• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Sew Woodsy logo

  • DIY
  • Crafts
  • Cricut
  • Travel
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Thanksgiving
  • DIY
  • Cricut
  • Travel
  • About Us
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Sew Woodsy » Project » Crafts

    Published: Jan 19, 2012 by Katie · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Love Letter Bleach Pen Shirt

    Sharing is caring!

    299 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    I’ve seen a variety of bleach pen crafts over the past year and have wanted to make a creation of my own. I bought a few inexpensive solid color tee’s at Target a few months back and got the idea to create a one-of-a-kind original shirt for myself recently. I scoured the internet for famous love letters. I found this love letter written by Winston Churchill in 1935. I only used the first half of the love letter since it was on the longer side and I was writing rather large.

    January 23, 1935

    My darling Clemmie,

    In your letter from Madras you wrote some words very dear to me, about my having enriched your life. I cannot tell you what pleasure this gave me, because I always feel so overwhelmingly in your debt, if there can be accounts in love…. What it has been to me to live all these years in your heart and companionship no phrases can convey.

    Time passes swiftly, but is it not joyous to see how great and growing is the treasure we have gathered together, amid the storms and stresses of so many eventful and to millions tragic and terrible
    years?

    Your loving husband

    (Winston Churchill)

    Supplies: Bleach Pen, Parchment Paper, T-Shirt

    Line your shirt with parchment paper (or anything else you have on hand that will block the bleach from touch the other side of the shirt). Once your shirt is lined open your bleach pen.

    Carefully, begin writing on your shirt. You’ll notice that most of my words came out in blobs. I knew going into this project that I did  not want the words very legible.

    After about 15 minutes of bleach pen writing this is what my shirt looked like. I let my shirt sit for 30-45 minutes. Once I saw that the bleach was bleeding through the shirt I carefully brought it to my washing machine.

    *Remember, this is bleach. It is going to stink–you are most likely going to get a headache from this. Just an FYI fair warning! I probably used about ¾ of the bleach pen on just the front of the shirt. I’m sure if you can get the pen to not “blob” you might be able to use less.

    I carefully laid the shirt in my washing machine and then pulled the parchment out of the shirt. I turned the washing machine on immediately (on a normal cycle), and let the washing machine do it’s job. After it was done washing I dried it like I would any other t-shirt I own.

    For about $10 I have myself a custom one-of-a-kind T-shirt! Some words are a little more legible than others, and I’m ok with that. If I was to make this shirt again I think I’ll start at the top so that my sleeves had writing on them as well. I can definitely see me making another shirt in the coming months! Maybe even a dress or skirt!

    Side Note: A reader left this comment and I felt that it was a great tip that all should consider when creating this shirt! “As an aside, bleach will continue to damage and eat through your shirt over time, so holes will eventually start to appear – if you don’t want that to happen, you can soak your shirt in white vinegar after you wash it to help neutralize the effects of the bleach. (This is what we were taught in a surface design class I took in college.)” -CathGrace

    « To Tuft or Not To Tuft… that is the question!
    Valentine Day Garland »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. CathGrace says

      January 19, 2012 at 10:38 am

      This is so cute!

      As an aside, bleach will continue to damage and eat through your shirt over time, so holes will eventually start to appear – if you don’t want that to happen, you can soak your shirt in white vinegar after you wash it to help neutralize the effects of the bleach. (This is what we were taught in a surface design class I took in college.)

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        January 19, 2012 at 3:04 pm

        This is wonderful information! I’d like to add your tip to the bottom of my blog post. On a side note… I’m use to all of my shirts have holes in them because I’m short and my abdomen always rubs on countertops causing holes in my shirts!

        Reply
        • Vané says

          March 17, 2012 at 1:18 am

          Omg that same thing happens to me!! I am 5 ft tall. It never occurred to me that was the reason. After all those holes in my shirts…you finally gave me my answer. Lol

          Reply
          • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

            March 19, 2012 at 7:07 am

            lol I’m not sure if it’s “the” answer, but it’s the only answer I can come up with!

