When it comes to craft supplies, safety pins are some of the most underrated inventions. After all, they’re insanely functional. Just ask any DIYer! When they’re used in a certain way, safety pins can also be pretty stylish. Take this $168 star studded pullover by Free People, for example. It uses safety pins as embellishments to create a sparkling design. Luckily, safety pins are ridiculously cheap—so I just had to recreate it for my next tutorial. The grand total? Less than 20 bucks. Score. Read on to see how I made my own DIY safety pin sweatshirt.
DIY SAFETY PIN STAR SWEATSHIRT SUPPLIES:
- Sweatshirt
- Darice Safety Pins *
- Darice Acrylic Flat Pyramid Beads
- Fabric Glue
- Darice Crystal Star Rhinestones
- Washi/Masking Tape (Optional)
* Use safety pins in sizes and colors that fit your style. I chose silver 1-inch and 1 1/2-inch safety pins.
Step 1. Use the safety pins to make a “pinwheel” in the center of the sweatshirt. Again, don’t hesitate to combine several different sizes. It also doesn’t have to be a perfectly symmetrical shape! The uneven style will add to its personality.
Step 2. Using the fabric glue, adhere flat pyramid studs and rhinestone stars around the center. You’ll only need a tiny bit of fabric glue for each embellishment; a little bit goes a long way. Keep in mind that fabric glue dries clear, though. So don’t worry if some glue peeks out from under something.
Work your way outward, slowly creating a star shape. Do this on a flat and sturdy surface like a table. This is an awesome activity to do while you’re watching a show or listening to podcasts.
Step 3. Need an outline to serve as a guide? Plan out the star using safety pins or washi tape.
Step 4. Continue filling out the star shape with a mixture of flat studs, safety pins, and rhinestone stars. I ended up bringing in other types of acrylic bead studs for a change of pace.
Step 5. Set your DIY safety pin sweatshirt aside and let dry overnight.
Remember, you don’t have to use studs or stars in every space. Safety pins can also take up chunks of random areas.
Feel free to use any combination of colors and embellishments that speak to you. I used a classic black sweatshirt by Fruit of the Loom, but there are so many kinds out there. You can even mix and match various types of rhinestones, studs, and safety pins.
Not crazy about the star shape? Try making a heart, triangle, or something totally different for your DIY safety pin sweatshirt.
If you’re a fan of this embellished sweatshirt project, you might also like this DIY bandana with personalized embroidery.
Kirsten is a lifestyle writer and craft book author focusing on DIY, food, health, and creativity. Since 2010, she has been sharing DIY projects at WildAmor.com (formerly Studs & Pearls). In May 2014, Kirsten published her first book, Studs & Pearls: 30 Creative Projects for Customized Fashion; you can find it at Barnes & Noble, Amazon & select independent bookstores. She spends most of her time writing, crafting, traveling, and dreaming up new recipe ideas. Kirsten is a born and raised New Yorker currently living in the Bay Area of California.
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