DIY Sweatshirt Guide to Create Your Own Style

DIY Sweatshirt Guide to Create Your Own Style

Sweatshirts are a true wardrobe staple. Perfect for pairing with jeans and sneakers for a laid-back look, your choice of sweatshirt can say a lot about you. But if you want to make a real statement with your sweatshirt, you can quickly and easily create a DIY design that matches your own style. Here is our guide for creating a custom sweater.

Create an off-the shoulder style

A crewneck sweater that comes off the shoulder is a classic '80s look that seems to always be in style. It looks effortlessly chic and cool and exposes just a hint of sexy shoulder to help elevate a simple sweater and jeans outfit. You can easily make your own in just a few minutes using an existing sweatshirt and a pair of scissors. Before you start, choose a classic crew neck sweater shape, such as the Gray NYC Crewneck Sweatshirt.

Lay the sweatshirt out flat and smooth out any wrinkles before folding it over lengthways, keeping the seams aligned. Using fabric chalk, draw a line starting at least two inches outside the edge of the collar. Carefully cut the fabric along your line to create a deep scoop neck that hangs down and exposes one shoulder.

Wear it with classic cut jeans and a tank or bra with a pretty or contrasting strap for a cute, girly look.

Fade it out

Give a plainer sweatshirt a grungy vibe by using a dip-dying technique. Choose a dark sweater in blue, gray or black for maximum impact. Something like Camping Women’s Crew Neck Sweatshirt would be ideal.

Wearing gloves at all times, mix up a combination of bleach and water. Use one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Dip the sweatshirt into the mixture and swirl it slightly to avoid too straight of a dye line. You can choose whether to dip-dye the bottom or top of your sweatshirt. Lay it over the side of your bucket and allow the dip-dyed section to soak for around 30 minutes. Rinse the bleach out and then wash the sweatshirt.

This will provide a stark contrast between the sweater and the dip-dyed section and will create a great customized piece unique to you. To create a blotchier, more ad-hoc looking fade, use a spray bottle filled with a bleach and water mixture. Spray it onto random sections of your sweater and leave for a while before washing.

You can also explore tie-dye techniques to create a trendy and colorful sweater. If you want one already done for you, check out this bold and eye-catching Tie Dye French Terry Sweatshirt.

Crop it like it’s hot

Another way to DIY your sweatshirt is to cut it into a crop style. Crop sweaters have been big fashion news of late, especially teamed with a good pair of high-waisted jeans or pants. You can also use this technique to create a raw, unfinished hem on a favorite sweatshirt. This will give you a rugged, laid-back vibe.

To cut the bottom of your sweatshirt, lie it flat on a solid surface and smooth out any creases. Use an iron if you have to in order to ensure it is perfectly smooth and flat. Mark out a line above the existing hemline using a fabric chalk or fabric pen. It is up to you how cropped you want your sweater to be, but for a subtle crop, aim for around 5 cm above the hem. Carefully cut the fabric in a straight line, being sure to keep it as neat and flat as possible.

Pair it with high-waisted jeans or jogging pants for an updated take on the athleisure trend.

Add a slogan

Adding a slogan is an effortless way to create a custom DIY sweater. This gives you the option to have whatever you want emblazoned across your favorite sweater. There are plenty of companies out there - many of them online - that will print a logo or design on a sweatshirt for you. You can opt for a personalized design using your name or a favorite saying or motto. Take time to plan out your design and think about what colors to use to ensure your motif is bold and visible. But if you want to find a slogan sweater without the hassle of getting it printed, check out the great range available at All Good Laces, including this super cool Rock Star Oversized Crop Sweatshirt and this cute Cool Mom Sweatshirt.