Creative Ways To Frame Your Favorite T-Shirts

Whether it's a favourite band tee or a sports jersey, framing a T-shirt is a great way to display your passions and decorate your space. It's also a perfect solution for preserving old T-shirts with sentimental value or protecting vintage T-shirts from damage. You can choose from a variety of framing options, from acrylic box frames to custom metal frames, depending on your budget and the size of your T-shirt. With just a few simple steps, you can create a unique and personalised decoration for your home, office, or even a man cave!

Choosing a frame

When choosing a frame for your T-shirt, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you need to decide whether you want to display the entire T-shirt or just the front or back design. If you opt for the latter, you can choose any frame or frame size, depending on how much of the shirt you want to showcase.

If you want to display the whole T-shirt, a shadow box frame or an acrylic box frame is a good option. These typically come with a cardboard insert that goes inside the frame to hold the T-shirt in place. You can cut the top off the insert to allow space for the excess fabric. You can find these types of frames at craft stores or online, with prices ranging from $3.99 to $9.99.

Another option is to use a T-shirt frame specifically designed for this purpose, such as the SHART Original T-Shirt Frame. This frame comes with a foam insert that perfectly fits any youth medium to adult-sized T-shirt, eliminating the need for cutting or altering the shirt. It also features a real glass front and a closed-cell polyethylene foam insert to protect your T-shirt from dust and dirt and UV rays. The SHART frame is more expensive, but it ensures your T-shirt is properly preserved and displayed.

When choosing a frame, consider the size of your T-shirt and the design you want to showcase. You may need to measure the front and back design to determine the appropriate frame size. Additionally, if you plan to hang your framed T-shirt, ensure that the frame comes with the necessary hardware for vertical or horizontal hanging.

Preparing the t-shirt

The first step in framing a T-shirt is to gather the necessary materials. For this project, you will need a frame, such as an acrylic box frame or a custom metal frame, and a T-shirt you want to display. You may also need additional items like cardboard, double-sided tape, shears, a flathead screwdriver, and a lint roller.

Once you have your materials, start by laying the T-shirt flat and centring it on the backing of the frame or a piece of cardboard if your frame doesn't have a built-in backing. If your frame has a glass or acrylic front, remove any protective plastic at this point. Ensure the T-shirt is smooth and free of wrinkles, and carefully trim away any excess fabric with shears if needed.

If your frame has a glass or acrylic front, carefully place it over the T-shirt, being mindful of any hardware for hanging. Use a lint roller to remove any dust or hair that may have stuck to the surface. Next, carefully fold the remaining fabric of the T-shirt, ensuring there are as few lumps as possible. This step should be done on a soft surface to avoid scratching the front of the frame.

Now, it's time to secure the T-shirt in the frame. If your frame has swivel tabs or swivel levers, rotate them inward and screw them tight. You may also need to use cardboard or foam core to keep the T-shirt in place, especially if your frame doesn't have a built-in backing. Cut the cardboard or foam core to fit the frame, and place it over the T-shirt before securing the back of the frame.

Finally, attach any necessary picture hangers or wires, and your framed T-shirt is ready to be displayed!

Using foam or cardboard for support

Step 1: Choose the Right Frame

Select a shadow box frame that is deep enough to accommodate the folded T-shirt without pressing it against the glass. The frame should have a removable back to allow you to place the T-shirt inside easily. You can find such frames in craft stores or online. Some frames are specifically marketed as T-shirt frames, while others are acrylic box frames that can be used for this purpose.

Step 2: Prepare the T-shirt

Choose the T-shirt you want to frame and wash and iron it to remove any wrinkles or creases. Decide how you want to arrange the T-shirt in the frame. You can experiment with different folds that showcase the logo, graphics, or other elements you want to display.

Step 3: Cut the Cardboard or Foam

You will need a piece of cardboard or foam that is slightly smaller than the frame. Cut the cardboard or foam to size, using the frame as a template. This will provide a clean, crisp fold for your T-shirt. If using cardboard, you can also cut out a cardboard insert that is about 2 inches longer than the length of the frame. Score and bend the cardboard 1 inch on each side to create a flap that will help secure the T-shirt.