            Reply
            • Dayna says

              July 02, 2013 at 8:02 pm

              The same thing happens to me and I am short as well. That makes a lot of sense. It always seems to be at the point where my jeans button.

        • Nancy MacKenzie says

          March 20, 2015 at 2:10 pm

          Just FYI – it’s not that your abdomen rubs and makes holes – it’s the button tab part of your pants/jeans (you know that corner where the button is which kinda sticks out?). I used to get holes in ALL my shirts right at the belly. Then I started wearing a belt to cover that button tab and voila – no more holes!

          Reply
          • Katie says

            April 21, 2015 at 3:52 pm

            Thanks Nancy this is great to know!

            Reply
    2. Sarah Forhan says

      January 19, 2012 at 12:29 pm

      Seriously in love with this idea! I have to make myself one. Maybe I can figure out a way this summer my kids can design on for themselves outside. If I am outside I don’t think the fumes will bother them as much??

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        January 19, 2012 at 3:05 pm

        Thanks! That’s what I was thinking too… maybe the fumes wouldn’t be as bad outside. If I were to do this with kids I would also have them wear gloves since the bleach can irritate skin.

        Reply
    3. Renee says

      January 19, 2012 at 4:12 pm

      Why not make one for you kids with a love letter from you?

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        January 19, 2012 at 4:15 pm

        That is a great idea! I don’t have kids, but I LOVE that idea!

        Reply
    4. Lesley says

      January 19, 2012 at 9:00 pm

      Loved this! Pinned it! 🙂

      Reply
    5. Rose @ Walnut Acre says

      January 19, 2012 at 10:12 pm

      I love this idea. I think I would write words and phrases that are encouraging and motivational to me.

      Reply
    6. Sarah says

      January 20, 2012 at 9:22 am

      You did it! It looks great… I love the red shirt. I’m thinking something for Kaley in the near future using this. : )

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        January 20, 2012 at 3:39 pm

        Do it outside or be prepared for a horrible headache! lol.

        Reply
    7. Kim @ One Project Closer says

      January 20, 2012 at 3:22 pm

      Very Cute (and thanks for the very well doc’d how-to!). Followed over here from HoH’s party! Would love to have you link it up over at our place too if you’re interested!

      Reply
    8. Danielle says

      January 20, 2012 at 5:37 pm

      This is such a cute idea! I love it!!

      Reply
    9. Desiree says

      January 21, 2012 at 1:45 am

      This is brilliant!
      I am featuring you tomorrow!

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        January 22, 2012 at 10:27 am

        Thanks for the feature!

        Reply
    10. Liz says

      January 21, 2012 at 11:52 am

      I love this! I especially love that you used a Winston Churchill love letter. I bought my sis in law a scarf that had Mr. Darcy’s proclamation of love on it..now I realize I could have just made it myself with bleach pens! haha.

      Reply
    11. Daneilia says

      January 21, 2012 at 3:05 pm

      Your shirt looks great! I love, love letters especially Winston Churchill’s. Amazing words that can always warm the heart.

      If would be fun if you participated in this:
      tag…you’re it

      Reply
    12. Nina says

      January 21, 2012 at 5:02 pm

      I love it !!!!

      Reply
    13. Mitzi says

      January 21, 2012 at 9:34 pm

      Love this! I will be doing this for my grandkids, letter from grandma, as soon as I get shirts!

      Reply
    14. Judy@In His Grip says

      January 23, 2012 at 10:41 am

      Okay, now this is freakin’ cute. I am so going to do this, in fact I think I will grab my purse and keys and go find a t-shirt and bleach pen right now. Love, love, love it. Thanks for stopping by and giving me comment love.

      Judy

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        January 23, 2012 at 10:50 am

        Awe you are too funny! Honestly, run to the store now! And buy a few extra pens at that matter since you’ll be addicted to this once you’ve made your first shirt!

