In this post, you’ll see how to make patriotic clothing for a summer outing ALL without breaking the bank!
There’s something truly special about walking around a community wearing the same symbols and colors. It ties everyone together behind a common purpose. I felt it when I lived in Wisconsin and the Packers were playing and I feel it every time there is a parade for a national holiday. Whether it be Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day, wearing red, white, and blue and seeing so many others doing the same makes me immensely proud of our country.
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Assembling your patriotic clothing supplies
When I start a project like this there is definitely a little ambiguity going on in my head. I buy and pull together supplies and then see what creative juices start to envision. This is what I began with for this project.
Here you’ll see some great ribbon, Cricut Everyday Iron-On, fabric paint, and basic tanks and a white denim pair of shorts. Pretty basic so let’s see where they lead us! None of them are expensive and they are completely open to anything my little mind can create.
You can follow the same path I took (continue reading) or just use this for inspiration to start on your own custom patriotic clothing. Also, check out my Best of Web post on the best patriotic t-shirts for more ideas.
Get these supplies:
Cricut Machine Everyday Iron-On White, Red, Blue Strongbond Vinyl
Siser EasyWeed HTV 11.8″ x 3ft Roll – Iron on Heat Transfer Vinyl (Gold)
The shorts below are the pair I’m using from Walmart. I’m also including links to comparable shorts from Amazon below. The tank tops I’m using don’t seem to be available any longer so I found a well-priced option, shown below.
In the end, I’m not using the fabric paint in this post so I won’t take up space for a link. If you want to see what I do with the fabric paint and multi-layer stencils to the red tank then follow me on Instagram. I’ll add a link HERE to the post when I get it published next week.
Let’s get this tank sporting some red, white & blue
Since the shorts I’m using have a frayed edge, I want the shirt to be very clean. Meaning, I don’t want it to have a vintage or washed out look. That’s why I’m going with the Cricut Everyday Iron-On.
After spending some time searching patriotic phrases on Google, I’ve decided to go with ‘merica but to have a big “A” above it so it’s fun but (hopefully) not disrespectful. Yes, that’s my logic. I’m afraid of insulting our country with a slang name. Ughh!!
Here’s the graphic I’ve made using Adobe Illustrator for the tank top. You’ll see I have it ready to go with either a red, white, or blue t-shirt. In the end, I’m going with BLUE! Now to get it ready for my Cricut Maker and Cricut Easy Press 2.
If you want to use the same graphic in Cricut Design Space, click HERE or on the button below! Yes, this is a FREE file I’m giving to you in the grand ol’ spirit of our great country! Feel the love people!
This project requires layering. To layer, I heat the base layer for 15 seconds, add the next layer for another 15 seconds, and finally (since the top layer is a gold metallic) the last layer for 10 seconds. After that, I flip the shirt over and heat with the Cricut Easy Press for another 15 seconds.
After waiting 30 seconds to cool (I actually use the timer on the Easy Press), I do a warm peal.
To get the first layer in place nice and centered, I like to use a combination of my t-square and a quilter’s ruler. I use the quilter’s ruler to line up the tops of the shirt and find how far down I want the top of the graphic, Then I place the t-square to show me the center.
TIP: To apply the graphic, with a Sharpie draw a center line down the top of the plastic covering the iron-on vinyl identifying its middle line. Then line that center line with the corresponding edge of the t-square. Hold on to one side of the graphic to keep it in place while removing the t-square and quilter’s ruler. Then you can put the Cricut Easy Press or iron into place.
You can also use heat resistant tape to keep the vinyl in place, if that’s helpful!
There are other products available that do a similar “trick”, which you might want to consider getting if you don’t have a t-square. They’re more expensive but will work well!
the graphic is now ready for the Easy Press.
TIP: Remember to ALWAYS cover all of the iron-on vinyl, not JUST the layer you’re working on! You can reuse the prior layers to cover up any that isn’t taken care of by the current plastic cover.
to make sure it doesn’t have direct contact with the Easy Press.
Adding touches to pull together the patriotic look
I was torn with what to do with the shorts because I really like them (even cheap as they are from Walmart. Who knew!! Sorry Target!). What I’ve decided, works perfectly. I’m simply adding the ribbon down the side leg with my sewing machine. Then, when I’m done wearing them this way, I can just get out my old seam ripper and remove the ribbon. Back to plain white whore, they’ll return!
Instead of leaving the ribbon as-is, I’m gathering it. This was SOOO easy and can be done with or without a sewing machine.
TIP: To learn how to gather, watch the video, “An Easy Method for Perfect Gathers {with no broken stitches or tangled threads}”, from TheSeasonedHomemaker.com (LINK). It’s a great tutorial on gathering with a machine.
These are so cute and are a total knock-off of shorts for sale at Urban Outfitters!
Accessories finish the patriotic look
Out dressing casually, I tend to go light on the necklaces and earrings. No statement pieces. Match that with the need for sun protection on my face and a hat seems like the perfect topper (lol).
Up to my closet, I go to find a simple sun fedora. All I need to do is add a little ribbon and it’s the perfect match to my patriotic clothing.
Get this look:
but dorothy needs her shoes
Temperatures are bound to be HOT so sandals of some sort are in order. Keeping this on budget and in the red, white and blue means FLIP FLOPS!!
There are so many super cute pairs sporting the red, white, & blue on Amazon! I’m limiting myself to showing you only three (points for restraint). The first pair is what I have and they’re very comfy.
Get this look:
options are always good
If you want a more subtle graphic on your t-shirt, you can choose the “America You’re Beautiful” graphic I have available in my online boutique. (LINK)
ready for a day out to celebrate our country
If you’re curious about what’s on the table in these photos, take a look at my post, “Easy Patriotic Decorations to Take on the Go“. (LINK)
Now you know how to make patriotic clothing on a budget. I did give some options for a budget that’s a little bigger but it’s all relative. I hope you have fun making your patriotic clothing and definitely tag @americanschoolofdesign on Instagram with a photo of your look!
If you like this post and want to see more from American School of Charm, please subscribe. It’s totally FREE and puts you on the inside track for sales, events, and freebies. You also get access to the Maker’s Group Resource Library. That’s where I put files relating to the feature project each month and it’s only available to subscribers. So get on it and subscribe right now!
Always feel welcome to reach out if you have any questions or need some input on a project. You can contact me by clicking HERE!
Have a great day and remember to always live your life creatively! XOXO, Ali.
[…] forget to check out my posts on DIY Patriotic T-Shirts and How to Make Patriotic Clothing on a Budget so you’re dressing as patriotically as your […]