DIY Polka Dot Chambray Shirt

Two of my favorite style trends for spring, other than pink, are chambray tops and polka dots.  I have seen a couple chambray polka dotted tops floating around on these here internets.  However, most of them carry a heavy price tag around $60-120.  Since I had this old American Eagle chambray top lying around, I thought I would take matters into my own hands and give it a little face lift.  This project cost me around $7 total, and is super easy to do!  Just plop yourself in front of the TV for an evening, and get to polka-dotting already!

DIY Tools:

1.  Chambray Shirt (Or any shirt for that matter.)  Here are a few choices: 1, 2, 3

2.  Fabric Paint.  I used a 4 ounce bottle of Tulip's Soft Fabric Paint in White Velvet I bought at a local Michaels. (Similar)

3.  Plaid Daubers for stencil effects, in sizes 1/4 inch and 5/8 inch, also purchased at a local Michaels.

4.  Piece of cardboard or an old magazine to place between the shirt, to prevent any bleeding.

DIY Polka Dotted Chambray Shirt Directions:

1.  Lay a buttoned shirt on flat surface, with a piece of cardboard or an old magazine in between to prevent bleeding.

2.  Lightly dip your dauber into the paint, making sure to remove any excess.

3.  Start on the front right side of the shirt, placing polka dots in a straight line down the seam next to the buttons.  You can gauge how far apart you want your polka dots to be.

4.  Once that row is complete, begin placing polka dots to the right, in the middle of the first two polka dots you made, as such.

5.  You are basically creating a series of diamond shapes, or diagonal rows of lines.  Make sure to line up the dots.  But don't worry, it doesn't have to be perfect.

6.  If you find your dots uneven, take the smaller dauber, dip it in a little paint, and fill in the larger dot.  You'll be doing this a lot.

7.  Once the right side is completed, polka dot the left side in the same manner. 

8.  When it comes to the sleeves, lay the sleeve flat.  Start your first polka dot line closest to the outside seam, and work your way up and out. 

9.  Once the front of the shirt is dotted and dried, flip it over and repeat steps on the back.

10.  Let dry over night, and then wear!

Polka dotting this chambray top took me a total of 4 hours.  But it was all in the name of fashion and fun!  I'm surprised how much I am really loving the results.  Today I tucked it into a black pencil skirt for work.  I hope you found this DIY helpful, and maybe, even a little inspired to do some polka dotting on your own!