        Reply
    15. Katie@The Crafty Blog Stalker says

      January 25, 2012 at 10:50 pm

      Thank you for sharing with Blog Stalking Thursday! I have featured you with this week’s party! Please stop by and grab a featured button and wear it proudly on your blog! http://thecraftyblogstalker.blogspot.com/2012/01/blog-stalking-thursday-25.html

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        January 26, 2012 at 7:30 am

        Thank you for the feature!

        Reply
    16. Heather says

      February 03, 2012 at 8:28 am

      Love this idea Katie! This really gives a plain Tee a designer look! I am going to Tar-jay today to pick up some tees!

      Heather

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        February 03, 2012 at 9:31 am

        Awesome! Glad I could inspire you!

        Reply
    17. louobrien says

      February 26, 2012 at 2:20 pm

      gonna make this, one for each of my grown daughters and put their favorite childhood song lyrics on it for Easter!
      thank you for the idea!

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        February 27, 2012 at 8:17 am

        Love that idea! I’d love to see how it turns out!

        Reply
    18. Lynn says

      March 20, 2012 at 9:02 am

      I think I would like to do it with paint pens instead: no bleach fumes, and hopefully no holes eaten through the shirt.

      I wonder if baking soda would neutralize the bleach? Vinegar and bleach are both acids, so I can’t see that being as effective. However, I would definitely wash it before using baking soda so as to avoid a terrible reaction.

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        March 20, 2012 at 11:42 am

        great ideas! I’ve warn and washed my shirt at least 5 times now and haven’t had seen any holes yet!

        Reply
      • mich says

        March 29, 2012 at 8:12 pm

        actually, bleach is a base so vinegar would neutralize it.

        Reply
        • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

          April 03, 2012 at 7:21 am

          Great to know!

          Reply
    19. Ariyana says

      March 21, 2012 at 5:23 pm

      Love ’em. I did something similar once to some colored jeans, but I sponged bleach onto letters I had blocked off with tape. Was fun 🙂

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        March 21, 2012 at 10:15 pm

        Oh, I love that idea!

        Reply
    20. Cindy says

      April 25, 2012 at 1:20 pm

      I think the holes have to do with not tucking in your shirt. It rubs on the zipper button closure that sticks out a bit.

      Great idea to redesign a tee. Going to copy this to making matching shirts for me and my daughter for our next vacation!!!

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        April 26, 2012 at 7:36 am

        Cindy I definitely agree with you! I’ve noticed that is typically my problem and maybe because I;m short and I always hit the counter! lol I would love to see your redesign!

        Reply
    21. Ruth Simpson says

      July 06, 2012 at 3:16 am

      I used a bleach pen on one half of a dark to medium solid colored fabric, then folded it over to mirror the image. Cool for drawing multiple flowers, etc. I was at a condo in Maui, and when the bathroom light was on, the fan was, too. Perfect, with a sink to soak out the bleach when it was “done”. My fabric pieces ranged in size from 9″ X 18″ or so, just scraps. I’m making wall hangings and also purses with the results.

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        July 09, 2012 at 8:34 am

        Hi Ruth–that sounds awesome. Love the idea of mirroring your bleach pen projects. I’d love to share your projects with our readers for additional ideas. If you’d like to do this please email me photos and descriptions at SewWoodsy@gmail.com . Thanks again for stopping by!

        Reply
    22. Staci says

      August 14, 2012 at 6:04 pm

      I’m so trying this with my friend next week! Only question I have is if we can wash all our shirts together or do we have to do each individual one separate?

