Hot Fashion Design How-Tos

How To: Dye your own clothes

Watch closet expert Barbra Horowitz demonstrate how easy it is to dye your own clothes at home. All you need is salt, powdered dye, and some clothing. You can actually dye clothing in your own washing machine with little to no effort. To clean up, just run an empty wash load with some bleach.

How To: Make your own t-shirt

Watch this instructional fashion design video to transform any sweater into a cool t-shirt. Find an old sweatshirt and cut off the sleeves. Cut small, measured, horizontal slits into the front and back of the shirt to give it a sexy and breathable design.

How To: Make your oversized shirt into a fitted shirt

Watch closet and fashion guru Barbra Horowits, author of Closet Control, demonstrate how to take an oversized t-shirt and sew a fitted, hip, and sexy shirt. It's so easy, anyone can do it. You can use left over scraps to create a sexy open weave along the sides of the shirt that also holds it together. No needle and thread necessary!

How To: Bleach t-shirt designs

Watch this step by step fashion design tutorial on how to bleach shirt designs. Print out a design onto durable paper and cut out the individual pieces. Iron the shapes in place atop the t-shirt. Place a protective lining on the inside of the shirt. Fill an empty spray bottle with bleach and spray your design lightly from about two feet away. The areas where you placed paper shapes and letters will not soak up the bleach.

How To: Sew a quick fitted t-shirt

Here's how to turn an old, incredibly large t-shirt into fitted shirt that is comfortable yet flattering. Find a large shirt that you would like to work with and one of your favorite fitted t-shirts. Simply trace around the fitted t-shirt onto the large shirt you wish to alter. Leave extra room to sew neat hem lines. With a quick and simple alteration job you can sew a new wardrobe with minimal effort.

How To: Prep shoes to customize

Watch this instructional fashion design video for a quick guide on how to prepare shoes before you paint them. You will need a Magic Eraser, water, a tooth brush, q-tips, masking tape, and acetone (nail polish remover). Get you shoes ready for a specialty customized look.

How To: Make steampunk binocular style goggles

Evenin' Gov'na! How lucky you are to have that datascope (a.k.a. computer); for now you can build yourself some SteamPunk Goggles for your next bioscope (a.k.a. movie)! You will need an old wallet, metal pieces, two plastic water bottle caps, old clock parts, an electric motor, mini tires, plastic pipe, an LED toggle switch, and a pair of sunglasses. Watch this video fashion design tutorial and learn how to make a pair of steampunk binocular style goggles.

How To: Make your own natural dye with EtsyLabs

This week Kim Hall, a teacher at the EtsyLabs and an Etsy Seller (nottene), came by to show her technique for dyeing natural fabric with organic ingredients. Kim has worked with many different dyeing and printing methods. If you've always wanted to dye your own fabrics or yarn, this is a great video to get you started. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to use cabbage, onion, or tumeric to make a natural fabric or yarn dye.

How To: Make a steampunk outfit for men and women

In conclusion to Threadbangers Steampunk week, Rob and Corinne show how to construct outfits for both the Steampunk Gentleman and Ladies. Men can make over a button-up shirt and make a new steam-punk inspired shirt. Women can make a pair of bloomers from an old sheet, turn a button up into a shirred blouse, and make a bustle from wire. Watch this video fashion design tutorial and learn how to make a steampunk outfit for both ladies and gentlemen.

How To: Design vests

Vests can be a fashion icon with flair and many fashion designs include vests inspired by a variety of traditions. Learn to design vests from a pro designer in this free fashion illustration video series.

How To: Design cuffs

Cuffs can make or break a fashion design, and illustrating cuffs well helps a designer sell a collection. Learn how to draw cuffs for fashion design from a pro designer in this free fashion illustration video series.