Step 4: Position the T-shirt and Backing Board

Remove the back of the shadow box frame and lay down the backing board. Place the folded T-shirt on the backing board, arranging it until you are happy with the look. If using the cardboard insert with flaps, place it face down and position the T-shirt inside, ensuring it is centred and positioned as desired.

Step 5: Secure the T-shirt

Use a small amount of fabric-safe adhesive on the corners and central areas of the T-shirt to lightly attach it to the backing board or cardboard insert. Be careful not to use too much adhesive, as it may bleed through the fabric. If using the cardboard insert, fold the sides of the T-shirt into the box and insert the cardboard flap into the back of the frame to keep the T-shirt in place.

Step 6: Assemble the Frame

Carefully place the glass front over your arrangement and secure the back of the frame. If your frame does not have a glass front, simply place the backing board with the attached T-shirt into the frame and secure the back.

Now you have successfully framed your T-shirt using foam or cardboard for support! Hang your framed T-shirt away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and enjoy your unique piece of art.

Attaching the t-shirt to the frame

There are several ways to attach a t-shirt to a frame, depending on the type of frame you have. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Frame

If your frame has a backboard, remove it by unscrewing the corners and pulling out the brackets. Take out the foam core and glass or acrylic front. If there is a vinyl cover on the acrylic, remove it.

Step 2: Prepare the T-Shirt

Decide how you want to display your t-shirt. You can frame the front, back, or both, depending on the design. If you are framing both sides, you will need two frames. Centre the design or place it as desired.

Step 3: Attach the T-Shirt

Place strips of double-sided tape on the corners, sides, and middle of the foam core. Lay the t-shirt on the tape, smoothing out any creases. You can use a lint roller to remove any lint from the shirt.

For an acrylic frame, you will need to cut the top off the cardboard insert to allow space for the excess t-shirt. Fit the t-shirt over the cardboard insert, centring the design.

Step 4: Secure the T-Shirt

Add extra tape underneath the shirt on the foam core to secure all edges. For an acrylic frame, stuff the remaining shirt into the back of the frame and use tape to cover the back and secure it in place.

Step 5: Trim the T-Shirt (optional)

Use fabric shears to carefully trim the edges of the t-shirt, if needed, to fit the foam core or cardboard insert.

Step 6: Reassemble the Frame

Place the foam core with the t-shirt back into the frame. Reattach the backboard of the frame, screwing the corners tightly.

Step 7: Hang Your Frame

Attach picture hangers to the back of the frame. Measure the same distance down on each side to ensure the frame hangs evenly. Attach picture wire and hang your framed t-shirt on the wall.

Tips for Attaching the T-Shirt:

• You can use cardboard instead of foam core to keep the t-shirt straight and in place.
• If you are using an acrylic frame, use masking tape to hold the cardboard insert together after cutting the top off.
• For metal frames, remove any protective plastic from the glass before placing the frame over the t-shirt.
• When folding the excess fabric inside the frame, do it on a soft surface to avoid scratching the front.
• Ensure any pointed tabs are parallel to the frame and do not stick out, so they do not snag the t-shirt.
• You can use a razor blade to cut any excess tape from around the edges of the frame.
• Poke a hole through the tape covering the back of the frame for a nail to hang it.

Hanging the frame

There are several ways to hang your framed T-shirt. One way is to use a nail hook, screw hook, or thick command strip. You can also use small Glue Dots or similar adhesives to keep the fabric in place. Another option is to use a picture hanger. Measure down the same amount on each side, attach the hanger, and then hang the frame on the wall.

If you want to get creative, you can use a curtain rod or PVC pipe. First, measure your T-shirt from sleeve to sleeve. Then, adjust the rod so it is slightly longer than the T-shirt. Mark the endpoints of the rod on the wall and attach hooks at these points. Finally, run the rod through the sleeves of the T-shirt and place the ends of the rod on the hooks.

For a simple solution, you can also just use a wooden or felt hanger. Mark the spot on the wall where you want to hang the T-shirt, attach a small hook or command strip, and then hang the T-shirt on the hook.

Frequently asked questions