6 Easy Ways to Bling Out Your Old Navy 4th of July Shirts

Every year, Old Navy 4th of July shirts are just $5 for the entire family. So, before the fireworks begin, grab a few America or plain tees or onesies and add your own DIY flare to ensure your gang is Instagram-ready. Or show them off at your 4th of July party.

This is also a fun hands-on DIY project for the kids that they’ll be proud to wear this summer. First things first, get your hands on a plain white Old Navy shirt. (Then find out how to save at Old Navy on other gear.)

For general savings hacks and smart shopping tips, text HACKS to 57299. Here are a few ways to add a little DIY bling to your Old Navy 4th of July shirts:

 

1. Tie-dye your kids’ Old Navy 4th of July shirts in red, white, and blue.

When the holidays come around and you have a baby, you can’t leave them out of the festivities. Old Navy’s baby bodysuit can easily be dyed one color or tie-dyed for a more patriotic feel. The dye is runny and permanent, so protect your work surface by covering it well. I use zip ties with my tie-dye projects instead of rubber bands (you’ll get cleaner lines this way).

Here’s what you’ll need to tie-dye your Old Navy 4th of July shirts:

• Disposable rubber gloves (one for each color)
• Mini tie-dye kit with red and blue dye
• Zip ties

Directions:

1. 1. Twist the onesie from the top right-hand side, and fasten the zip ties into place.
   2. With the zip ties secured, mix your dye as instructed.
   3. Apply the dye to the onesie in sections, skipping sections that you want to stay white. Be careful — if you add too much dye, the colors can bleed together and you’ll end up with a purple onesie.
   4. When you’re done with the dye, place your onesie in a plastic bag and put it in the sun for 6 – 8 hours.
   5. Rinse the onesie under warm water with the zip ties still in place until the water runs clear.
   6. Carefully remove the zip ties and wash the onesie in your washing machine on the hottest setting. The heat helps the ink to set.

And remember, DO NOT wash it with any other items the first time, because some of the ink may transfer. Need other money-saving tie-dye ideas? Got you covered.

 

2. Add a starburst to your Old Navy 4th of July shirts using a stencil.

Get your hands on a star stencil or make your own 4th of July tank tops. I printed a star off the internet and traced the design onto the matte side of freezer paper. Then I used scissors to cut out the star (an X-acto knife works well too.)

Here’s how to make this holiday shirt idea happen:

1. Apply the stars, shiny-side down to your white Old Navy tank top by placing a piece of fabric (like a pillowcase) between the freezer paper and your iron.
2. Hold the iron in place for a few seconds. The freezer paper will adhere to the shirt without hurting the fabric.
3. Next, apply red and blue fabric paint to your shirt by dipping a pencil eraser in the paint. For best results, make sure each star is fully outlined with dots.

When the paint is dry, just remove the freezer paper.

 

 

3. Use painter’s tape to create an American flag on your Old Navy 4th of July shirt.

Ready for a simple craft that will have you looking super festive for your next barbecue? Apply painter’s tape in a flag pattern — you can make the lines diagonal or straight. Then use a foam brush to apply red paint along the stripes.

When the fabric paint is dry, cut stars from freezer paper and use an iron to apply them to the shirt, shiny-side down.

After the stars have adhered to the shirt, apply blue fabric paint around the stars. Be careful not to pull up the points of the stars as you paint.

When the paint is completely dry, remove the freezer paper and painter’s tape.

TIP: Place a piece of fabric such as a pillowcase between your iron and the freezer paper to avoid getting any residue on your iron. I skipped this step and learned the hard way! And, as long as you’re playing with painter’s tape, did you know that there are ways to get free paint?

 

4. Add an American bow to the back of your 4th of July tank tops.

Time to get a little fancy for the holidays. Don’t worry — it’s simple to create. In seconds, you can transform your white tank tops with an American flag bow.

Use a bow with twist ties to scrunch the back of your tank top (as shown). You can also attach a hair clip to the shirt for the same look.

 

 

5. Paint fireworks across your kids’ holiday shirts using straws, paint, and tape.

For this kids’ firework T-shirt, you’ll need a few bendy straws, painter’s tape, a paintbrush, and fabric paint.

Use tape at the top and bottom to hold seven bendy straws together. Bend the necks of the straws outward. Then, apply fabric paint to the neck of each straw. Press the straws down on the shirt to transfer the paint. Rotate and repeat until the shirt is bursting with fireworks.

 

6. Cut and tie your T-shirt sleeves with patriotic beads.

You’ll need scissors plus red, white, and blue beads. Use the scissors to cut the neck off your shirt and down the shoulder and sleeves.

At the top of the shirt, begin making three- to four-inch cuts about one inch apart. Thread red, white, and blue beads onto one of the pair of front and back fringes; tie the two fringes in a knot. Continue until all fringes are beaded and tied.