Sassy Military Up-Cycle Shirt

A few too many plain t-shirts are junking up my closet. When wearing a plain tee-I feel as if I am blending into the crowd. Today was the day to ‘Sassify’ one of my old boring t-shirts. I spent less than an hour of my day and used scraps of materials, turning this ‘yawner’ into a ‘take notice’.

This t-shirt is a nod to my Dad and the military blood that is running through my veins.
Having a father that is a Retired Lieutenant Colonel and a West Point Graduate influences much of my daily life-and now my clothing apparently…
I added little button details on the front and the back, just for a little more sass.

Here’s what you’ll need to ‘Sassify’ your own plain t-shirt:
Scraps of material (I would recommend using felt in a bold color)
Heat n Bond
Scissors
Tape measure
Seam Ripper
Iron & Ironing board

Using your scraps of material, pick out your style for your new shirt.
I decided on a simple stripe and used sparkly red felt (so that I wouldn’t have to seam the ends) on a deep purple shirt. But I say, ‘Get crazy!’ Make different colors of flowers, a bird, a cactus…whatever the heck comes to mind.

Apply your Heat n Bond according to the package directions. Iron that sucker in place and let cool.

After adding my stripe to the front of the shirt, I decided the tiny pocket needed a little something too. I added this geometric shape using the same Heat n Bond technique.

Lastly, I added a swatch that rests on the small of my back. I used Heat n Bond once again to attach it to the shirt. Next, I added buttons to give it that ‘military look’.

Here is a close up on the buttons that I added to the front of the shirt.
Snazzy and so easy.

Once more, here is the final product that set me back less than $1. And below is the back of the shirt.

I am so happy that this little ditty has a new life. It was headed for the garage sale pile, and now it’s my sassy go-to shirt when needed.
My Dad would be so proud.