100” herself. She was SO proud of her part in the design.
Why it works: Shared creativity makes the process fun and memorable. Plus, you get to spend quality time together!
10. Avoid Overcrowding the Design
It’s tempting to add everything to your shirt, but remember, less is more. Don’t be afraid to let the shirt breathe. I always keep a healthy balance of design and negative space to avoid looking like a craft explosion.
Why it works: Sometimes, simple designs stand out more than over-the-top ones. It’s all about balance!
11. Heat Set Your Design
Once you’re done, don’t forget the most important step: heat setting your design. I use a fabric-safe iron to set everything in place, making sure my shirt is washable and ready for the big day.
Why it works: Heat setting ensures your design stays intact, even after multiple washes. Trust me, you don’t want your hard work to fade after one spin through the laundry.
Why These Strategies Matter
Each step is designed to make sure your DIY shirt is not only easy but also totally you. I’ve spent years learning from DIY disasters (yeah, there was that one shirt with a glue disaster), but now I have a foolproof process that makes me proud to wear my creation.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a crafting expert to make a standout 100 Days of School shirt. By following these steps, you can create something unique and personalized that will have you walking into school feeling like a DIY rockstar. And who knows—next year, you might even teach someone else how to nail the craft. DIY doesn’t have to be perfect, just meaningful.
