Framing T-Shirts: Creative Display Ideas For Your Favorite Tees

Whether it's a memento from a concert, a team jersey, or a vintage tee with sentimental value, framing a t-shirt is a great way to preserve and showcase it. You can choose from a variety of framing options, such as a shadow box frame or a clear acrylic frame, and decide on the best way to fold and secure the t-shirt within the frame. With some creativity and care, you can transform a cherished item into a unique and eye-catching piece of home decor.

Choosing the right frame

Type of Frame

Select a shadow box frame with a glass front. Shadow box frames provide more depth than traditional frames, allowing you to display bulky items such as T-shirts without pressing them against the glass. The extra space also helps prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mould spots over time.

Frame Size

Ensure the frame has sufficient internal dimensions to accommodate the folded T-shirt without squishing it. Choose a frame deep enough to leave some space between the T-shirt and the glass. As a general guideline, there should be at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) of space between the T-shirt and the inside of the frame.

UV Protection

Opt for a shadow box frame with UV-protective glass. This feature will help prevent the colours of your T-shirt from fading due to exposure to sunlight.

Frame Colour and Style

Consider the colour and style of the frame in relation to the T-shirt and the surrounding décor. Choose a frame that complements the T-shirt's design and the room where it will be displayed.

Cost

Frames made specifically for jerseys or T-shirts tend to be quite expensive. A more cost-effective option is to choose a standard shadow box frame with the correct dimensions. You can often find affordable options at craft stores or retailers like Target.

Additional Features

Some frames come with cardboard inserts or backing boards that help keep the T-shirt in place. Look for acid-free or archival-grade backing materials to prevent discolouration of the fabric over time.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right frame to showcase and protect your T-shirt effectively.

Preparing the t-shirt

The first step to framing a T-shirt is to select the shirt you want to frame. Wash and iron it, making sure to remove any wrinkles or creases. If you want to display the entire T-shirt, you can use a jersey display case or a shadow box frame. However, these can be quite expensive. An alternative option is to use an acrylic box frame, which is a cheaper and simple way to display your T-shirt.

Once you have chosen your frame, you need to prepare the T-shirt for framing. Decide how you want to arrange the T-shirt in the frame. Experiment with different folds that showcase the most important parts of the shirt, such as the logo, graphics, or other elements. You can use a cardboard insert as a template to help you fold the T-shirt neatly and ensure it fits within the frame.

Before placing the T-shirt in the frame, use a lint roller to remove any lint or dust from the shirt. You should also clean the inside of the frame to ensure your T-shirt looks its best. If you are using an acrylic frame, you may need to cut the top off the cardboard insert to allow space for the excess T-shirt material.

Now, you are ready to position the T-shirt within the frame. Place the folded T-shirt on the backing board or cardboard insert, arranging it until you are happy with the look. Use a small amount of fabric-safe adhesive on the corners and central areas of the shirt to lightly attach it to the backing. Be careful not to use too much adhesive, as it may bleed through the fabric.

Folding the t-shirt

• Choose Your T-Shirt: Select the T-shirt you want to frame. It could be a T-shirt with sentimental value, such as a concert memento or a vintage tee. Wash and iron the T-shirt, ensuring that any wrinkles or creases are removed.
• Experiment with Folds: Decide how to fold the T-shirt to best showcase its features, such as the logo or graphics. The folding pattern will depend on the elements you want to highlight. You can try different folding techniques to see what works best.
• Prepare the Cardboard Insert: Cut a piece of cardboard to the size of your frame. This will serve as a template for folding the T-shirt and help achieve a clean, crisp fold. You can also use the cardboard to keep the T-shirt straight and in place within the frame.
• Fold the T-shirt: Using the cardboard insert as a guide, carefully fold the T-shirt. Make sure the logo or graphics are centred and visible. You can also iron the folds to keep the T-shirt in position and ensure it lies flat within the frame.
• Position the Folded T-shirt: Place the folded T-shirt on the backing board of your frame. Adjust it until you are happy with its positioning and the overall look.
• 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. Be careful not to use too much adhesive, as it may bleed through the fabric.

Remember, the key to successful T-shirt folding is to highlight the most memorable parts of the T-shirt, such as any logos or graphics. Take your time, experiment with different folds, and ensure the T-shirt is secured neatly in place.

Securing the t-shirt

Choose a Suitable Adhesive

It is important to use a fabric-safe adhesive to secure your T-shirt in place. Avoid strong glues that can damage the fabric. A small amount of adhesive should be applied to the corners and central areas of the T-shirt to attach it lightly to the backing board.

Use Fabric-Safe Adhesive to Secure the T-shirt

Apply a small amount of fabric-safe adhesive to the corners and central areas of the T-shirt. Avoid using too much, as it may bleed through the fabric. This will help to keep the T-shirt in place and prevent it from shifting or moving around inside the frame.

Sew the T-shirt in Place

If you prefer a more permanent solution, you can sew the T-shirt in place. Use a needle and clear thread, such as fishing line, to hand-sew around the edges of the T-shirt. Sew along the neckline, hem, sides, and sleeves, attaching the T-shirt to the backing board or foam insert. This will ensure that the T-shirt remains secure and does not move inside the frame.

Use Cardboard or Foam for Support

Cut a piece of cardboard or foam to the size of your frame. Place it inside the T-shirt to create a crisp and clean fold. This will help to keep the T-shirt in place and prevent it from shifting or wrinkling over time. You can also use cardboard to create a spacer, by cutting it to be about 2 inches longer than the length of the frame, scoring and bending it, and then inserting it into the back of the frame.

Fold the T-shirt for Display

Decide how you want to arrange the T-shirt inside the frame. Experiment with different folds that showcase the most important elements, such as logos or graphics. You can lay the T-shirt flat, fold the sleeves downwards, and use an iron to keep it in position before placing it in the frame.

Final assembly

Now that you've chosen your frame, cut your foam or backing board, and prepared your t-shirt, it's time to put everything together. Here's a step-by-step guide to the final assembly:

• Place the folded t-shirt on the backing board, centring it and arranging it until you're happy with the look. Make sure any logos, graphics, or other elements you want to showcase are visible and arranged as desired.
• 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. Be careful not to use too much, as it may bleed through the fabric. Alternatively, you can hand-sew the t-shirt to the backing board using clear thread. Sew around the neckline, hem, sides, and sleeves of the t-shirt, attaching it to the backing to prevent movement inside the frame.
• Carefully place the glass front or acrylic panel over your arrangement. If you're using a traditional frame, place the glass front first, followed by the frame. For an acrylic box frame, you may need to fold the sides of the t-shirt over the cardboard insert and secure it with tape or by cutting a piece of cardboard to hold it in place.
• Secure the back of the frame. If you're using a shadow box frame, attach the back panel of the frame. For an acrylic box frame, you may need to cut a piece of cardboard to fit the back of the frame and tape it in place to secure the t-shirt.
• Hang your framed t-shirt on the wall, making sure it's away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Your framed t-shirt is now ready to be displayed and admired! This is a great way to preserve memories and showcase your favourite t-shirts as unique pieces of art.

Frequently asked questions