      Reply
      • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

        August 15, 2012 at 1:46 pm

        Hi Staci, thanks for visiting. I’m not sure about multiple washes at one time. I only made one, so that’s all I can give advice on. If you put multiple shirts in one load of wash I’d love to hear your results. I’d also love to feature your shirts if you make them next week. Feel free to send me a picture! 🙂

        Reply
        • Amanda says

          February 17, 2013 at 1:50 pm

          i did a project like this with multiple shirts and here’s what i did:
          first, i had a top-loading washer, i’m not sure it’d work with a front loader.
          before i started my project, i let the washer fill up, then i turned it off. that way i could put the shirts in and turn it on immediately. i only did it this way once, with 2 shirts, and it worked fine. but i realized that doing the project took so much time that i didnt want to leave the bleach eating away at the first shirt while i did the second. here’s my better solution:
          have the washer filled and ready to go, and start your project. when you’re done writing or drawing, set it aside, and start getting your next shirt ready. (getting it “just so” takes longer than you’d think) if your first shirt is not bleached enough, go ahead and start your second shirt. keep glancing at your first, and when its bleached the amount you want, go put it in the washer and turn it on right away. then go back and work on shirt #2. it’ll take a bit to finish your project, then for it to bleach enough. by then Shirt #1 will be washed and ready to go in the dryer. as soon as it’s done, take it out. as soon as it’s out, refill it. while shirt #1 is drying, shirt #2 is washing, and you’ve moved on to shirt #3. this rhythm keeps up nicely, and if the first shirt isn’t dry yet, you can always double them up!
          i would also recommend that if you’re trying to do a particularly involved design, break it up into 2-3 steps, and wash in between the steps. that way you don’t have bleach sitting in one spot for an hour while the spot you just finished has only had it on there for a few minutes.

          Reply
          • Mrs. Woodsy aka Katie says

            February 18, 2013 at 8:32 pm

            Great tips, Amanda! I have a front loading machine and I know for a fact you can’t have it full of water waiting for you. I like the idea of bleaching/washing the shirt in steps. I have another one planed for the near future… so I can’t wait to get started!

            Reply
    23. Lori K says

      October 05, 2012 at 10:35 pm

      Greaat idea!! I’ve been looking for a cute t-shirt idea for the class I teach at church!!

      Reply
    24. Sarah says

      July 21, 2014 at 3:17 pm

      I have a question, I did this and by the time I finished the design, my earlier design was bleeding through to the point where there was just a blob around the letters (only 5 min to complete the whole design) and then I let it sit another 5 min. Why did my shirt bleed so much? Is there something in the material of mine that made it bleed a lot more and faster?

      Reply
      • Katie says

        September 08, 2014 at 7:20 am

        Hi Sarah, not sure why yours bleed so much. I did put parchment paper in between the shirt–did you do that?

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    Male and female hugging on each other in the woods.

    Hi, we're Katie & Jon! Welcome to our home away from home!

    Sew Woodsy is a lifestyle blog focusing on crafts, home DIY projects, family, travel and all things life. Get comfy and join us on our adventure!

    More About Us →

    9 different logos from various media outlets where Sew Woodsy has been featured on.

    Easter Projects

    • Kids Easter Basket Ideas
    • 25 Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers
    • Free Easter Coloring Pages
    • 17 Easter Craft Ideas

    Trending

    • How to Create a Natural Log Pathway + Video
    • Tips & Tricks on Installing Butcher Block Countertops
    • How to Host a Baby Shower at Work
    • How to Use Heat n Bond

    Male and female hugging on each other in the woods.

    Hi, we're Katie & Jon! Welcome to our home away from home!

    Sew Woodsy is a lifestyle blog focusing on crafts, home DIY projects, family, travel and all things life. Get comfy and join us on our adventure!

    More About Us →

    9 different logos from various media outlets where Sew Woodsy has been featured on.

    Easter Projects

    • DIY Follow the Bunny Pillow Cover
    • Bunny Kisses & Easter Wishes Burlap Garden Flag
    • Easter Bunny Family Pillow
    • DIY Easter Bunny Onesie with Name

    Trending

    • How to Create a Natural Log Pathway + Video
    • Tips & Tricks on Installing Butcher Block Countertops
    • How to Host a Baby Shower at Work
    • How to Use Heat n Bond

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    9 different logos from various media outlets where Sew Woodsy has been featured on.

    About

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with us
    • Advertise

    Copyright © 2010 - 2022 Sew Woodsy